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And . . . his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” . . . And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. (NASB) Genesis 39:7, 12 This was Job’s principle.
I have made a covenant with my eyes; How then could I gaze at a virgin? (NASB) Job 31:1 and the Holy Spirit affirms it,
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (NASB) 2 Tim. 2:22 and Jesus said if you have to, gouge out your eye and cut off your hand. The principle is clear - FLEE!
Flee every situation that has proven to be lustful for you. Do not go back! If it is the movies, flee them.
If it is romance books, stop reading them. Ephesians 5:12 says,
. . . it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. (NASB) Eph. 5:12 Do not go to the beach if you have trouble looking at half-clothed men or women. Do not follow
the example of Rabbi Gidal and Rabbi Jochanan. For some, this will feel like you are removing your eyes and
cutting off your hands.
Principle #2: If you are married, do not deprive your spouse of physical relations.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 tells husbands and wives to freely give their bodies to each other,
Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another . . . (NASB) 1 Cor. 7:3-5 The Holy Spirit is telling each husband, that his body belongs to his wife. And wife, your body belongs
to your husband. Apparently, some Christian husbands and wives did not want to share physical relations with
their partners.
Most people think this is a great passage for husbands. We miss the fact that many wives are starving for physical
relations too! Some years ago, I was counseling a wife who was lusting after men because her husband denied
her physical relations. She was struggling. This is an issue not just for husbands, but for wives too! Wife,
say yes to your husband. Husband, say yes to your wife.
Principle #3: Do not just avoid - PURSUE. This is the advice the Holy Spirit gives in 2 Timothy 2:22 -
pursue holiness. And Matthew 5:6 tells us to pursue righteousness that satisfies. Lust does not provide lasting
satisfaction. How do we do this? We must confess our sins every time we fail (1 John 1:9). Second, we need
to spend as much time as we can in His Word (Col. 3:16). Spend hours and hours every day if you really struggle
- be absorbed. Third, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us - to take control of our lives every day
(Eph. 5:17-18) - this is God’s will for our lives. Fourth, show your thankfulness to God for His forgiveness. And finally,
pray, asking God to protect you.
Principle #4: You may even want to start asking others to pray with you about your struggles. If you are really
serious about holiness in this area of your life, open up to someone.
Conclusion. Many men and women struggle in this area. I have counseled men who are weary in the struggle and
feel terrible about themselves. Many feel rejected by God. If you are struggling, follow the principles outlined
here and remember that God loves you,
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. (NASB) Isaiah 1:18 |
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| Sermon on the Mount | |||||