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Understanding Desires in a Spiritual Context

Explore the nuances of desire in different contexts - commendable vs. sinful, physical vs. spiritual realms, characteristics and expressions of sinful desires, and how to overcome them according to Christian teachings.

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Understanding Desires in a Spiritual Context

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  1. Desire Permitted & Prohibited

  2. Introduction • In certain contexts, strong desire is commendable. • Yet, it is often an expression of covetousness, and thus stands condemned. • Christians must discern the difference, pursuing that which is good, avoiding that which is evil.

  3. Defined • The Greek verb epithumeō , a compound of epi [intensifier] and thumos [passion], describes strong desire, means “to covet, to long for, to lust after, etc.” • The noun epithumētēs refers to “one who desires.” • The noun epithumiasignifies “(great) desire, passionate longing, or lust.”

  4. Physical Realm • Physical food (Luke 15:11-16; 16:19-21) • Release from physical suffering (Phil. 1:21-24; cf. Rev. 9:6)

  5. Spiritual Realm • Association (Luke 17:22; 22:14-16; 1 Thess. 2:17-20) • Faithfulness (Heb. 6:11-12) • Oversight (1 Tim. 3:1; cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-4) • Understanding (Matt. 13:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:10-12)

  6. Characteristics of Sinful Desire • Originates with Satan (John 8:44) and with self (James 1:13-16) • It is corrupt (Eph. 4:20-24; 2 Pet. 1:4) • It is callous (2 Pet. 3:3-4) • It is carnal (Gal. 5:16-24; 1 John 2:15-17)

  7. Expressions of Sinful Desire • Sexual immorality (Matt. 5:27-28; 1 Thess. 4:3-8) • Materialistic coveting (Mark 4:18-19; Rom. 7:7-11; 1 Tim. 6:9-10)

  8. Participants of Sinful Desire • Self-indulgent youth (2 Tim. 2:20-22) • Sinful humanity (Rom. 1:24-32; Eph. 2:1-3; Titus 3:3) • Apostate disciples (2 Tim. 3:6-7; 4:1-5; James 4:1-4) • False teachers (2 Pet. 2:9-11, 18-19; Jude 16-21)

  9. Conclusion • We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies so that we obey its lusts (Rom. 6:12-13). • We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:13-14). • We must crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24-25). • We must consider ourselves dead to evil desire (Col. 3:5-7).

  10. Conclusion • We must deny ungodliness and worldly desires (Titus 2:11-14). • We must not be conformed to the former lusts which were ours in ignorance (1 Pet. 1:14-16). • We must abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11-12). • We should waste no more time in pursuing the lusts of men (1 Pet. 4:1-5).

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