Lust; I Want It, I Don’t Care About Consequence

To lust or crave for something extends beyond sexual desire. Yes, I too thought of sex the first time lust was mentioned. However, after decades of research and study, I know it covers a broad range of topics. Reward yourself in 12 minutes with more knowledge about this amazing topic!

STM Bible Lesson

Lesson focus: 1 John 2:15-17 (16). Bible lesson background: Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: 1. The lust of the flesh—that is, the lust which has its seat and source in our lower animal nature. 2. And the lust of the eyes—the avenue through which outward things of the world, riches, pomp, and beauty, inflame us. 3. The pride of life—literally, “arrogant assumption”: vainglorious display.

For all that is in the world, the lust^G1939 of the flesh, and the lust^G1939 of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:16 (KJV) [read 1 John 2:15-17 (16)].

“Do Not Love the World” is the sub-heading for this advice. Because surprise, the world (the world system) is your enemy.

G1939 epithumia – lust

G1939 ἐπιθυμία epithumia (e-piy-thï-miy’-a) n. craving, longing, desire especially for what is forbidden, lust. [from G1937] KJV: concupiscence, desire, lust (after). Lust: Romans 7:7, Galatians 5:16, James 1:14-15, 2 Peter 1:4 and 2:10, and 1 John 2:16-17.

Paul says the law revealed that lust was a sin. You might think I am saying that sin and the law are the same. That is not true. But the law was the only way I could learn what sin means. I would never have known it is wrong to want something that is not mine. But the law said, “You must not want what belongs to someone else“ [“Thou shalt not covet.” Exodus 20:17 [read Exodus 20:1-17 (17)]; Deuteronomy 5:21 [read Deuteronomy 5:1-22 (21)]]. Romans 7:7 (ERV) [read Romans 7:7-12 (7)]

Lust; I Want It, I Don’t Care About Consequence

Strong cravings for selfish pleasure

I created a timeline of the words that were used before they were translated as “lust”. First of all, concupiscence was used in the Latin Vulgate in the year 405 AD. The next term was put in place by Wycliffe, in 1395, who chose to use covetousness. Finally, Tyndale, in 1534, appears to have been the first to use lust.
Notably, Wesley was the first to replace ‘the lust of the flesh’ with “the yearning of the flesh” in 1755. In like fashion, the majority of modern translations continue to use terms other than lust as shown below.

A. Selfish desires

We can learn from OT examples, in particular, from the Israelites. The Lord did many wonderful things for them, instead of praise and worship, they disappointed Him because of their selfish desires.

These things were examples for us, so we won’t crave evil things like they did. 1 Corinthians 10:6 (CEB) [read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (6)].

B. Craving for sensual gratification

An example: But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust^G1937 has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 (NLT) [read Matthew 5:27-30 (28)]

G1937 ἐπιθυμέω epithumeo (e-piy-thï-me’-ō) v. of sexual desire; to lust after, crave, covet (have an evil desire).
[from G1909 and G2372] KJV: covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
Related findings for epithumeo: Romans 7:7 and 13:9; 1 Corinthians 10:6; Galatians 5:17; and James 4:2.

C. Wanting to please our sinful selves

The sinful nature [desires/lust of the flesh] wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. Galatians 5:17 (NLT) [read Galatians 5:16-26 (17)].

Greedy desires for things

The timeline for ‘the lust of the eyes’ is an exact match of that of the flesh. Another similarity worth mentioning is that of the original sin. Sadly, we, all people, suffer the consequence of her decision!

A. The drive to possess whatever we see is called greed

It is also a natural or habitual appetite, a longing for some form of fulfillment for the body or the mind. A need or great desire for exciting things, food, or drink is another example.

Eve saw that the fruit was pleasing [KJV: pleasant – ta’avah] to the eye, and also desirable [KJV: desired – chamad] for gaining wisdom…[from Genesis 3:6 (NIV) read Genesis 3:1-24 (6)].

B. Greedy longings of the mind

The extreme desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more and more.

Beware! Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.” Luke 12:15 (TLB) [read Luke 12:13-21 (15)]

C. Wanting the sinful things we see for ourselves, the desire for possessions, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you.

“The lust of the eyes” – The mind receives information through its five physical sense gates (eyes, ears, touch, taste, smell). Since the eyes are man’s primary sense gate, it is used in this phrase to represent all five of man’s physical senses. These sense gates “lust” in the sense that man’s physical senses crave to be stimulated. We instinctively look, listen, touch, smell, and taste the things of the world around us. The carnal man uses his senses to satisfy his physical desires. Everett

Confident arrogance about possessions

The timeline for ‘the pride of life’ is consistent. All translators use the same phrase, ‘the pride of life’. Worldly arrogance regarding material things.

A. Foolish pride; the pompous sense of superiority.

Pride leads only to shame. It is wise not to be proud. Proverbs 11:2 (ICB)

B. Assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things.

Pride leads to destruction [comes before a disaster]; a proud attitude brings ruin [pride comes before a fall]. Proverbs 16:18 (EXB) [read Proverbs 16:18-19 (18)].

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Pride leads to one’s downfall (cf. 18:12; 29:23). Pride is so despicable that a person should avoid it even if it means being economically oppressed. One may share plunder (acquired through violent or dishonest means) with the proud, but such dishonesty will not go unpunished (cf. 15:25).

C. Being too proud of what we have; extravagant lifestyles; pretentious life.

You are like an unfaithful wife who loves her husband’s enemies. Don’t you realize that making friends with God’s enemies-the evil pleasures of this world-makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasure of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God. 5 Or what do you think the Scripture means when it says that the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, watches over us with tender jealousy? 6 But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble but sets himself against the proud and haughty. James 4:4-6 (TLB) [read James 4:1-6 (4-6)].

The wrong attitude

Pride is overconfidence in and focus on one’s own abilities, successes, situation, belongings, or position; exaggerated self-esteem. The opposite of humility, which is the correct attitude one should have toward God, is pride. Because it gives itself the praise and honor that belong only to God, it is in revolt against God. Since they refuse to acknowledge their sinful situation, people who are proud do not feel the need to ask for forgiveness.

We should care about what will happen

Lust is a strong or greedy want, with a no matter what it costs mindset. It is like saying or thinking, “I want what I want no matter what”. In fact, it is showing a complete disregard for the consequences of a person’s actions. But the person should care about the end result!

Let no one say when he is tempted [undergoing a trial], I am tempted from God  [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]. For God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away [lured], enticed, and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] evil desire (lust, passions).
15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth [leads] to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured [or becomes full-grown], brings forth [leads to] death. James 1:13-15 (AMPC) [read James 1:12-18 (13-15)].

Punishment from God is the cost of lust

So, put to death [i.e., stop practicing the desires of] your physical bodies [such as] sexual immorality, [moral] impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is [in reality] idolatry. 6 For the wrath of God will come [upon disobedient people] for practicing such things. 7 You people also once lived like this when you practiced these things. 8 But now you also should stop practicing them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language from your mouth. 25 And the person who does what is wrong will be repaid [receive the consequences; punished] for his wrongdoing, for there is no favoritism [with God]. Colossians 3:5-8 and 25 (AUV) [read Colossians 3:1-11 (5-8) and 18-25 (25)].

Yes, my friends, lust may give pleasure, things, and a sense of power but is it worth it? Remember the words of Christ,

Matthew 16:26 (NIRV)

What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses their soul? Or what can anyone trade for their soul? [read Matthew 16:24-28 (26)].

Lust recap

Therefore, lust is fueled by:

1. Our flesh, with its hunger for sensual fulfillment, selfish wants, and the desire to please our sinful selves.

2. The eyes that let objects that arouse our appetites enter our minds and arouse emotion.

3. Because pride gives itself the glory and respect that belong only to God, pride is a form of rebellion against God. Since they refuse to admit their sinful state, people who are proud do not feel the need to ask for forgiveness.

So don’t let your desires become lust because that sin produces death. I pray that you have enjoyed this Bible lesson. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

Pride is Arrogance; Be Humble and Give God Credit – an estimated 15-minute read.

Greed; God’s Children Should Not Be Greedy, Are You? – an estimated 14-minute read.

Love Yourself: Learn to Self-love in a Good Way – an estimated 6-minute read.

Positive Attitude; Welcome to a New Way of Being! – an estimated 19-minute read.

Let God Take Care of Your Worries and Concerns – an estimated 4-minute read.

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.