Who is a Loser?
Lose Lust
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:15-16
Key Verse: Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
The Bible has a lot to say about lust. The apostle, in our printed key verse for today, tells us to put it to death. Let me remind you the literal Greek word used means: “to deprive it of power.” This phrase must be a clear focus on our lesson on lust. Lust is the craving for that which we don’t have. Our suggested scripture reading for today clarifies this: “The cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes” (1 John 2:16).
Like yesterday’s lesson, this sinful behavior is often undetected by people around us. God is the only one that sees lust in action before it becomes a physical behavior. Lust starts in the mind and works its way into our lifestyle. Lust must never be defined as simply recognition that something or someone is desirable or beautiful. Lust goes much deeper than these surface observations. Lust is a craving; an inner choice; a mental decision that says: if I can, I will. God knows when we cross over the line of simply recognizing the beauty of a material object or person, to a craving and fantasy of having it or them.
When God sees His children heading toward that line, He will warn us by His Holy Spirit pricking our conscience. If we immediately obey, no sin has occurred. We have deprived lust its power over us!
Father, I want my life to be authentic in every way. Grant me strength to obey quickly when evil tempts me today! In Jesus’ name, amen.
January 4 – The Day of Fasting for Our Pastors
Please use some of your prayer time today to pray for our pastors. They are all dealing daily with hurting people and need God’s anointing of wisdom. The evil one has plans to disrupt and destroy. Pray against him in Jesus’ name.
We will break the day of fasting at 6:00 pm. If you put your reservation in this past weekend, join us for the Wednesday meal in the gym.