Temptations are all around and Satan is all around. Lust and desire are things that we must control with God’s help. These feelings come in all forms and may be different for each person. Sinful lust and desire became a problem for man beginning in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6) and continues to be a problem for man to the present day (1 John 2:15-17). This morning I want to start a two part sermon on ways that we can battle sinful lust and desire in our lives.

1. Beware that temptations are real and everyone faces them (1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:9).

2. Beware that lust starts in our hearts (James 1:12-15).

3. Beware that Satan does not ever give up (1 Peter 5:8, Luke 22:31).

4. Flee, as much as possible, whatever lust you are tempted by (Genesis 39:6-12, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Timothy 6:8-11, 2 Timothy 2:22). Whatever the temptation may be, beware of those things you know you have weaknesses in.

5. Humble ourselves unto God and resist Satan (James 4:6-10, Luke 18:13-14, 1 Peter 5:5-7).

A great passage for us to end this first part of our study is found in Philippians 4:6-7. This passage mentions how when we pray to God, He will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This guarding of our hearts and minds includes helping us to battle lusts and desires which tempt us to sin. We live in a world that likes to entice in many ways. Let us always be aware and battle against sinful lusts and desires.

What about you this morning? Do you have a close and personal relationship with God the Father and His Son? Without a close relationship with them, we put ourselves in danger of the temptations Satan uses to try to convince us to sin. If you are not a child of God, you don’t have any protection from sin and its consequences. Why not decide to come under God’s care this morning. Repent of your sins and be baptized to wash them away. Then you will be added to the Lord’s flock and be under the care of Jesus the Chief Shepherd.

If we can help you, please let us know while we stand and sing.