Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16
The five senses; taste, touch, smell, hearing, and seeing, all report to the carnal mind – which is the enemy of God. These senses are what Satan uses to tempt us! The lust of the flesh includes tasting, touching, smelling, and hearing. The lust of the eyes is seeing. The pride of life is thinking you are special because of who you are, what you have, what you know, or what you look like.
The enemy uses these three things, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, to entice us to sin. Scripture shows this process at work in both the Garden of Eden and on the Mount of Temptation.
In the Garden of Eden: “The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat.” Genesis 3:6 The woman, Eve, saw that “the tree was good for food” – the lust of the flesh, “it was pleasant to the eyes” – the lust of the eyes, and “a tree to be desired to make one wise” – the pride of life. Of course you know the rest of the story! Eve was deceived, Adam disobeyed, sin came into the world, and death passed upon all men by sin, for that ALL have sinned…
On the Mount of Temptation: When the tempter came to Jesus, he said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Matthew 4:3 – the lust of the flesh. “The devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, ‘All these things will I give thee.'” Matthew 4:8-9 – the lust of the eyes. “Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, ‘If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.'” Matthew 4:5-6 – the pride of life. Through the power of the Spirit, with the Sword of the Spirit, Christ successfully resisted the temptations of the Devil and now we can too!
For to be carnally minded (minding the things of the flesh) is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind (minding the things of the flesh) is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God…
Romans 8:6-8
I think the greatest battle we all face in our lives is the battle within, the battle between the flesh and the spirit…
Why do we «dress up» for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week?
Great piece… I just heard about this passage in the Scripture and Googled it up to find this piece. I have a question that I hope can be clarified. I desire to have a good life, have money, a nice expensive house and a car to back it up.
Are all these desires from the Pride of Life and Lust and to what extent can I ensure that I am not ruled by them?
The more you adopt of Gods truth and love in your everyday life, and the more you follow Jesus the tighter your bond with God will be, and the more you will have strength and will to fight and reject sin and evil. Also, the better and sharper you will listen and understand the messages and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads us in Jesus toward GOD and eternal life.
If you have the honest aim and wish to follow the righteousness, goodness, mercy, Truth, and Love of God, you will get in every moment all you need to fight the evil and sin! Just reject the bad influences, especially of the medias that in great manner feed the sin. Just be always fully honest with God and yourself, if you make a mistake correct it, and do not make compromises with the world. And learn the bible every day, it is very important to keep everything according to the Bible. In the beginning it might seem difficult, but with time you will see how important it is.
Everything is the matter how much do you let God be part of your Life. Be good and kind be faithful to God, and you life will be full of blessings
I wish all the best to you, excuse me for my English it is not mistake free.
Here are a couple of Lines from the bible to help you in your life:
5.5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness out of faith.
5.14 For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
5.15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another.
5.16 I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
5.17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. And these are contrary to one another; lest whatever you may will, these things you do.
5.18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
5.19 Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness,
5.20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
5.21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revelings, and things like these; of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith,
5.23 meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
5.24 But those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
5.25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5.26 Let us not become glory-seeking, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5
13.15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
13.20 Truly, truly, I say to you, He who receives whomever I send receives Me. And he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
13.34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another.
13.35 By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another. John 13
14.15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
14.21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.
14.26 But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you. John 14
17.3 And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
17.17 Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth. John 17
3.16 By this we have known the love of God , because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
3.17 But whoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his bowels from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?
3.18 My children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
2.5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2.6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 john
1.6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1.7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1
4.4 You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
4.7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
4.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
4.9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
4.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
4.11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
4.12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
4.17 Therefore to him who knows to do good, and does not do it , to him it is sin. James 4
1.12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
1.13 For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son;
1.14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins.
1.15 who is the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation.
1.16 For all things were created by Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him.
1.17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
1.18 And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the First-born from the dead, that He may be pre-eminent in all things.
1.19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell.
1.20 And through Him having made peace through the blood of His cross, it pleased the Father to reconcile all things to Himself through Him, whether the things on earth or the things in Heaven. Colossians 1
1.3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
1.4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
1.5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1
Give Your whole heart to God and you will have the strength to fight even the most vicious attacks of the evil, and temptations. Just focus what is good, pure, and true Love. That love will guide you to keep you in your daily life away from sin.
Dear Samuel,
You know when you have been ruled by “lust of the flesh” when all you want for it, is to please yourself rather than serve the basic purpose for which the physical thing is needed. Lets say, from your own words ” I desire to have a good life, have money, a nice expensive house and a car to back it up.” I used to be like you too. Instead of realizing that all I needed was a home, a regular means of transport, and food; I would continuously “lust” for an expensive house, instead of a home; an expensive car, instead of a befitting means of transport, and expensive dinners just for the sake of proving that am special, because i can afford it.
I used to be carnally minded. When you are carnally minded, you are basically controlled by the things, money, and physical things: the problem is you cannot extract yourself from it. It is like you are striving so much to get the stuff you really desire, and along the way.. you drift away from the way of the Lord.
Eventually, whether you actually achieve what you strived for/desired or not, you are spiritually separated from God. Your “body” rules you. The flesh is a powerful weapon used by the devil. Because of this, you will even get what you don’t really needs, simply because the flesh makes you think you need it. Like instead of just looking to get some reliable form of transport; your flesh makes you crave for an expensive car! Which is really what you don’t need! But because the flesh which is in control of you, wants it, you are deceived into thinking it is you who actually need it!
This cycle can go on and on, until it is so hard for you to imagine how “God would have expected us to live” Eventually, you would need a complete regeneration before you can have a sense of this whole scripture thing.
I hope you can get a guidance from the Lord, but clearly unless you lose yourself, you cannot find Christ!
A very reasonable reply. The Devil always appeals to the flesh and its senses. We are spiritual beings, first and foremost, and need to have our spiritual needs satisfied which we do in Jesus Christ. Yes, unless we lose the self, we can’t/won’t find the Source and Fountain of Life, Who is Jesus Christ.
It is not sinful to be rich and own all the good things in life. In fact it is the will of God that we prosper and be in good health even as our soul prospers.(3 John 2).
The problem comes in when we allow our riches and wealth which God has given us to dictate our lifestyle instead of allowing our lives to be dictated by the word of God and being led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. So in my opinion we must use our riches to serve God and get closer to Him. Our car must carry us to fellowship meetings, church services, and sometimes used as a tool to evangelize to bring others to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We must also support the promotion of the gospel with our money and wealth. We must love the Lord with all our heart,soul and mind. This includes our intellect our professional qualification, our wealth, and all that God has given us, because they all belong to Him! We are just caretakers and will render account to Him one day.
Yes! We are caretakers or managers of what God has placed in our keeping. May we use them all to glorify Him!
God wants you to have good things But He doesn’t want these things to have you. Use theses thing to glorify Him!
Greetings Samuel,
When I think on this verse two things come to mind:
1) When you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the things you desire
2) When you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desire itself
All the things that you have listed are temporal (they can be seen). You have not mentioned any desire to be a better Christian, to be closer to God, to be a better husband or father, to be more effective in your prayer life, to be a better servant to others…
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, which of these things you desire would bring glory to God or Christ?
In order to assure your freedom (lack of bondage), I would recommend not going into debt for anything in this world. He has said the borrower is slave to the lender…
that is great advice to Samuel’s question. But even if he didnt have to go through debt to get these things; the fact that he desires the things of the flesh, he has been bonded to the flesh, sin, and world and eternally separated from God in spirit. Regardless of whether he even goes to church! Because God is spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit.. John 4:24. Practically, you cannot human please God. But as you crucify yourself ( do away with the desires of your flesh) you start to see that you can actually “please God” but that is only in Spirit. For they that are in the flesh cannot please God… Rom, 8:8
you are so right about what you are speaking because everything we want we don’t need and as you indicating what w should be asking for is more of GOD and less of me and the desire of our heart will be for filled Thank for your words of wisdom GOD’S word is true and sharper than any two each sword be blessed .
Good analysis. I also noticed that the three temptations can also be mapped to the three soils or conditions in the parable of the sower and the seed, i.e., these three temptations are designed to keep believers from producing good fruit.
This is the reason why God brought me to the promised land [America] through the wilderness [Russia]for fifteen years.That is the country where God converted me from Islam to Christianity.
All my research is about the word of God. That money can’t buy. I have been reading Religious/Christians webs.Your web is among my selected webs. As for me God is my teacher. He taught me my actions not by words. Christ came to my life when I was fighting with an evil spirit in the dream in Africa. The evil spirit wanted to initiate me. When I refused he asked why not. I told him Christ is in me. Then he started fighting me. I was repeating Christ is in me until I woke up. Even when I wake up, I was still repeating Christ is in me. What happen in my dream shows that Christ is a saviour.
Thank for feeding me with God’s word, may God bless you.
Maxwell, I know what you’re talking about, I have experienced similar things where the enemy attacks me in my dreams where he’s tempting me but the spirit of the Lord Jesus helps me to defeat him. I’m just glad to know others in Christ are going through the same thing.
Anyhow~ thanks for posting this. God bless! =]
I have been attacked in my dreams many times but never have been able to defeat the dreams. I’m fifteen and struggle immensely with physical temptation and the fear of being alone. I am attacked in both theses areas in my dreams and also in real life. I don’t know how to keep myself from indulging in the wrong or to not fear anymore. I have tried many things, but none seem to work. I guess I am writing this for advice cause a hate feeling like I am being pushed away from God because of myself and fear.
Greetings Shane,
Sinful mankind is always in bondage to fear (Romans 8:15, Hebrews 2:15). The only way to escape the “Bondage to Fear” is to be Born Again: Repent, Be Baptized, and Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost – The Spirit of Christ (Acts 3:38).
When you receive the Holy Ghost you will receive the Power to Resist Temptation, and the Power to Cast out the Spirit of Fear (or any other evil spirit!)… It will be as Jesus said, “Behold, I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
Nightmare: an evil spirit thought to oppress people during sleep *Merriam Webster*
After I was Born Again and received the Holy Ghost I thought, “If there is an enemy, I want to see and know him!” So I prayed and asked God to reveal the Enemy to me 🙂
About a week later in the middle of the night I awoke and felt a most evil presence…I was totally immobilized! I could not breath, move, or speak. After a moment of fear, I thought the Name of Jesus…
As movement was restored the evil spirit laughed at me, “Ha ha ha”, then said, “I’ll be back Mark.”
The voice was moving away from me at an incredible speed. I was mad by then and determined to beat that thing when it came back. So, I started to study the word “Spirit” in the Bible. I looked it up in my Concordance and found over 500 references…I read them all!
About a week later we heard through the local grapevine (very small town) that a neighbor’s husband had had a fit. My Pastor and I went to visit the neighbor and heard an extraordinary story!
She said her husband had been watching TV that evening and all of a sudden he went crazy. He started cursing, screaming in some unknown language, kicking holes in the walls, and throwing then smashing their possessions. He ended finally with an epileptic fit on the floor. She called the ambulance and followed them to the hospital!
The doctors were unable to find anything …Butt, My Pastor and I KNEW immediately it was the same spirit that had harassed me! My Pastor told me I should pay particular attention to the Demonic encounter in Matthew 17.
Jesus said, “This kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.”
So I set myself to prayer and fasted every other day..
About a week later I was getting ready for bed and the Lord spoke to me, He said, “It is coming back tonight!”
I went to bed and pretended to sleep… It was hard to hide my grin!
Just before midnight I felt the same evil presence as before. Then I had a vision: I was standing on our porch in front of the door and clothed in a sparkling white robe. The Demon was standing in front of me. He was close to 8 feet tall and totally black, blacker than coal… I sat up in bed and yelled, “I bind and cast you out in the Name of Jesus Christ!”
It was gone instantly and never returned 🙂 My confidence soared and I have not feared ANYTHING since! Truly, it is as He said:
Dear Shane,
All the things that happen to you sure reveal that you are not fully under the blood of Christ. The dynamic of getting to Christ has been given, I suggest you read all Ministermarks advice in full. But this is what I have to add.
Firstly, I have found that as long as your body is in stronger control of your spirit, you don’t have much headway in defeating any form of evil spirits or wicked temptations. Just test with yourself. Take a couple of days off “your normal feeding”in order to deprive the flesh of its fuel, which it ends up using against you. It is called fasting, and when you do, please pray at least as much as you would eat. Every time, you think of going to the fridge to pick a snack of something, instead move to a quite place, or lock yourself in a your room ( privately) and pour your heart out to God; make sure you speak freely as if you are talking to someone. Don’t just go in there and say a “normal formal prayer.” It may not work! Do this for just about 2-3 days! You will see that your body will become less domineering over you. And if you couple this up with reading/listening to word of God, and seeking Lord Jesus to save you, and come into your life; you will start to see that you can now differentiate evil from God, and therefore find a way to seek God’s help every time devil attempts to hit at you. For we only defeat the devil through Jesus Christ. For we overcome the devil by the blood of Jesus… Rev 12:11
This is very interesting and informative. Thanks for taking the time to publish it, it is useful to those seeking answers to certain questions.
God Bless you.
Cet article simple ; mais instructeur m’a beaucoup marqué ca me permet de l’ enseigner aux autres !! merci !!
I agree with the comment made by “FLY” look to the “SOWER” the sower laid seed and three places were “BAD GROUND” (1)wayside/road (2)rocky ground (3)thorns/tainted soil. (1)wayside = the people wrapped in this physical world so they couldnt understand His spiritual teachings therefore they dont receive & stay dead. (2)rocky= those who are wrapped in physical but have little spiritual “root” but not enough. So that when persecution/harassment&tribulation/hard times(doubts&fears) come about in confrontaion with the “seed/WORD” they dont last & die. thorns= those who understood because they had 50% of spiritual faith “good root” however pride of life/money-material,power-control,fame-glory,all lusts of world dont mix with Gods ways and man ends up choosing physical world and dies. ULTIMATELY OVERCOME (1)ignorance(2)fears/doubts(3)lusts. this is a hard bite to chew-do you understand the implications?(1)can a human overcome ignorance?YES,with Gods wisdom seek it above all knowledge! (2) can a human overcome fears&doubts?YES,when tough times come dont give up,believe that Gods way is right (dont seek revenge,dont join the enemy,dont stand idle!) (3) can a human really overcome the physical lusts? Yes this DOES NOT mean be homeless,abstinent,starved. it means that those things should be “in check” & the least of your concerns/PUT GOD FIRST. WHY GOD FIRST? Gods perfect,all good,creator,all wise, a perfect judge with appropriate mercy,wouldnt you agree?<we are not!!!!-simply put, put him first,he can be counted on,we cant. WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY MEAN? It doesnt mean live in a monestary secluded from the world.<this way is corrupt God wants man to hear his word and do it,you cant if your locked in a box! it doesnt mean pour your life savings and all your time into a church.,this way is corrupt,man tells man to do it but God doesnt. this is mans greed and the mans guilt but both are seeking glory from each other,not God. it doesnt mean obsessively read the Bible?< this way is corrupted by most people cause they read it,some understand it,most dont do it, making it no value/corrupt. EX:Levite &Pharisee/DID NOTHING Luke (10:25-37) {One of the most important teachings in this parable is one that most if not all miss-GOD GIVES SEED FREELY TO "ALL MANKIND", bad&good } but most spit on Gods word,turn their backs on it,run from it,or attack it. Hmm, thats what they did to Jesus a.k.a. "the WORD of God". coincidence? no,he was the physical sign(symbol) of God sent to this world to save. Just as Gods WORD has been sent to man from the beginning.
Pride is very insidious and in our struggle between good and evil, we must learn to surrender and submit to God focusing on his image of love, peace, gentleness, etc.
I found the article very useful in battling lust and pride in my life.
Thank u for this piece and i thank u all 4 ur contributions, i am from Nigeria, Africa and i understand what it means to b tempted when u have nothing to look up to, feeling as if u have no future, no house, no job, no friend, no companion and no hope. Thank God 4 Jesus who has given me hope 2 live again.
I have a question. Is dating only beatiful people wrong? Is it okay to have only attractive people as potential marriage partners and disregard the others? I have heard some say its ok but others say it is not okay to set such strict barriers. Being 35, i dont want to keep sinning if this is one but my instincts tell me what is desirable, right?
Greetings Nathan,
When you talk of “Instincts” you are talking about the Carnal or physical man, and the five senses… These all have input that is contrary to The Spirit of God! God does not even consider the Outward Appearance of ANY Person.
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
God explains how Women should be attired in Peter 3:3-4!
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
In God’s sight, the most precious and beautiful part of a woman is the inner person, a “Gentle and Quiet” spirit. It has nothing to do with the outward appearance 🙂
“Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships” by Chip Ingram is a great help for those seeking a God Blessed Relationship. This can be found online in any format you like…
God Bless You!
Thank for the word and be blessed
Thank you for the word. I can understand it so much better for my studies!
“For to be carnally minded (minding the things of the flesh) is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace”
This could explain mankind’s evolution from cavemen into civilized and enlightened beings. Barbarism has played a role in the “cross-pollination” of ideas, values, and even technologies, but Christianity seems to be a response to that in order to establish stability necessary for order and control.
Thanks alot for your comments, they really enlightened me today. I have met Jesus and has proven is miracles the name JESUS really as healing power as well. I have been anointed by HIM however I can’t seem to stay in the Spirit and it gets harder everyday.
I live with my Baby’s Mother now for 8 years; I met her as a prostitute and she stopped for awhile and then started again. I think that I’m only with this woman because of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. I know my calling is to preach the word of God which is Jesus Christ but living with this woman is preventing me.
I think about leaving her everyday but Our Son means so much to me and I want to have him grow up with both of us.
I would love if someone could help me to make the right decision.
Peace and Love to all.
Dameon
Dameon, I saw your post and thought I would give you a little something to think about. Hopefully it will help you get on the straight and narrow. First understand we are all sinners. Sin is what got you into your dilemma. That is the problem. How you deal with it (SIN) will determine weather you ever find true happiness or not. You don’t want to just deal with the consequences or results of sin but you must eradicate the problem which is “sin”. To get rid of sin = which is the willful transgression of Gods law, You must repent or die out to sin.(QUIT SINNING). Then you MUST be baptized in the mighty Name of Jesus for the remission =blotting out, of those sins. (Notice I said In the Name of Jesus). Some people get baptized using titles and that just don’t work. The Word of God says to do all things in the Name of Jesus. You MUST use the Name in baptism, for the remission of your sins. For there is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby YOU MUST BE SAVED). Now your clean. You have been forgiven when you repented. Your “Case Files” or record of sins have been destroyed never to be remembered again in the sight of God. and you have been sealed by the Name of Jesus. Then you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (Christ in you…the hope of glory). Once you have been obedient God promised that you would receive POWER when you receive the HOLY GHOST! See Acts 2:38 then read the book of Acts. When you receive this power you will get the answers to life. Not to mention Power over death, Hell and the Grave. The Lord himself will walk with you…lead guide and direct you…. and he will never leave nor forsake you. You can’t fix it yourself but Jesus can. Find an Apostolic Pentecostal Church and Get in It. God can work out the rest. Contact me and I can probably help you find a church in your area.
Continuing with the study of Matthew 4:1-11, I’m so blessed to know the parallels – (1) wilderness : hungry after fasting : bread : lust of the flesh; (2) holy city : Son of God, give command : pride of life; and (3) high mountain: ‘shows all the kingdom’ : lust of the eyes. And to each temptation, Jesus was victorious saying only the word of God as His weapon (“It has been written…”). Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word proceeding from the mouth of God (our need for spiritual feeding to ward off sin); You shall not tempt the Lord your God (asserting authority); and The Lord your God you shall worship and only Him you shall serve (only Him – meaning no eyes for others).
After His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), Jesus was made to undergo these tests to prove His worth and his authority to preach right after (Matthew 4:12 onward).
I carry a heavy conviction in heart and need some support. Giving the battle between carnal and spirit is tough, meaning, may it be of luke warm, double minded and bi-polar could it be from lust?
Am a medical doctor and preacher married to a pastor, i found the article quite helpful as on how we can attain the promises of God in that we need to be transformed by the renewal of our minds so as to see how God sees things and for us to walk in his perfect will. The enemy fights the purpose that we carry and one way is to make us focus on the things that set us apart from God and the best way is to cause us to sin in a manner that looks innocent. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you. In this world of competition we are easily misled and give in to the lust of the flesh..lust of the eye and pride of life. For a long time these ruled my life maybe because of my profession everyone had to know who i was. Its all different now and i thank God for giving me another chance to know the true meaning of life and why i was created.
I’m a born again Christian and love Jesus. I have a problem with Lust. I’m not married but I have an affair with a married man. My actions are not pleasing to God. I have opened a huge door to the enemy. I have been repenting but go back to him. I think about sex a lot and want 2 engage in it. I have been fasting and praying but I found myself weak and went back. I know there is power in the name of Jesus. I need help and prayers.
Hi Nakulunga, my name is Precious. I quite empathize with you as I can personally identify with the situation you find yourself in. I want to tell you that you are not totally helpless. The mere reason that you want to stop is an indication that you are sick of it and that’s what I’m happy about.
If you want to stay away from such a situation, I think Psalm 1 :1&2 should become practical in your life. Choose not to WALK in the counsel of the ungodly, nor STAND in the way of sinners, nor SIT in the seat of the scornful. Instead, delight yourself in the word of God n meditate on it always.
You know, it will take a self conscious, intentional effort backed by strength from the Holy Spirit to resist this man. Avoid him as much as you can. If he gives you money, decide that you will trust God to meet your needs and u don’t need this man’s money. if he has been deceiving you that he will divorce his wife to marry you, I assure you that it may be the case that he may really divorce his wife and marry you, but as he is now cheating on his wife, bear in mind, he will cheat on u too when u become his wife.
Jesus loves you more than this man ever will in your whole life( that is, even if he truly loves u at all) and I believe like Mary Magdalene in the bible, He is saying to you today, go and sin no more. Refuse to pick his phone calls. Your deserve better than being someone’s ‘other’ woman. The word of God says in Joshua 1:9 for I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. If it is love you are looking for , I promise you that as long as you keep this relationship with this man, u’ll never find real true love.
But you have to shut him out completely, and decide to move on. You are not weak. You are strong and courageous. Just take the first step of faith, by deciding in your heart to end it once and for all. Your own Sweet love is just around the corner, but as long as you are with this man, you will never meet him.
So, end it all. Wipe your slate clean and keep your head up. God is sure to back you. All the best!! God IS with you.
I am Sorry, second scripture(i.e the scripture found in the 4th paragraph) should have read… Jer 29:11 … “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a future and a hope”…. And not Josh 1:9.
Dear brothers and sisters, I’m so glad to find this forum where we can encourage and comfort each others to grow with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for me to stay strong in my walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. I have troubles with the lust of the flesh and is giving in to temptations.
I pray that we shall all stay steadfast and faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ in everything that we do and that by His grace we shall overcome the tempter.
Peace be with you all Amen!
Brothers and sisters, God has a purpose for us hence created Adam and made Eve to be his help meet. However, according to the bible Genesis 6:1-3 informs us: And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
This shows that when man lust over canal things the result is death and spiritual things brings life. God hates sin therefore he purnishes us when we do not follow his Law. Hence the first law of the Lord was given to Adam and he failed and brought death to us all. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17
Gud day, im orieno 4rm nigeria, i need your to this question, i am a young man who the talant to sing with great potential on reality and luv song, i also hav the flair to sing gospel songs. Is there any atom of sin those combination of song? Please reply.
After attending my Bible Study group, I found this article that helped me to understand more fully the meaning of being led by the spirit of God rather than being led by our carnal self and it’s desires. Also what the pride of life really means and biblical principles to overcome the pride of life. Also, the lust of the flesh is not just sexual lusting but rather the desire for anything that is contrary to the will of God. It is helpful to put into daily practice the Word that we have received when we fully understand it.
Amen Linda!
Great peice! First of all, Satan uses these 3 areas to entice man because all that matters to man is within these 3 arena’s. Secondly, the Church knows little of how properly address life’s issues in their sermons because they lack understanding about the message of the cross as it regards Sanctification! Thirdly, unless one truly understands how the sinful nature opperates and what to do in order to control it one will live a defeated life. Satan will conquer the Believer using these three things which easly entangles us, yet again—in sin. Paul teaches us how to deal with these issues in his letter to the Romans, particularly Romans 6,7&8. We are no longer under the law, but under grace! I suggest Jimmy Swaggart’s Commentary on the Book of Romans. Jimmy’s Spirit Led commentary on the Book of Romans will indeed help one to understand the cross as it regards sanctification, which will help one to understand what is talking about regarding our sin nature. Mahalo for this wonderful post, and be Led by the Spirit and NOT “self!”
Only the power of the Holy Spirit can control the five senses: Spirit, Soul and Body
…Many live today in the soul and body minus the Spirit…
My name is Marho from Nigeria and I am 20 years old…
I am so confused and need your answers and prayers…
I gave my life to Christ about two years ago. I started so well as a Christian with fire burning in my bones (I am not a good singer but when I sing The power of God comes down to expose the power of darkness and demons begin to manifest)…But now it is a different story.
I struggle to sing, pray, and study the word of God, and most importantly I no longer feel the presence of God like before! I really can’t tell what went wrong… Although I am a very hot-tempered but yet passionate and emotional person, but by the grace of God I’ve not indulged in sexual immorality… Is it a sin to have feelings for others?
There was a time when God was using some other sisters in church…. I got so jealous and angry (Why her? Why not me?) do you think I’ve grieved the Holy Spirit and therefore no forgiveness? Because I feel so separated from God.. I feel like I am not useful to God because of my bad character (especially my uncontrollable anger).
I pray for change and forgiveness everyday… Yet I feel so guilty. I feel like God is so angry with me and has turned his back on me…What do I do? I don’t want to go to hell… Or could it be my fears? (Because in time past each time God uses me in church, demons attack me at night to fight me and sometimes I am so afraid for God to use me because of the incessant attacks) Please everybody pray for me… I am so scared!
Greetings Marho,
God loves you and has not abandoned you! James 1:17 tells us with God “There is no variableness or shadow of turning.” What this mean is God does not vary or change, and He does not turn His back on His Children!
We have felt jealous when God uses others too, yet this is very wrong. We should rejoice when God uses our Brothers, Sisters, and ourselves. I urge you to repent of this jealousy, ask for forgiveness, receive it, and then Pray for your Sisters and yourself to be used by God mightily… Maybe you could all sing together 🙂
You said you gave your life to Christ. We believe in ALL 3 Baptisms spoken of in Scripture… The Baptism of Water, The Baptism of Fire, and The Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Christ commanded, “Repent and be Baptized in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.” DO NOT skip this step!
Then put of the whole Armor of God and stand, Resist the Devil(s) and they must flee!!!
We are praying for you,
Ministermark
Here’s a question I’ve been researching: doesn’t worldly entertainment (i.e., movies, professional sports, gambling, night clubs) fit into the “all that is in the world” category. My pastor has been very vocal about his love for sports, especially the season ending fanfares (college bowl games, Superbowl, Stanley Cup, World Series). My research keeps arriving at the same conclusion, which is that these are things that YHWH hates.
16) There are six things which the LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18) a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19) a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NASB)
The above passage contains what is called a numerical proverb, which is a form of Hebrew poetry that uses a series of items in order to build suspense with added emphasis on the final item. Thus, the “six…yes, seven” format is not to be understood as seven abominations with God hating only the first six; but as seven abominations hated by God with special attention on the last item. The question may be asked then, “What’s significant about the last item?” And the answer may be, perhaps, that one who spreads strife does so because all the preceding sins are a reality in his life.
“Abomination is probably the strongest word we have in all of Scripture.
There’s just nothing more horrible before God than an abomination.”
IT IS NICE TO SEE SOMEONE POST THIS GOD BLESS BUT REMEMBER FOLKS ITS OUR JOB TO READ OUR BIBLES AND DISCERN THE SPIRIT BY THE SPIRIT WE NEED TO SEEK JESUS CHRIST FOR OUR SELVES!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. PROVERBS 3:5
Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
Numbers 16:10 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
Psalms 27:8 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Isaiah 34:16 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.
Isaiah 45:19 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
Isaiah 55:6 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Amos 5:4 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:
Zephaniah 2:3 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.
Matthew 6:33 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 12:31 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 24:5 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
John 1:38 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
John 18:4 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
John 18:7 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Is it wrong to pray for wealth, health, success and a good life? God gave biblical saints great health and wealth resources, so it can’t be wrong to be wealthy right?
God foreknow that Adam would sin, He willed that to happen and wanted to be glorified through death, suffering, pain, Satan, and evil at our expense?
Greetings Sicebise,
God has promised, prosperity, success, and a good life to all who meet His requirements (Many of God’s Promises are Conditional – You have to meet the conditions to qualify)!
Physical, Emotional, and Financial prosperity are directly proportional to the Prosperity of your soul!
Meditating on God’s Word continually, and obeying His Commandments brings “Good Success”!
Honoring your father and mother brings long and good life!
(1st Peter 3:10-11) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
I really enjoyed reading that. Was good!
Thanks to you all I have really benefited from your experiences with Jesus Christ!
Is it a lust for one to wish that a particular marries her in the church?
Getting married in the Church sounds like a Godly desire, not a Lust! The word “Lust” implies some sinful behavior.
This is the greatest page I came across thanks to everybody who posted and Ministermark, it is really helpful to me.
Thank you, and you are quite welcome 🙂
I REALLY ENJOYED THE GODLY CONVERSATIONS
Hi Ministermark, I am at a loss. My husband has repeatedly cheated on me with different women, and has gone so far as to having oral copulation with them. Our six year old has found pornography. Then he gets angry with me for talking about his indiscretions, he would punch holes in our walls, kick items in home such as the baby basket the, not with the baby in it. He has pulled me by my hair, threatened to throw a hammer into the side of my head and tried to throw me down the steps out of the house, just three weeks after having our last baby. He has spat/spit in my face and snatched a hot pot of rice that I was cooking, threw it towards me. He has been really mean to me. He calls me terrible names…. It’s like he hates me. He then feels sorrow and starts acting nice until he gets angry again. He has threatened to kill me exactly four times. And, when he says these things, he says them with such hate for me. This past Christmas, he went for a knife to stab me….. Right in front of our children, like most of our arguments gone bad. I am exhausted; truly tired of him. Peace, joy is what I need.
I accepted Christ not so long ago as my Lord and Savior. And I am in training. I am learning many of the things God requires of me. But, and There’s a big but….. I no longer want to be married to my husband. At one point I prayed for restoration. My husband began acting really nice caring and thoughtful until he gets angry again. I have lost all sexual desire for him. There’s not any none whatsoever. I mean I cannot lie down and be intimate with someone who have threatened and have actually tried to harm me? Spit in my face? Repeatedly calls me the «B» word…..someone who has borne his children? We›ll all intimacy for him is gone. I will not and refuse to allow him to touch me in that manner ever again. I am divorcing him soon hopefully for I no longer have the desire for restoration.
My problem now is: I still have fleshly desires. And, although I don’t fantasize about another man, but masturbation and I say this with all embarrassment and shame, has shown its face into my life. How could I ever rise out of this terrible phase in my life? Please I have the want to do the will of God. Do you think God understands me not trusting my husband in the family way? Or should I give myself to husband time after time only to contract a STD like I have before. And, then to have him to tell me, «at least it wasn’t aids»? I know it may seem like I›m painting a horrible picture of him but, it is all truthful. In the beginning he was awesome but then he met that last woman and fell in love with her….. Leaving me in a helpless position….. To care for kids, no job, no income. And with him telling me that if a divorce judges gives the house to the kids and me, he will come back to burn it down. I will end here for my story seems to be never ending. Thank you so much for your reply.
Dear, it,s really a precarious situation but there is one thing I know that God can make a way where they seem to be no way. What am my trying to say,Delight thyself in Him.He will give you the desires of thy heart psalms 37.4. That battle is not your own but His own but when you start trying solutions on your own that,s when you start complicating issues. You do observe that when you took your complaint to Him things started changing but self started manifesting and things worsened.follow/up this song)Leave it there, leave there,
Take your problems to the Lord leave there
He will surely deliver you if you put your trust in Him
Take your problems to the Lord leave it there.
The earth is the Lord and the fullest there of, so I believe that God loves you to have nice things but not to put this things before Him. That means don’t love things more than Him,He actually created all things. We also not consume our life with things, God will provide things for us to have but all things belongs to Him, we just borrow them, for these things are temporary.
Hello, I have been tormented by lust of the flesh for almost a decade. I was divorced because of it, and now, my life has no direction, need advice…
god blessing you for guide us.
Jayce, commit yourself back to God, seek Him with all your heart. First repent of your sins, He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness as He has promised in His word. Then ask Him to restore and heal you, make you new again. Only He can transform you to the person He created you to be. The LORD almighty will give your life meaning and direction when your will and purpose are linked with His. Surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God loves you and nothing you have ever done or will ever do can make His love for you diminish. He wants you and He gave all of Himself on the cross so that you and I can be saved and have eternal life with Him.
Praise god for his mercy and grace and giving us understanding
Satans four doors of death. Sin opens the first door, you practically leave the key in the door and Satan enters. Then he enters the second door, the subconscious as its not guarded, example dreams of lust. If you entertain this, he opens the third door leading you to severe sin (affairs etc). This gives Satan legal right to now kill and destroy you as sin leads to death. This pattern remains the same through the ages.
I am of God, i like the spirit of being of him and i want to continue being of him which makes me fast and prayer three days every week.
Before i had Christ i was into various ungodly things but fortunately i met a pastor who is like a father to me now, he passed the word of God to me which changed my life and made me run away from sins.
I got salvation, my life changed and i changed my family along and trying with friends too, all walking in the way of the Lord now, all in this year.
But i have issues on overcoming the power of flesh or lust, i notice when i start growing spiritually some challenges comes up which i always try to face but always bring me down i don’t know maybe because am still a baby Christian or sometime else, i just know i found myself doing things have left and that i later regret of seriously it gets me depressed like as have fallen and have to start from the beginning…..please i seek of advice
Okay, can someone help me out here?
Is it lust of the eyes that I have when I like a man?
I do not look at men, or look for them. But what if I am attracted to one special person but I don’t know him that well, but there is something that attracts me. Yes, he is a kind, responsible and decent Christian man etc, so no issues from that angle, just that he does not feel the same way about me. But I still feel for him.
Am I in the flesh, eyes, and or pride of life?
What is this mechanism that happens with man and women since the making of mankind? – that we have to be aware of not matter what age we are. Lest we waste a lot of time picking up the pieces, in disappointment if it is not mutual.
Recently discovered something about myself. Asked many pastors to sit talk allow for confidant relations. They listened. Read bible. Prayed. Began searching…who is god? Then these 3 Rebecca’s came into my life. Now 2 remain.
Praise God & Hallelujah s….efforts to reconcile David to his birth father are in the works. We may be divorced but he gave me greatest gift ever. Encouraged by this man to reconcile,amend & restore relations with his family.
I am Ivan Kalema from Uganda (East-Africa). Am a youth spiritual leader in my church. I request to be updated for everything discovered to be able save my soul and my brothers and sister soul from this sinfull world.