Overcoming Lust: A Scriptural Guide

Photo by Kristaps Grundsteins on Unsplash

This guide is for one's own individual process of overcoming lust.  Overcoming lust for good may take some time. Being made holy is a gradual process.  We cannot overcome any sin in our own strength. Only in God's strength, by His Spirit and grace, are we able to overcome.

How To Overcome Lust:

Matthew 5:28:

'But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'

Know that lust is a heart issue.

James 1:5:

'Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.'

Consider the spiritual and life consequences of lust, and why lust should not be.  Why is purity good?

Jeremiah 17:9-10:

'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'

Know that the lust isn't hidden from God; He already knows about it.

'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'

Accept that God is inviting you to come to Him; in His grace, He will help you to overcome.

Psalm 51:10:

'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.'

Pray about it, and to be purified.  Understand that you cannot overcome it without God.  

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Run to God if you stumble as you overcome. Be honest with Him, and ask for help.

John 1:16:

'And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.'

Understand and be empowered by grace upon grace.

Romans 8:1:

'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.'

Allow no one to condemn you, including yourself. 

'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.'

Allow your mind to be gradually renewed (concerning sexual desire, lust, intimacy, etc.) and your heart, purified.

Proverbs 4:23:

'Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.'

Guard your mind and heart. 

'We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,'

Try every thought by the Word; and stop thoughts before they go to sin.

Matthew 6:13:

'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'

Stay away from situations you may somehow be tempted in.  Set boundaries.

Matthew 5:8:

'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.'

Have God be your main reason and motivation to remain pure.

Psalm 119:9: 'How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.'

Keep the Word on your mind and on heart.

Your gracious God loves you.

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