Sexuality saturates our culture. The human heart, already an engine inclined toward malformed desires, has plenty of fuel available via the internet alone to propel it toward disaster. How can we remain pure in a world bent on dragging us into impurity?
Indeed, the world is partial. The battle against lust is a three-pronged battle against our flesh, the world, and Satan. Paul warns us to “not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16) by later specifying some of those desires: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality” (Galatians 5:19). Our flesh lures us into believing that we can take a shortcut to joy and intimacy.
The world compounds the problem. The world is made up of sinful people whose desires are askew, and therefore the world’s systems are also bent. It is for this reason that in his epistle, John cuts to the chase, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). “Don’t be deceived,” John says, “by exchanging the world’s temporary fixes of self-gratification for the spiritually complete and everlasting satisfaction of choosing God’s will.” The world is the cosmic dollar store. Nothing you buy from it will last.
And who is behind all of this? The Enemy himself. Let us not underestimate the abilities of the second most powerful supernatural being in the universe. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” Paul says, “but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). In this verse, Paul explains that our battle is against the world and the demonic. Spiritual wars wage 24/7 that we cannot see. The invisible spiritual world controls the physical world. Don’t be deceived. Our battle against lust is serious. When we are confronted with lust, be it in action, from the phone or computer screen, or by that attraction to the person across the room, our choices have eternal consequences. Flee from disobedience.
How then can we win this battle? By fighting fire with fire. Like forest firefighters, the most powerful way to battle sin is by burning up fuel that could destroy. The way to fight the passions of the flesh isn’t by numbing one’s heart, but by having a more powerful fire.
Stoke the Fires of Healthy Relationships
Lust is harmful because it reduces the person you are lusting after to an object, thereby diminishing their inherent value as a person. Fight that battle by intentionally developing the ability to see your brothers and sisters as God sees them: fellow image bearers of himself. Develop healthy relationships with men and women in your life. Spend time in prayer for brothers and sisters in Christ. Spend time praying for those entrapped by the porn industry, many even as enslaved people. Be keen on those who are vulnerable to lust, such as those in struggling marriages, or those living out worldly ways like overindulging in happy hour with coworkers.
Stoke the fires of healthy relationships with those who are also battling lust. Join a Christian group online (or better yet, in-person) with those fighting for purity in their lives. Shake off the shackles of shame and share your struggle with trusted Christian friends, a pastor, or a biblical counselor.
Stoke the Fires of Purpose
Lust often attaches itself to other sins: anxiety, sloth, unresolved trauma, hate (of others or self), loneliness, rejection, isolation, and anger. Once you’re already feeling shame, lust is more than happy to exploit that shame and multiply it. Protect yourself by wisely guarding your devices and your heart, and then aim higher. Lust wants you to be ensnared by fulfilling your momentary desire with something sinful. Resist and lift your eyes to consider the great purposes God has for you. Spend time in the Word studying what God says about you. Ask godly friends what they think God has in store for you. Seek out God in prayer that he would make known to you his high calling on your life. Stoke the fires of purpose.
Stoke the Fires of Worship
Lust lies to us by promising joy and satisfaction that are only found in God. The Puritan Thomas Chalmers once wrote a book called The Expulsive Power of a New Affection. I encourage you to read it. Chalmers argues that the most powerful tool God has given us to battle the grip of sin in our life is a more powerful love of him. The most potent weapon we have is God himself.
Earlier, I mentioned Paul’s conclusion to his letter to the church at Ephesus. Let me quote that section in its entirety:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:10-17
In David Powlison’s excellent book on spiritual warfare, Safe and Sound, he argues that this entire passage points us to Christ himself. Paul’s striking imagery is taken from images of the Messiah in Isaiah and the Psalms. Jesus Christ is our Divine Warrior who valiantly fights for us and who also spiritually armors us up to fight battles ourselves. Jesus’ invitation to us is to trust in him.
How do we stoke the fires of worship in our lives? By spending time listening to God’s voice in his Word, by communing with him in prayer, and by experiencing him in the gathered fellowship of his people.
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