Lust

• Lustful thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5: 28)-Matthew 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

This verse describes the care that a Christian must take even in their thoughts; if we cannot control our thoughts, we are to ask God for help in doing so.

• Christians should not give in to lust (Colossians 3: 5)-Colossians 3:5 (KJV) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

When we are faced with these temptations, we are to run from them; not give into them, we should resist temptation; and the devil, and they will flee from us.  Again, if we are struggling with this, we should ask God for help with this.

• Christians should avoid lust (1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5)-1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (KJV) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Thessalonians 4:5 (KJV) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

What these passages are saying is that God wants us not to succumb to these temptations, fornication (idolatry, or sexual relations out of marriage) we are to know how to keep holy and live honorably before Him.  He does not want us to go after the lust and desires of our hearts/flesh.  Again, if we are struggling with this we should be asking Him for help with these desires/weaknesses.

• Godless people enjoy immorality (1 Peter 4: 3)-1 Peter 4:3 (KJV) For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:/

What this is saying is that before we came to the knowledge of Christ we lived as the world/non-believers, doing whatever we desired.  Now that we know Him, we should live for Him.  Keep holy as He is holy.