Desires in Spiritual and Sinful Realms
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Explore the concept of desire from a spiritual and sinful perspective, examining its influence on behavior and moral choices. Learn how to overcome sinful desires and cultivate virtuous aspirations in alignment with spiritual teachings.
Desires in Spiritual and Sinful Realms
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Presentation Transcript
Introduction • Thomas defines the verb epithumeō as a compound of epi [intensifier] and thumos [passion], meaning “desire, lust after” [1937]. • Louw & Nida say it means: “(1) to greatly desire to do or have something [25.12]; (2) to strongly desire to have what belongs to someone else and/or to engage in an activity which is morally wrong” [25.20].
Physical Realm • The desire for physical food is natural (Luke 15:11-16; 16:19-21). • The desire for release from physical suffering is understandable (Philippians 1:21-24; cf. Revelation 9:6).
Spiritual Realm • Desire for spiritual association is good (Luke 17:22; 22:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20). • Desire for spiritual faithfulness is admirable (Hebrews 6:11-12). • Desire for spiritual oversight is commendable (1 Timothy 3:1; cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4). • Desire for spiritual understanding is virtuous (Matthew 13:16-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12).
Sinful Desire • Sinful desire originates with Satan (John 8:44) and with self (James 1:13-16).
Characteristics • Sinful desire is corrupt (Ephesians 4:20-24; 2 Peter 1:4). • Sinful desire is callous (2 Peter 3:3-4). • Sinful desire is carnal (Galatians 5:16-24; 1 John 2:15-17).
Expressions • Sinful desire is expressed in sexual immorality (Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). • Sinful desire is seen in materialistic coveting (Mark 4:18-19; Romans 7:7-11; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Participants • Lusts are the domain of self-indulgent youth (2 Timothy 2:20-22). • Lusts are the defining characteristic of sinful humanity (Romans 1:24-32; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3). • Lusts are a trait of apostate disciples (2 Timothy 3:6-7; 4:1-5; James 4:1-4). • Lusts are also characteristic of false teachers (2 Peter 2:9-11, 18-19; Jude 16-21).
Conclusion • We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies so that we obey its lusts (Romans 6:12-13). • We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:13-14). • We must crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24-25). • We must consider ourselves dead to evil desire (Colossians 3:5-7).
Conclusion • We must deny ungodliness and worldly desires (Titus 2:11-14). • We must not be conformed to the former lusts which were ours in ignorance (1 Peter 1:14-16). • We must abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11-12). • We must waste no more time in pursuing the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:1-5).