Sinful Lust 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 Desires are not Sinful The desire for physical food is natural. (But, gluttony is sinful) The desire for release from physical suffering is understandable. (But, suicide, drug & alcohol abuse, etc. are sinful) Sexual desire is natural (But, fornication and adultery are sinful)

Sinful Lust Sinful desire originates with Satan (John 8:44) and with self (James 1:13-16).

John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

James 1:13-16 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

Participants Lusts are the domain of self-indulgent youth (2 Timothy 2:20-22). Lusts are the defining characteristic of sinful humanity (Ephesians 2:1-3). 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).

Conclusion We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies so that we obey its lusts (Romans 6:12-13).

Romans 6:12-13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

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).

Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

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).

Galatians 5:24-25 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

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).

Colossians 3:5-7 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.