1. Permitted & Prohibited Desire

2. Introduction Thomas defines the verb epithumeō as a compound of epi [intensifier] and thumos [passion], meaning “desire, lust after” [1937]. 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]. 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].

3. Physical Realm The desire for physical food is natural (Luke 15:11-16; 16:19-21). 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). The desire for release from physical suffering is understandable (Philippians 1:21-24; cf. Revelation 9:6).

4. Spiritual Realm Desire for spiritual association is good (Luke 17:22; 22:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20). 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 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 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). Desire for spiritual understanding is virtuous (Matthew 13:16-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12).

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

6. Characteristics Sinful desire is corrupt (Ephesians 4:20- 24; 2 Peter 1:4). Sinful desire is corrupt (Ephesians 4:20- 24; 2 Peter 1:4). Sinful desire is callous (2 Peter 3:3-4). Sinful desire is callous (2 Peter 3:3-4). Sinful desire is carnal (Galatians 5:16-24; 1 John 2:15-17). Sinful desire is carnal (Galatians 5:16-24; 1 John 2:15-17).

7. Expressions Sinful desire is expressed in sexual immorality (Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). 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). Sinful desire is seen in materialistic coveting (Mark 4:18-19; Romans 7:7-11; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).

8. Participants Lusts are the domain of self-indulgent youth (2 Timothy 2:20-22). 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 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 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). Lusts are also characteristic of false teachers (2 Peter 2:9-11, 18-19; Jude 16-21).

9. Conclusion We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies so that we obey its lusts (Romans 6:12-13). 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 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 crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24-25). We must consider ourselves dead to evil desire (Colossians 3:5-7). We must consider ourselves dead to evil desire (Colossians 3:5-7).

10. Conclusion We must deny ungodliness and worldly desires (Titus 2:11-14). 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 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 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). We must waste no more time in pursuing the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:1-5).