Jesus Teaches about Lust

Bible Study Lesson, Matthew 5:27-30

Many people don't like to admit it but lust and infidelity have ruined more relationships than any other reason - except for finance. We all have feelings about adultery from time to time but most don't realize that thinking is the same as acting in God's eyes. Listen to what Jesus says about lust in this Bible study lesson from Matthew.

 

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

 

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

 

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."

Jesus Teaches about Lust

Former President Jimmy Carter once gave an interview about being a "born again" Christian and the news picked up on one profound statement he made; "I have sinned in my heart." This passage from the Bible is not only about sins of the flesh but sins of the heart.

Actions Vs. Thinking

The Old Testament law states that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14). But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and thus sin. Jesus emphasized that if the act is wrong, then so is the intention.

To be faithful to your spouse with your body but not your mind is to break the trust so vital to a strong marriage. Jesus is not condemning natural interest in the opposite sex or even healthy sexual desire, but the deliberate and repeated filling of one's mind with fantasies that would be evil if acted out.

... (.. 'the eye or the hand)... Is Christ asking us to gouge out our eye or cut off our hand? Of course not. Jesus was speaking figuratively and is not asking you to do yourself harm. We sometimes tolerate sins in our lives that, left unchecked, could eventually destroy us.

Christ is stating here sometimes it is better to experience the pain of removal (getting rid of a bad habit or something we treasure, for instance) than to allow the sin to bring judgment and condemnation. Examine your life for anything that causes you to sin, and take every step you can to remove it. God will help.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew-5:1-3 - The Beatitudes