Dealing With Lust
“Dealing With Lust – A Matter of the Heart”
Bro. Edward Low | 15 June 2025 | Matthew 5:27–30
In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises the standard on sexual purity. While the law said, “Do not commit adultery,” Jesus went deeper: “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Lust, Jesus taught, is not just a physical act—it begins in the heart, in the mind, and often long before any outward action.
Lust engages not just the eyes but the brain—the limbic system that controls emotion and desire. Lust starts with attraction, grows into obsession, and eventually leads to objectification. It’s not just about sexual temptation—it’s when we begin to view others not as people, but as objects for pleasure. David’s story in 2 Samuel 11 was a clear example: he saw Bathsheba bathing (attraction), inquired about her and sent for her (obsession), and then slept with her despite knowing she was married and then sent her away (objectification). David used his position as king to take what he wanted, without restraint. Though he later repented in Psalm 51, the consequences were severe.
This pattern—attraction, obsession, objectification—is a common trap. This was referred to as the Coolidge Effect where even people in good relationships, like married men, can still fall into lust because of power, opportunity, and lack of consequences. He pointed to modern examples like President Clinton’s affair to show how unchecked desire can lead to moral failure, regardless of status.
In contrast to David, we see Joseph in Genesis 39. He was young, attractive, and in a position of trust in Potiphar’s house. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he didn’t rationalize or flirt with danger—he fled. Day by day, she pursued him, but he refused, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” When the temptation intensified, he left his garment in her hand and ran. Joseph teaches us that fleeing is not weakness—it is wisdom.
Then there’s Boaz in Ruth 3. When Ruth lay at his feet in the night, it was a moment full of potential temptation. But Boaz responded with honour. He protected her dignity and did what was right before God. Unlike David, Boaz didn’t act impulsively. Unlike Joseph, he wasn’t falsely accused. Instead, he went on to marry Ruth, and their union became part of the lineage of Christ. Boaz’s story shows that sexual restraint is possible even in emotional moments—when a man chooses to act with honour instead of lust.
Even within marriage, lust can still exist. A husband may treat his wife not as a partner to love, but as an object to use. This, too, is dangerous. Paul exhorts husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—with selfless, sacrificial love. God’s plan is not suppression of desire, but sanctification of it within the boundaries of marriage. Hebrews 13:4 reminds us: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
So how do we deal with lust? The Bible says clearly: flee. Flee sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:18). Flee youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22). Avoid bad company that corrupts good habits (1 Cor. 15:33). Trust that God provides a way of escape in every temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Like Joseph—run. Like Boaz—act with honour. Like David—if you’ve failed, repent deeply and turn back to God.
The conclusion was clear: the outcome depends on our response. David responded in lust and reaped pain, though he found mercy. Joseph responded in purity and was later elevated. Boaz responded in restraint and was blessed. All three saw—but only two walked away. Lust is real, powerful, and deceptive—but not undefeatable.
Jesus is not condemning us—He is calling us to purity of heart, to guard our eyes and mind, and to walk in holiness. Whether we are married, single, young, or old—this is a battle we all must face. And with God’s help, we can win.
Let us not just avoid adultery in action, but root out lust from the heart. Let us honour God with our bodies, our relationships, and our desires. Choose purity. Choose to flee. Choose Christ.
