Your struggle with lust is a good thing.

Summary

This video offers encouragement for Christians struggling with lust, emphasizing that the battle itself is a sign of spiritual life and growth. The speaker explains the difference between the lifestyle of an unbeliever, who succumbs to temptation without struggle, and the Christian, who experiences a war between the flesh and the Spirit. Using the example of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, the video provides insights on how to overcome lust by standing firm in God’s Word. Viewers are encouraged to fight temptation, seek victory through repentance, and remember that the struggle is part of their spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lust struggles are a common battle for many, including Christians, and it's often a frustrating, cyclical fight.
• 😀 The desire to sin and the temptation to give in to lustful urges can create cycles of guilt, pleasure, and regret.
• 😀 Christians who struggle with lust experience a unique battle between the Spirit of God and the flesh, a struggle that characterizes their walk with Christ.
• 😀 The cycle for Christians involves temptation, struggle, victory, and occasionally, falling back into sin, followed by repentance.
• 😀 Repentance and confession of sins are vital for restoring the relationship with God, but they do not affect one's identity as a child of God.
• 😀 The battle against lust is not a sign of failure or weakness but a sign of being spiritually alive and awake to God’s leading.
• 😀 Temptation, including lust, often presents bad substitutes for the good things God provides, such as sexual intimacy within the context of marriage.
• 😀 Satan uses vulnerability and unmet needs to tempt individuals, offering false promises of relief and satisfaction, especially when someone feels weak or discouraged.
• 😀 Victory over temptation is possible, but it requires awareness, struggle, and actively resisting the enemy with the power provided by God.
• 😀 The struggle with lust should not lead to discouragement; instead, it should encourage persistence in fighting against sin and seeking God’s help.
• 😀 As Christians, it’s important to stay engaged in the battle against lust, seek support from others, and remain hopeful in the fight for purity and godliness.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is the battle against lust and how it can be a sign of spiritual awakening and growth. The speaker discusses how Christians experience temptation, struggle with sin, and how they can find victory through repentance and following Jesus' example.

Why is the struggle with lust considered a good thing?

The struggle with lust is considered a good thing because it signifies that the person is aware of their battle with sin and is fighting against it. This indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit in their life, as opposed to being enslaved to sin without any struggle or conviction.

What does the speaker say about those who claim to be Christians but live in sin?

The speaker points out that people who claim to be Christians but live in sin are living a double life. They might hide their sin in secret but are still following their sinful desires. The struggle with sin is absent in their lives, which is a sign that they may not be genuinely walking with Christ.

What is the key difference between the lifestyle of a believer and an unbeliever when it comes to sin?

The key difference is that believers experience a struggle with sin, whereas unbelievers or hypocrites live without this struggle. For Christians, there is an internal war between the spirit and the flesh, while for unbelievers, sin is indulged without resistance.

How does the Bible define the struggle with sin for a Christian?

The Bible defines the struggle with sin for a Christian as a battle between the spirit of God within them and their flesh. Christians are called to put their flesh to death and pick up their cross, signifying a continual effort to resist sin and follow Christ.

What role does repentance play in the life of a Christian dealing with lust?

Repentance plays a vital role in restoring the relationship between the Christian and God when they fall into sin. While repentance doesn't affect their identity as children of God, it helps repair the broken relationship caused by unconfessed sin.

What is the significance of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness in relation to battling lust?

Jesus' temptation in the wilderness serves as a model for how to resist sin. Just as Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations with scripture, Christians are encouraged to use God's word to resist the lies and temptations of the enemy, including the temptation of lust.

Why does Satan tempt individuals with 'felt needs' and what does this mean for Christians?

Satan tempts individuals by offering quick fixes to their 'felt needs'—desires or needs they feel in the moment, like loneliness or pleasure. He offers sinful alternatives to God's good designs, such as sexuality outside of marriage. For Christians, understanding this helps them resist the temptation by recognizing that God's provision is better.

What advice does the speaker offer for Christians who struggle with lust and temptation?

The speaker encourages Christians to recognize that their struggle is not a sign of failure, but a sign that they are aware and engaged in the battle. He advises them to keep fighting, using scripture, and taking steps to flee temptation when necessary, as well as leaning on God's power to resist.

What does the speaker say about the cultural influence on lust and temptation?

The speaker acknowledges that the culture is saturated with temptations related to lust, making it difficult to resist. However, he encourages Christians to stay vigilant and not give in to the pressures of society, reminding them that resisting temptation is a part of the Christian journey.