SGTJ DEVOTIONAL

 STRUGGLING WITH LUST OF THE FLESH

Today's Scripture

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2. (NIV)

If you are Struggling with Lust Of The Flesh, you are not alone. The struggle against the Lust Of The Flesh is a common challenge for many Christians. Lust of the flesh encompasses desires and selfishness that lead us away from God’s will and let the devil lay claim on us, such as materialism, sexual immorality, and other worldly pleasures. However, through faith and practical steps, you can overcome these temptations and live a life that honors God.

Understanding the Lust Of The Flesh

The Lust Of The Flesh refers to the strong desires that arise from our sinful nature. These desires can manifest in various forms, including sexual sin, addiction, and the pursuit of material wealth. The Bible warns us about these temptations, emphasizing the need to resist them to maintain our spiritual integrity.

Practical Steps to Overcome the Lust Of The Flesh

1. Prayer and Dependence on God: Regular prayer is crucial in seeking God's strength to resist temptation. By maintaining a close relationship with God, you can draw on His power to overcome our weaknesses.

2. Study and Meditate on Scripture: The Bible provides guidance and wisdom to help us combat the Lust Of The Flesh. Verses like Romans 12:2 encourage us to renew our minds and not conform to the patterns of this world.

3. Accountability: Having a trusted friend or mentor to confide in can provide support and encouragement. Accountability partners can help us stay on track and offer prayer and advice when we struggle.

4. Avoiding Temptation: Identifying and avoiding situations that trigger sinful desires is essential. This might mean steering clear of certain media, environments, or even relationships that lead us astray.

5. Filling Your Life with Godly Influences: Surround yourself with positive influences, such as Christian friends, church activities, and wholesome entertainment. These can help reinforce your commitment to living a holy life.

6. Flee Youthful Lusts: As advised in 2 Timothy 2:22, actively flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

7. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and decisions. Galatians 5:16-17 reminds us that walking by the Spirit helps us not to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Embracing God's Grace

Remember, overcoming the Lust Of The Flesh is not about achieving perfection but about striving for progress. God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we fall, we can repent and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

By relying on God's strength and following these practical steps, you can overcome the Lust Of The Flesh and live a life that glorifies Him.

Scriptures reading

There are many Bible verses on overcoming the Lust Of The Flesh. Here are 5 important scriptures to encourage and guide your path.

1- Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

2- 2 Timothy 2:22

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

3- Galatians 5:16-17

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want.

4- 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)

5- 1 John 1:9

 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

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