LOST TO LUST
*JANUARY 28, 2026*
TEXT: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”_ — James 1:15
Humanity has struggled with lust from the beginning of time, and this struggle continues in every generation. Lust is any strong desire, craving, or longing that goes against the holy will and command of God. Lust is not limited to sexual sin alone. It includes every desire of the flesh that pulls the heart away from God.
Lust can be seen in two major ways: *sexual lust* and *material or carnal lust.* Many people have chased after these desires and, in doing so, have wandered away from the faith. Very often, we limit lust to fornication and adultery, while we ignore other uncontrolled desires in our hearts—such as the desire for possessions, power, recognition, identity, and self-worth.
The Bible teaches that lust is also *the lust of the eyes.* The danger of lust is not always in what we want, but in wanting it too much. When a desire becomes an obsession, it replaces God in our hearts. At that point, the gift becomes more important than the Giver.
When a person is controlled by lust, their awareness of God begins to fade. This is what lust does—it pushes God out of focus. *2 Timothy 4:10* tells us about Demas, who loved the things of this present world and turned away from the faith. Lust blinded his heart, and God disappeared from his sight.
The heart is the place where lust begins. From an impure heart, the eyes become unguarded, and lust of the flesh takes root. What often starts as simple attraction grows into fixation and control. This was the case with Amnon, who lusted after his sister Tamar. His uncontrolled desire led him down a destructive path that eventually cost him his life. Lust always ends in loss.
Many believers today are trapped in a prison of desire. Their hearts are burning with lust’s consuming fire, and they begin to think that their wants are more important than obedience to God. Without realizing it, they walk on a deadly path that leads them far away from God, leaving them spiritually scattered and weakened.
James 1:14–15 clearly shows the end result of lust— *death.* This death may come physically, through destructive consequences, or spiritually, through separation from God, which leads to eternal loss. To avoid the destruction that lust brings, we must carefully guard our hearts.
We must watch over our desires, align our thoughts with God’s truth, and allow Christ to calm and rule our hearts.
Now the question is this: *What desire is driving you into lust?* What craving is leading you down a dangerous path, even though you know it is harmful? The grace of God is still available today through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is still hope. Repent, turn back to God, and receive deliverance. He is able to save, cleanse, and set you free.
*SEARCHLIGHT:*
Lust brings forth death.
*PRAYER:*
Father, rid me of lust. Break every chain and set me free.
*BIBLE READING:*
Leviticus 16–18; | Romans 8
*PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE*
