UNSAFE WORD: LUST

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Many a time we use and speak word so easily without thinking much of whether such word is correct  to use in our daily conversation. We treat it lightly. Word such as "LUCK" is not found in the Bible and yet we often use it.

b) Why is it so necessary to learn to use and speak the correct word? Matthew 12:36-37 has a lot to say about it.

i) ³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV)

c) We will have to give an account of ourselves (Romans 14:12), every idle (careless, empty, thoughtless, worthless) word we speak (Matthew 12:36) and every work (deed) including every secret (hidden) thing whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14) in the day of judgment. For that reason, it compels us to use and speak the correct word or words especially God's Word. It's safe to use and we can learn a lot from its intended meaning.

d) Having said that, we know that there are some words that are unpleasant and contrary to God's desire and plan that we should discard such attitude or activity or way. There are unsafe for our lives.

1. Unsafe word:

a) Lust(s) - inordinate desire or craving.

2. Biblical references:

a) Matthew 5:28 

i) ²⁸ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28 NKJV)

b) Romans 13:14 

i)  ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:14 NKJV) 

c) Galatians 5:16 

i) ¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 NKJV)  

d) 2 Timothy 2:22

i) ²² Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV)

e) Titus 2:12

i) ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. (Titus 2:12 NKJV) 

f) James 4:2

i) ² You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. (James 4:2 NKJV)

g) 1 Peter 1:14; 2:11

i)  ¹⁴ as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance. (1 Peter 1:14 NKJV)

ii) ¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11 NKJV)

h) 1 John 2:16

i) ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16 NKJV) 

i) Jude 1:18

i) ¹⁸ how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. (Jude 1:18 NKJV) 

The End ...