What does the Bible say about Lust?
Lust is more than just a fleeting temptation—it’s a spiritual battle that begins in the heart. The Bible consistently warns us about the dangers of lust because it leads us away from God’s best. Lust corrupts our thoughts, damages relationships, and distorts God’s design for love and purity. Scripture calls believers not only to resist lust but to pursue righteousness, self-control, and holiness. As we meditate on God’s Word, we receive both the wisdom and the power to walk in purity and victory.
1. Matthew 5:28 (ESV)
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Explanation:
Jesus shifts the focus from outward actions to inward motives. Lustful thoughts are spiritually serious—they are equivalent to adultery in the heart.
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NIV)
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
Explanation:
God desires that His people live set-apart lives. Lustful passion belongs to a life apart from God, but believers are called to honor their bodies with purity.
3. Job 31:1 (NIV)
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
Explanation:
Job chose to discipline his eyes and thoughts. This verse shows the importance of making intentional decisions to avoid the path of lust.
4. 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Explanation:
God doesn’t just tell us to resist lust—He tells us to run from it. Instead, we’re to chase after godly virtues with a pure heart.
5. Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Explanation:
Living by the Spirit means letting God guide your choices and desires. When we do, we naturally say no to the lustful urges of the flesh.
6. James 1:14-15 (NIV)
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…”
Explanation:
Lust doesn’t show up fully formed—it begins with a thought or desire that grows into sin if not stopped early. Guarding our thoughts is key.
7. Proverbs 6:25-26 (NIV)
“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread…”
Explanation:
This proverb warns that lust can be deceptive and costly. The pursuit of lust can lead to ruin, even over something that seems small.
8. Romans 13:13-14 (NIV)
“Let us behave decently… not in sexual immorality and debauchery… Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Explanation:
We are called to wear Christ-like character and avoid anything that feeds lustful thinking. Our minds and actions should reflect holiness.
9. 1 Peter 2:11 (ESV)
“Beloved, I urge you… to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Explanation:
Lust isn’t harmless—it wages war against your soul. The fight against lust is about protecting your spiritual health and relationship with God.
10. Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
Explanation:
Lust is grouped with sins that must be “put to death” in the life of a believer. It’s not something to manage—it’s something to eliminate.
11. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Explanation:
God’s standard is high—not even a hint of lustful behavior should remain. Holiness is our identity and should be reflected in our conduct.
12. Psalm 119:37 (NIV)
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
Explanation:
This prayer shows a heart that longs to stay pure. Lust often begins with what we see, so we ask God to help guard our eyes and focus.
13. 1 John 2:16 (NIV)
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Explanation:
Lust is a product of the world, not of God. To walk closely with the Father, we must reject worldly cravings and seek what pleases Him.
Conclusion:
Lust may be a common human struggle, but it’s not undefeatable. The Word of God offers us truth and strength to overcome it. These verses remind us that God cares deeply about our hearts and purity. By pursuing His presence, walking by the Spirit, and guarding our thoughts and eyes, we can live free from lust and grow in holiness.