Countering Lust

In the Bible, lust is defined as a disordered, intense desire, often sexual, that disregards God and objectifies other people.

It is a selfish craving for pleasure or possession that leads away from God.

Here are some things that are effective in countering aberrant thoughts and self-talk in regard to sexual lust.

First: "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" {Matthew 26:41 NLT}

Recommended prayer: "Holy Spirit help me. Thank You Jesus."

This short prayer is very effective.

Additional recommendations:

• Pray for the person you're lusting after.
• Persist in prayer, if necessary.

Second: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." {Psalm 119:11 NIV}

Recite Scripture.

Examples:

• "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes . . ." {Psalms 101.3 NKJV}
• Hate what is evil . . ." {Romans 12:9 NIV}
• "Be holy for I am holy." {1 Peter 1:16 NKJV}
• ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . . think about these things." {Philippians 4:8 NASB}
• ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . ." {Philippians 4:8 NASB}
• "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." {Proverbs 14:12 NIV}
• "Be sure of this, your sin will find you out." {Numbers 32:23 Paraphrase}

Third: use affirmations based on Scripture.

Examples:

Scripture: Hate what is evil . . ." {Romans 12:9 NIV}

Affirmation: I choose to hate evil.

Scripture: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." {Romans 13:14 NASB}

Affirmations:

• I'm putting on Jesus; I make no provision for the flesh.
• I make no provision for the flesh.

Scripture: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl." {Job 31:1 TLB}

Affirmations:

• I will not look upon a girl with lust.
• Don't lust.

Scripture: "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." {Romans 6:11 NKJV}

Affirmation options:

• I'm dead to sin; I'm alive to God.
• I choose to be dead to sin.
• I'm dead to sin.

Scripture: "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces." {Psalm 107:14 NKJV}

Affirmation: I break this in the name of Jesus.

Fourth: Simply trust God and obey God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."

{Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB}

Remember: Trust & obey.

Fifth: "Fix your eyes on Jesus." {Hebrews 12:2 paraphrase}

Picture Jesus and focus on Him. Return your focus to Him, as needed. This is also effective.

Sixth: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." {1 Peter 5:8 NKJV}

Train your eyes to bounce; that is, don't look a second time. And don't stare.

THEN, THINK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.

Seventh: Remember: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . ." {Proverbs 18:21}

Don't entertain ungodly thoughts. Correct negative thoughts.

You can also use general affirmations:

• I want to succeed in my Christian life.
• I want my kids to be proud of me.
• Etc.

Finally: Sometimes Satan gets a foothold where you will feel continuing demonic pressure to masturbate. Something more is needed.

A suggested checklist follows:

• When Satan Gets a Foothold (Part 2).
• Pray with another Christian.
• When Satan Gets a Foothold (Part 1).

Note: Recommended article for more information: Masturbation & Pornography.

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