t ItIn this lesson, we look at Matthew 5:27-30 to answer the question, “What did Jesus say about lust?” The verses emphasize that watching our behavior is crucial to remaining in God’s good standing.
It is no secret that lust and infidelity ruin more relationships than anger or any other reason – except for finances. Jesus is very clear in this passage.
In God’s eyes, thinking equals acting. For instance, when Jesus speaks of looking upon a woman with lust, he says that person is already committing adultery within.
Listen to what Jesus says about lust in this Bible study lesson from Matthew.
Uncovering the Biblical Truth of Jesus’ Teachings – What Did Jesus Say about Lust?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. – Matthew 5:27-30 NASB
What a US President Said about Lust
Former President Jimmy Carter once gave an interview about being a “born again” Christian and the news picked up on one profound statement he made;
“I have sinned in my heart.“
This passage from the Bible is not only about sins of the flesh but sins of the heart. Although a person may not commit physical sins, their thoughts and desires can still be sinful.
It warns that God will judge the inner thoughts, intentions, and desires of one’s heart, not just the outward actions.
Actions Vs. Thinking
Exodus 20:14 states that it is forbidden to have sex with anyone other than your spouse. But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with another person is mental adultery.
According to Jesus, if the act is wrong, so is the intention.
The trust that is vital to a strong marriage can be broken when a spouse is faithful with their body but not with their mind. Jesus does not condemn natural interest in the opposite sex or healthy sexual desire. But He does condemn deliberate and repeated filling of one’s mind with fantasies that would be evil if they were carried out.
My pastor put it this way: “It’s not looking at a beautiful woman that is sin – it’s the second look.”
‘the eye or the hand’
Is Christ asking us to gouge out our eyes or cut off our hands? Of course not.
Jesus speaks figuratively here. He is not asking you to do yourself harm. We sometimes tolerate sins in our lives that, left unchecked could eventually destroy us.
Sometimes, it’s better to experience the pain of removal (getting rid of an unwanted habit or treasure) than to allow sin to bring judgment and condemnation.
If we ask God for help, he will help us remove anything that causes us to sin.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to find out more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16 to get information.