Lust & Chastity - Revision history

Kathyyee: Protected "Lust & Chastity" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

Kathyyee — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:24:54 GMT

Protected "Lust & Chastity" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

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Revision as of 16:24, 30 March 2012

Bhkauflin at 15:52, 10 July 2008

Bhkauflin — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:18 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 10 July 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|other=\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity\|series=Tabletalk \|topic=Life Issues \|subtopic=Sexuality \|month=May \|day= \|year=2008}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+	{{info}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.		But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

Bhkauflin at 17:09, 17 June 2008

Bhkauflin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:09:31 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 17 June 2008
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-	~~  ~~{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries~~\|date= May 2008~~\|other=~~\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality~~ \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|other=\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity\|series=Tabletalk \|topic=Life Issues \|subtopic=Sexuality \|month=May \|day= \|year=2008}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.		But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

Kryndontpay at 01:14, 22 May 2008

Kryndontpay — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:14:13 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:14, 22 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=~~January~~ 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date= May 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.		But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

Kryndontpay at 23:45, 20 May 2008

Kryndontpay — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:45:02 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 20 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.		But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

Kryndontpay at 23:39, 20 May 2008

Kryndontpay — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:39:55 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:39, 20 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”
-		+
-	~~<br>~~	+
-		+
-	We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+

	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.		But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

Bhkauflin at 21:25, 20 May 2008

Bhkauflin — Tue, 20 May 2008 21:25:22 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 20 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=~~No topic~~\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic= Sexuality \|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}

	<br>		<br>

Bhkauflin at 18:20, 20 May 2008

Bhkauflin — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:20:25 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 20 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M.Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=No topic\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=No topic\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}

-	<br>	+	<br>

	We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”		We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

Kryndontpay at 23:53, 19 May 2008

Kryndontpay — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:53:16 GMT

Kryndontpay at 14:07, 17 May 2008

Kryndontpay — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:07:39 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 17 May 2008
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-	=  Lust & Chastity~~<br> =~~	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}

-	~~By Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile~~	+	<br>

		+	We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

		+	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

-	~~We often think~~ that ~~“our day~~ and ~~age” differs significantly from previous eras~~. ~~We tend~~ to ~~think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems~~, ~~requiring more complex~~ and ~~sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery~~.”	+	Earlier Christians wisely included lust among the deadliest sins. For lust is the impregnated parent of all forms of sin. James explained that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15).

-	~~<br>But one thing puts~~ the ~~lie~~ to ~~this self deception —~~ the ~~continuing existence and destruction~~ of lust.	+	From the first stolen bite of forbidden fruit to the avaricious gaze of mall-bound window shoppers, lust has coursed through the hearts of men like the most poisonous venom.

-	~~<br>Earlier Christians wisely included lust among~~ the ~~deadliest sins~~. ~~For lust is the impregnated parent of~~ all ~~forms of sin. James explained~~ that ~~“each person is tempted when he~~ is ~~lured~~ and ~~enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin~~, and ~~sin when it~~ is ~~fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15)~~.	+	Lust involves any strong desire, craving, or want that opposes the holy will and command of God. Lust perverts, twists, and defiles all that is good and beautiful, and this is particularly true with sexual or carnal lust.

-	~~<br>From the first stolen bite of forbidden fruit~~ to the ~~avaricious gaze~~ of ~~mall-bound window shoppers~~, ~~lust has coursed through~~ the ~~hearts~~ of ~~men like the most poisonous venom~~.	+	For example, some people today tout homosexuality as an “orientation” equal in virtue to heterosexuality. They appeal to the “love” shared between two persons of the same gender, and on that basis, contend that equality and public acceptance must be guaranteed. To some, these sexual passions are so strong as to appear innate. Moreover, we are told that homosexual desires are private, harmless to others, and beyond the censure of society.

-	~~<br>Lust involves any strong desire~~, ~~craving~~, ~~or want~~ that ~~opposes the holy will~~ and ~~command~~ of ~~God~~. ~~Lust perverts~~, ~~twists~~, and ~~defiles all that~~ is ~~good and beautiful~~, and ~~this is particularly true with sexual or carnal~~ lust.	+	But if that is true, what are we to think of a passage like Romans 1:26–27? The Bible defines homosexual desires as “contrary to nature,” not an equal alternative orientation. Homosexuality is a “dishonorable passion” that “consumes” men and women, leading to shameless behavior. The strong emotional pull of lust and the affections shared between persons in a homosexual relationship — whatever those affections may be called — cannot properly be called “love.” After all, love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing” (1 Cor. 13:6), and homosexuality is wrongdoing. Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah over what today would be called “private” decisions indicates that lust is a serious social problem.

-	~~<br>For example, some people today tout homosexuality~~ as ~~an “orientation” equal~~ in ~~virtue to heterosexuality~~. ~~They appeal to~~ the ~~“love” shared between two persons~~ of ~~the same gender~~, and ~~on that basis, contend that equality~~ and ~~public acceptance must be guaranteed~~. ~~To some, these sexual passions are so strong as~~ to ~~appear innate. Moreover, we are told~~ that ~~homosexual desires are private, harmless~~ to ~~others, and beyond~~ the ~~censure~~ of ~~society~~.	+	And herein is the ultimate problem with lust: Those overcome with lust “receive in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Rom. 1:27) and will face the Lord as “an avenger in all these things” (1 Thess. 4:6). God keeps “the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:9–10). Lust blinds men to the fact that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a holy God.

-	~~<br>But if that~~ is ~~true, what are we~~ to ~~think of a passage like Romans 1:26–27~~? The ~~Bible defines homosexual desires as “contrary to nature,” not an equal alternative orientation~~. ~~Homosexuality~~ is ~~a “dishonorable passion”~~ that ~~“consumes” men~~ and ~~women~~, ~~leading to shameless behavior. The strong emotional pull~~ of lust ~~and~~ the ~~affections shared between persons in a homosexual relationship — whatever those affections may be called — cannot properly be called “love.” After all, love “does~~ not ~~rejoice at wrongdoing”~~ (1 ~~Cor~~. 13:6)~~, and homosexuality is wrongdoing~~. ~~Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah~~ over ~~what today would be called “private” decisions indicates that~~ lust ~~is a serious social problem~~.	+	What is the antidote to this ensnaring, soul-destroying vice? It is the cultivation of chastity.Cultivating chastity begins with the knowledge of God and His will. The apostle Paul captures this relationship well. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thess. 4:3–5). Unbelieving Gentiles are given over to lust because they do not know God. But those who do know God and His will pursue moral and sexual purity. And how can it be otherwise since God is light and in Himthere is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)?

-	~~<br>And herein is~~ the ~~ultimate problem with lust: Those overcome with lust “receive in themselves~~ the ~~due penalty for~~ their ~~error”~~ (~~Rom. 1~~:27) ~~and will face~~ the ~~Lord as “an avenger~~ in ~~all these things”~~ (~~1 Thess~~. 4:6). ~~God keeps “the unrighteous under punishment until~~ the ~~day~~ of ~~judgment, and especially those~~ who ~~indulge in~~ the ~~lust of defiling passion and despise authority”~~ (~~2 Peter 2~~:~~9–10~~). ~~Lust blinds men~~ to ~~the fact that~~ it ~~is a fearful thing to fall into~~ the ~~hands~~ of ~~a holy~~ God.	+	Moreover, this knowledge of God produces weeping over vice. Consider the Bible’s description of Lot during the days of Sodom and Gomorrah: “That righteous man lived among them day after day…tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard” (2 Peter 2:8). Lust grieved Lot. Likewise, the psalmist wept over the broken law of God in his day (Ps. 119:136). And the true disciples of Christ are the blessed who mourn (Matt. 5:4). They are also the pure in heart who will see God (Matt. 5:8). The road to chastity begins with weeping, but it ends in the beatific vision of God Himself.

-	~~<br>What is the antidote~~ to ~~this ensnaring~~, soul~~-destroying vice? It~~ is the ~~cultivation~~ of chastity~~. <br>Cultivating chastity begins with~~ the ~~knowledge of God and His will~~. ~~The apostle Paul captures this relationship~~ well~~. “For this is~~ the ~~will of God, your sanctification~~: ~~that~~ you ~~abstain from sexual immorality; that each~~ one of you ~~know how~~ to ~~control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God”~~ (~~1 Thess~~. 4:~~3–5~~). ~~Unbelieving Gentiles are given over to lust because they do not know God. But those who do know God and His will pursue moral and sexual purity. And how can it~~ be ~~otherwise since God is light and in Himthere is no darkness at all~~ (1 John 1:5)?	+	Christ Jesus gave Himself to purchase a lawless people (Titus 2:14), who are then made clean in conscience, heart, and soul through faith in Him (Heb. 9:13–14; James 4:8). This is why Paul could borrow the image of chastity to describe Christ’s ongoing purification of the Bride (Eph. 5:27) as well as his own labors on behalf of the Corinthian church: “I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). When we see Christ we shall be like Him — pure (1 John 3:2–3).

-	<br>Moreover, this knowledge of God produces weeping over vice. Consider the Bible’s description of Lot during the days of Sodom and Gomorrah: “That righteous man lived among them day after day…tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard” (2 Peter 2:8). Lust grieved Lot. Likewise, the psalmist wept over the broken law of God in his day (Ps. 119:136). And the true disciples of Christ are the blessed who mourn (Matt. 5:4). They are also the pure in heart who will see God (Matt. 5:8). The road to chastity begins with weeping, but it ends in the beatific vision of God Himself.<br>Christ Jesus gave Himself to purchase a lawless people (Titus 2:14), who are then made clean in conscience, heart, and soul through faith in Him (Heb. 9:13–14; James 4:8). This is why Paul could borrow the image of chastity to describe Christ’s ongoing purification of the Bride (Eph. 5:27) as well as his own labors on behalf of the Corinthian church: “I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). When we see Christ we shall be like Him — pure (1 John 3:2–3).	+	Thus is the superiority of chastity over lust demonstrated. Lust works its way toward death. Chastity leads to the glories of heaven with Christ Jesus and the Father. Can there really be any doubt as to which path is best?<br>
-		+
-	~~<br>~~Thus is the superiority of chastity over lust demonstrated. Lust works its way toward death. Chastity leads to the glories of heaven with Christ Jesus and the Father. Can there~~<br>~~really be any doubt as to which path is best?<br>	+

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 19 May 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev. Thabiti M. Anyabwile\|partnerurl=WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust &~~amp;~~ Chastity}}	+	{{MasterHeader\|author=Rev.Thabiti M.Anyabwile\|partnerurl=http://WWW.Ligonier.org\|partner=Ligonier Ministries\|date=January 2008\|other=\|series=\|categorytopic=No topic\|mediatype=article\|lang=English\|editor=n/a\|translator=n/a\|levels=0\|reviewed= Not Reviewed\|newtitle=Lust & Chastity}}

	<br>		<br>

-	We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”	+	We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions, from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this attitude “chronological snobbery.”

-	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.	+	But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.

-	Earlier Christians wisely included lust among the deadliest sins. For lust is the impregnated parent of all forms of sin. James explained that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15).	+	Earlier Christians wisely included lust among the deadliest sins. For lust is the impregnated parent of all forms of sin. James explained that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15).

-	From the first stolen bite of forbidden fruit to the avaricious gaze of mall-bound window shoppers, lust has coursed through the hearts of men like the most poisonous venom.	+	From the first stolen bite of forbidden fruit to the avaricious gaze of mall-bound window shoppers, lust has coursed through the hearts of men like the most poisonous venom.

-	Lust involves any strong desire, craving, or want that opposes the holy will and command of God. Lust perverts, twists, and defiles all that is good and beautiful, and this is particularly true with sexual or carnal lust.	+	Lust involves any strong desire, craving, or want that opposes the holy will and command of God. Lust perverts, twists, and defiles all that is good and beautiful, and this is particularly true with sexual or carnal lust.

-	For example, some people today tout homosexuality as an “orientation” equal in virtue to heterosexuality. They appeal to the “love” shared between two persons of the same gender, and on that basis, contend that equality and public acceptance must be guaranteed. To some, these sexual passions are so strong as to appear innate. Moreover, we are told that homosexual desires are private, harmless to others, and beyond the censure of society.	+	For example, some people today tout homosexuality as an “orientation” equal in virtue to heterosexuality. They appeal to the “love” shared between two persons of the same gender, and on that basis, contend that equality and public acceptance must be guaranteed. To some, these sexual passions are so strong as to appear innate. Moreover, we are told that homosexual desires are private, harmless to others, and beyond the censure of society.

-	But if that is true, what are we to think of a passage like Romans 1:26–27? The Bible defines homosexual desires as “contrary to nature,” not an equal alternative orientation. Homosexuality is a “dishonorable passion” that “consumes” men and women, leading to shameless behavior. The strong emotional pull of lust and the affections shared between persons in a homosexual relationship — whatever those affections may be called — cannot properly be called “love.” After all, love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing” (1 Cor. 13:6), and homosexuality is wrongdoing. Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah over what today would be called “private” decisions indicates that lust is a serious social problem.	+	But if that is true, what are we to think of a passage like Romans 1:26–27? The Bible defines homosexual desires as “contrary to nature,” not an equal alternative orientation. Homosexuality is a “dishonorable passion” that “consumes” men and women, leading to shameless behavior. The strong emotional pull of lust and the affections shared between persons in a homosexual relationship — whatever those affections may be called — cannot properly be called “love.” After all, love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing” (1 Cor. 13:6), and homosexuality is wrongdoing. Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah over what today would be called “private” decisions indicates that lust is a serious social problem.

-	And herein is the ultimate problem with lust: Those overcome with lust “receive in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Rom. 1:27) and will face the Lord as “an avenger in all these things” (1 Thess. 4:6). God keeps “the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:9–10). Lust blinds men to the fact that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a holy God.	+	And herein is the ultimate problem with lust: Those overcome with lust “receive in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Rom. 1:27) and will face the Lord as “an avenger in all these things” (1 Thess. 4:6). God keeps “the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:9–10). Lust blinds men to the fact that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a holy God.

-	What is the antidote to this ensnaring, soul-destroying vice? It is the cultivation of chastity.Cultivating chastity begins with the knowledge of God and His will. The apostle Paul captures this relationship well. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thess. 4:3–5). Unbelieving Gentiles are given over to lust because they do not know God. But those who do know God and His will pursue moral and sexual purity. And how can it be otherwise since God is light and in Himthere is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)?	+	What is the antidote to this ensnaring, soul-destroying vice? It is the cultivation of chastity.Cultivating chastity begins with the knowledge of God and His will. The apostle Paul captures this relationship well. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thess. 4:3–5). Unbelieving Gentiles are given over to lust because they do not know God. But those who do know God and His will pursue moral and sexual purity. And how can it be otherwise since God is light and in Himthere is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)?

-	Moreover, this knowledge of God produces weeping over vice. Consider the Bible’s description of Lot during the days of Sodom and Gomorrah: “That righteous man lived among them day after day…tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard” (2 Peter 2:8). Lust grieved Lot. Likewise, the psalmist wept over the broken law of God in his day (Ps. 119:136). And the true disciples of Christ are the blessed who mourn (Matt. 5:4). They are also the pure in heart who will see God (Matt. 5:8). The road to chastity begins with weeping, but it ends in the beatific vision of God Himself.	+	Moreover, this knowledge of God produces weeping over vice. Consider the Bible’s description of Lot during the days of Sodom and Gomorrah: “That righteous man lived among them day after day…tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard” (2 Peter 2:8). Lust grieved Lot. Likewise, the psalmist wept over the broken law of God in his day (Ps. 119:136). And the true disciples of Christ are the blessed who mourn (Matt. 5:4). They are also the pure in heart who will see God (Matt. 5:8). The road to chastity begins with weeping, but it ends in the beatific vision of God Himself.

-	Christ Jesus gave Himself to purchase a lawless people (Titus 2:14), who are then made clean in conscience, heart, and soul through faith in Him (Heb. 9:13–14; James 4:8). This is why Paul could borrow the image of chastity to describe Christ’s ongoing purification of the Bride (Eph. 5:27) as well as his own labors on behalf of the Corinthian church: “I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). When we see Christ we shall be like Him — pure (1 John 3:2–3).	+	Christ Jesus gave Himself to purchase a lawless people (Titus 2:14), who are then made clean in conscience, heart, and soul through faith in Him (Heb. 9:13–14; James 4:8). This is why Paul could borrow the image of chastity to describe Christ’s ongoing purification of the Bride (Eph. 5:27) as well as his own labors on behalf of the Corinthian church: “I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). When we see Christ we shall be like Him — pure (1 John 3:2–3).

	Thus is the superiority of chastity over lust demonstrated. Lust works its way toward death. Chastity leads to the glories of heaven with Christ Jesus and the Father. Can there really be any doubt as to which path is best?<br>		Thus is the superiority of chastity over lust demonstrated. Lust works its way toward death. Chastity leads to the glories of heaven with Christ Jesus and the Father. Can there really be any doubt as to which path is best?<br>