Dealing with Lust The Sermon on the Mount Series [13] Matthew 5:27-30 February 7, 2016 © February 7, 2016 Pastor Paul K. Kim Pastor Paul K. Kim

PURSUING HEART-RIGHTEOUSNESS IN KEEPING THE LAW “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you.” (Matt. 5:21-48) Three Key Principles:  Follow the spirit of the law—not just the letter.  Change the heart (thoughts, attitudes, & motives)—not just the behavior.  Obey actively (to imitate God)—not just passively (to avoid sin).

ADULTERY AND LUST Its distorted interpretation of Pharisees [“You have heard it was said...”]: “‘You shall not commit adultery.’” (v. 27)  They restricted its application to the act of extramarital sex.  These restrictions allowed them to keep this law on the superficial level, which resulted in feeling self-righteous. Its true meaning & deeper application [“…but I say to you…”]: “...everyone who looks at a woman lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (v. 28)  Prohibition: not just the act but lust in heart.  Equivalence: a breach of the 7th Commandment [= committing adultery].  Progression: A sin in heart is the root of sins of behavior—lust is a sin in heart, which is the root of sexual and relational sins that defy the sacred oneness of marriage.  Spirit of this law: sexual purity in heart and deeds.

SEX IS NOT THE PROBLEM—LUST IS! Reclaiming a biblically sound view on sex:  Sex is God’s beautiful, powerful, sacred gift—designed exclusively for marriage.  Sex drive is a good thing—but misused sex-drive is lust, which is sinful.  Sex within marriage ought to be celebrated and helpful in fighting lust (1 Cor. 7:5). When does a “look” become lust?  When we surrender our will to a misplaced sex drive.  When we disregard the inevitable progression of misplaced sex drive.  When we let a bird “nest” on our head. The peril of our day: sexuality out of control  Moral relativism = NO absolute standard for sexual ethics.  Over-sexualized culture: entertainment, marketing, multi-billion dollar porn/sex industry, internet, etc.

MOVING FROM LUST TO SEXUAL PURITY “...tear out your right eye and cut off your right hand...”(vs ) Jesus uses a strong figure of speech here to stress the seriousness of sin and our need for ruthless moral self-denial. It calls for not mutilation but mortification of sin. “Mortification of sin” = to reject sinful practices so resolutely that we put to death misdeeds of body (cf. Romans 8:13; Col. 3:5): 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12-13

MOVING FROM LUST TO SEXUAL PURITY “...tear out your right eye and cut off your right hand...”(vs ) Jesus uses a strong figure of speech here to stress the seriousness of sin and our need for ruthless moral self-denial. It calls for not mutilation but mortification of sin. “Mortification of sin” = to reject sinful practices so resolutely that we put to death misdeeds of body (cf. Romans 8:13; Col. 3:5):  Weakening the temptation: Do NOT feed the flesh.  Fighting the temptation: ACT decisively and ruthlessly, fleeing temptations rather than wishing it to go away.  Surrendering to the power of the Spirit: trusting and following the Spirit’s desire.

Obviously, our Lord is not talking about literal surgery; for this would not solve the problem in the heart. The eye and the hand are usually the two “culprits” when it comes to sexual sins, so they must be disciplined. Jesus said, “Deal immediately and decisively with sin! Don’t taper off—cut off!” Spiritual surgery is more important than physical surgery, for the sins of the body can lead to eternal judgment. Warren Wiersbe

WHAT IMPLICATIONS DOES JESUS’ RADICAL TEACHING ON LUST HAVE FOR US TODAY? 1) We are to PURSUE SEXUAL PURITY in thoughts, heart and deeds. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20  Make a commitment for “heart” transformation—to pursue the purity beyond act.  Be vigilant in your thought life, entertainment, etc.  Aim to love GOD (with the fear of the LORD) in so doing!

WHAT IMPLICATIONS DOES JESUS’ RADICAL TEACHING ON LUST HAVE FOR US TODAY? 2) We are to PUT TO DEATH LUST at the root level and the first sign of lust. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6  When facing temptations of lust, fight the temptations as if you have actually gouged out your eyes and cut off your hands.  Deny yourself to stay away from your own stumbling blocks for lust: stumbling things stumbling time stumbling places stumbling person(s).

WHAT IMPLICATIONS DOES JESUS’ RADICAL TEACHING ON LUST HAVE FOR US TODAY? 3) We are to PUT ON THE NEW SELF WITH PURITY daily as you put of the old self Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24  If we resist temptation of lust, it will persist—fill yourself with godly passion.  So, key is to FLEE temptations of lust by putting on your new self with purity (new godly cravings), which will indirectly cause your sinful cravings to subside!

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.In what ways are you convinced more of your need for pursuing sexual purity not only in deeds but also in thoughts, attitude, and heart? 2.What would it mean for you to put to death lust at its root level and at the first sign of its temptation? 3.What is one practical way for you to put on the new self with purity as you put off the old self with lust?