1. Matthew 5:27-30 LUST: A DEADLY SEED

2. Manifestations of Lust definition: “to long for things forbidden” lust is at the root of many other sins adultery, fornication, homosexuality, sexual assault, pornography, immodest dress, lasciviousness fornication – sexual relationship outside of marriage immodest dress – clothing which falls short of God’s standards of decency lasciviousness – activities by which the lusts of the flesh would be stirred, including dancing, mixed swimming, passionate kissing, and many movies, music, and books

3. The Loving Gift of Marriage man was rightly created a sexual being and it was pure (Gen. 2:22-25)(James 1:17) but only within marriage relationship (Heb. 13:4) lust perverts God’s good creation (1 Cor. 6:13-20) perverts the spiritual fellowship we have with Christ perverts the physical intimacy we have with our spouse (or our future spouse) (1 Cor. 7:2-4)

4. The Perversion of Marriage lust takes away from what belongs to each other physical intimacy emotional intimacy “ONE FLESH”

5. The Perversion of Marriage lust takes away from what belongs to each other immodest dress pornographyromance novels emotional intimacy infidelity

6. The Perversion of Marriage lust may also callous us to the good of marriage being surrounded by sin will greatly impact our ability to recognize other sin (1 Cor. 15:33)(Gal. 6:7-8)(Eph. 5:11-17) ex: young man claims to have no problem with the immodesty of mixed swimming, being so used to it if true, then lack of response will carry over into marriage save your (future) marriage and flee! (2 Tim. 2:22)(Job 31:1) ex: Lot and his daughters (2 Pet. 2:6-9)(Gen. 19:30-38) physical intimacy emotional intimacy “ONE FLESH” pornography fornication adultery etc. lasciviousness immodest dress

7. How to Overcome These Dangers if you are married remember that the intimacy of marriage is holy and good, and should be a source of joy (Prov. 5:15-19) and a line of defense (1 Cor. 7:5) if you are single make a commitment to guard your purity (1 Thess. 4:1-4), and first establish an intimacy with Christ (1 Cor. 7:34) if you are divorced, i.e., ineligible for marriage recognize the exceeding value of your relationship with Christ (Eph. 5:22-32), and be especially cautious

8. How to Overcome These Dangers if you are or have been guilty of these sins with acknowledgement and repentance, God promises to forgive us completely (1 Jn. 1:9)(Acts 8:22) trust that the power of God’s grace and His word can purify your heart, life, and marriage (1 Cor. 6:9-11) if you are not yet a Christian you are not yet part of the family of God, and therefore unable to receive cleansing and grace for any sin make a commitment to a new life of faith through repentance, confession of faith, and baptism (Rom. 6:1-6)