John had everything going for him. He had a great job, a loving family, and a beautiful wife.
However, John had a secret struggle that he kept hidden from everyone – he was having an affair with a co-worker.
What started as harmless flirting soon turned into an all-consuming obsession that threatened to destroy everything he held dear.
John tried to end the relationship but failed. Instead, he fell deeper into the trap of lust. He felt helpless and convinced that he would never be free. That was until he turned to God for help.
Through prayer, Bible study, and counseling, John discovered that he was not alone in his struggle. He learned that God had a plan for his life and that he could overcome the spirit of lust with His help.
In this post, I will share the practical, biblical strategies that John used to break free from the grip of lust. These principles are based on Scripture and can help anyone who is struggling with this issue.
Understand That Lust is Obsessive and Unhealthy
The spirit of lust masquerades as love. But it’s a twisted, dangerous counterfeit.
In the Book of 1 Samuel King David‘s son Amnon was tormented by lust for his half-sister Tamar to the point of making him “sick” (2 Samuel 13:2 ESV).
“And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.”
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His obsessive longing for someone off-limits consumed him. This is how lust operates. It breeds a twisted kind of love that’s possessive, demanding, and out of control.
The person in its grasp insists on an unreasonable amount of your time, ignores other responsibilities to be with you, and becomes irrationally jealous if you pay attention to anyone else.
Lust makes you sick. It feels like you can’t live without the other person. But it’s not real love at all – it’s sickness brought about by evil desires.
Demonic Influences Lurk Behind Repeated Sexual Sins
Lust doesn’t operate alone. Demonic powers use temptations like pornography to activate unhealthy sexual desires that will ensnare you.
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) reminds us that:
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
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Just as the Philistines paid Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength (Judges 16:5), demonic forces work tirelessly to trap you through sexual immorality.
Once you open the door through sexual sin, demons will gain access to you. David’s adultery with Bathsheba ushered in disaster for his family (2 Samuel 12:10–12 ESV).
“10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’”
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In the very next chapter, his son Amnon burns with forbidden lust for his half-sister. Battling the same sin repeatedly often points to demonic strongholds that must be broken.
Below find 5 biblical ways to overcome lust and bring every thought captive to the obedience of God resulting in victory!
1. Recognize the Signs of Demonization
How can you tell if demonic powers have established strongholds in your life? One red flag is consistently losing self-control in an area that God’s Word calls sinful.
Remember, the area you lose control over is the area something else already has control over—a demon.
Outbursts of rage, addiction to pornography, compulsive overeating—these signal that a demonic foothold exists.
Of course, your flesh naturally yields to temptations. But when it becomes a pattern you just can’t seem to break free from, a deceitful spiritual power is often involved.
If you feel like something else takes over in those moments of weakness, find godly counsel and seek deliverance through prayer.
Freedom is available if you have a relationship with God!
2. Cry Out to God for Deliverance and Help
Another key to breaking lust’s grip is to humble yourself before God. The Bible says in James 4:7 (NASB),
“Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
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Be ruthlessly honest with God about your struggle. Get on your knees, repent your sins, and cry out for His mercy and help. Confess your powerlessness and ask Him to intervene.
This shatters pride and removes the façade that you have it all together. It’s putting your trust in God and submitting to the Holy Spirit, not by your power.
This kind of raw, vulnerable prayer is essential to overcome lust. Just crying out, ‘Help me!’, can do so much more than not doing anything.
3. Submit Your Desires to God’s Word, Not Your Feelings
Our sex-saturated culture trumpets, “If it feels good, do it!” This is a recipe for disaster. Our feelings can lead us astray.
As Christians, God’s Word – not fleeting emotions – anchors our moral compass. Submitting your sexuality to your spirituality is crucial.
The Word of God prohibited Amnon from intimacy with his half-sister Tamar, no matter how strong his feelings were (Leviticus 18:9 NIV).
“Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.”
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God tells us to avoid sexual immorality as well.
When your emotions clash with what Scripture says humble yourself and accept that God knows best. His commands always lead to blessings, even when it’s difficult to obey.
Next time lustful thoughts arise, remember God’s truth. Don’t construct a twisted theology to justify acting on them.
Anchor yourself in God’s Word and accept the boundaries He has lovingly laid out.
4. Cut Off Bad Influences That Feed Lust
3 Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man. 4 He asked Amnon, “Why do you, the king’s son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I’m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”
2 Samuel 13:3-4 (NIV)
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Amnon listened to his cousin Jonadab’s advice to fake sickness and get Tamar alone. Having friends who encourage your lust is like pouring gasoline on a fire.
If certain people, shows, books or apps stir up lustful thoughts, quit exposing yourself!
Jesus said if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out (Matthew 5:29). Be ruthless if needed.
Guard your eyes and ears. Set up Internet filters on your devices. Leave environments that tempt you to compromise. And limit time with those who inflame lust rather than encourage holiness.
Sin often spreads through bad company. Sever ties with anyone who promotes temptation. Your spiritual health depends on it.
5. Pursue Purity in A Christian Community
Finally, surround yourself with people who spur you toward righteousness. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
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When battling lust, you need accountability. Join a small group at church. Talk to a trusted friend. Meet regularly with a mentor.
The enemy works in isolation, but God’s power is unleashed through Christian communities.
Make this a priority. Proactively pursue friendships that help your walk with Christ. Purity flourishes in good company.
Key Takeaways
- Lust isn’t love – it’s a sickness that completely consumes you.
- Demons target weaknesses like lust to gain influence.
- Losing self-control points to demonic strongholds.
- Cry out to God for deliverance and help.
- Submit your feelings to God’s Word.
- Cut off influences that inflame lust.
- Seek the company of other believers.
Conclusion
The human struggle with lust has tormented Christians for millennia. But God’s Word offers penetrating strategies for escaping its clutches. The battle isn’t easy, but freedom is possible.
Will you take steps to break lust’s hold today? With the Holy Spirit’s power, you can live in increasing purity and wholeness.
You were made for so much more. It’s time to walk in freedom!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible to completely defeat lust?
A. With God’s power, you can walk in consistent victory, but lust will likely knock at your door periodically. Don’t get discouraged!
Remain vigilant and keep your eyes on Jesus. He will help you shut the door each time.
Q. I feel too ashamed about my struggle to confess it. What should I do?
A. Remember that Satan uses shame to keep you trapped in the darkness. Choose a few trusted individuals and muster the courage to confess.
Bringing your struggle into the light is how healing begins. Take that first step!
Q. Are medications or therapy ever legitimate tools to help overcome lustful thoughts?
A. Yes, if legitimate chemical imbalances or past trauma are factored in, medical help can be beneficial alongside spiritual intervention. Pray for wisdom and seek godly counsel on this.
Q. I feel like I’ve tried everything to avoid temptation but still keep failing. Is there any hope for me?
A. There absolutely is hope! God specializes in impossible situations. Cry out to Him from the depths of your soul.
Connect with believers who will support you. And don’t let setbacks stop you. God’s mercies are new every morning – He believes in you!
