Gal. 5:16-26, Lust or a Godly Desire? (1)

Having considered “covetousness” let’s consider “lust.”  he first use of the term “epithumia” to start our thinking: “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19).

There are legitimate “cares” in this life (1 Cor. 7:32; cf. post on Aug. 26-27, 2025).  Likewise, riches can be used to do good and store up a good foundation in heaven (1 Tim. 6:18-19)..  Likewise, “other things” are not necessarily sinful.  The issue Jesus says is the “desire” for other things.  What desire?  The word Jesus used is “lust/epithumia.”  If I say “lust” (and that is translation translation of this word) you think sin.  But there are at least three uses where this word is a good desire: Luke 22:15, Phil. 1:23, and 1 Th. 2:17.

Thus, we must see “desire” as seated in the soul or heart.  The Christian can only follow his heart if he knows it is submitted to Christ.  Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward (Jer. 7:24).  God did not make us to be lifeless-zombies.  “Desire” is a critical part of life.  This can be a powerful study as you note how a believer can live a life that pleases God. 

epithumia (fem. noun): lust, desire, longing (usually but not always evil)

·       Mk.4:19: the lusts of other things choke the word

·       Lk.22:15: Jesus: "with desire I have desired (verb form) to eat Passover w/you"

·       Jn.8:44: Jesus to Jews: the lusts of your father (Satan) you will do

·       Rom.1:24: man unclean thru lust of his heart

·       Rom.6:12: don't let sin rule that you obey its lusts

·       Rom 7:7,8: I would not have known coveting if law didn't say don't covet (verb form); but sin made me covet

·       Rom 13:14: put on Christ, make no provision for flesh to fulfill it's lusts

·       Gal.5:16: walk in Spirit & you won't fulfill lust of flesh

·       Gal 5:24: Christians have crucified flesh w/its affections & lusts

·       Eph 2:3: time past lived a life in lusts of flesh

·       Eph 4:22: put off old man who is corrupt acc. to deceitful lusts

·       Phil 1:23: Paul's desire to be with Christ

·       Col 3:5: mortify your members: fornication....evil desires....etc

·       1 Th. 2:17: Paul's great desire to see their faces

·       1 Th 4:5: possess vessel w/honor, not in lust of sensuality

·       1 Tim 6:9: rich fall into many hurtful lusts

·       2 Tim 2:22: flee youthful lusts

·       2 Tim 3:6: silly women laden w/sin, led away w/various lusts