Colossians 3:1-5; 1 Peter 2:11-12; 1 John 2:15-17

Introduction:

1. Like so many of Satan’s weapons, fleshly lusts present problems to every one of us.

2. As with causes of discouragement, not everyone will face the same fleshly desires, so we must sharpen our senses to recognize the broad range of possibilities (Hebrews 5:14).

3. In this discussion, we seek to learn how to long for the right things.

Discussion:

I. Properly Appraising the Material World

A. All three of our primary passages lift the eyes of our souls heavenward.

B. To win this internal war we must properly appraise the world and our place in it.

1. We must remember where our true home is (1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:19-21).

2. Then we must set our hearts on that home (Colossians 3:1-3; Matthew 6:19ff).

3. To do so, we must fight our affection for worldly things and recognize the catastrophic consequences of such affection (1 John 2:15-17; Colossians 3:5-6).

II. Developing a Zero Tolerance Attitude

A. The language of the New Testament is clear as to our view of fleshly lusts.

B. We must go “scorched earth” and make no provision for these things (Romans 13:14).

1. We are to abstain from the fleshly lusts at war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11).

2. We are to die to such things and put such things to death (Colossians 3:3-5; Romans 6:6; 8:13; 13:14; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14-15).

3. This is no passive action as God demands we abhor evil things (Romans 12:9).

III. Filling the Void

A. It is insufficient to put off worldly things, as this will leave a void.

B. In addition to what is to be eliminated, Scripture tells us what is to be embraced.

1. With the old self put off, the new self is put on (Colossians 3:8-16; Ephesians 4:21-24).

2. We abstain from fleshly lusts, and we embrace honorable conduct (1 Peter 2:12).

3. We replace love for the world with love for God (1 John 2:15-17; 5:1-3).

Conclusion:

1. With so much at stake, we cannot afford to carry worldly attitudes in this life.

2. We will never stop longing, so we must long for the things of God (Matthew 6:33).