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How does Scripture Describe Improper Desires for Physical Pleasure?

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
8 hours ago3 min read

What are some of the idols of the heart?

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 2 - Repent Before God, Question 7, p. 30

In today's world, the allure of physical pleasure can often lead individuals astray, away from a life centered on spiritual growth and Christ-like virtues. One of the common idols presented in Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation is Improper Desires for Physical Pleasure. The Scripture offers clear guidance on how to recognize and resist these improper desires. Three key passages—1 John 2:15-17, Galatians 5:16-21, and Ephesians 4:17-20—provide insight into the nature of these cravings and the spiritual consequences they carry.


1 John 2:15-17 warns believers against the love of the world and its temptations: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." This passage emphasizes that the cravings for physical pleasure and worldly things are fleeting and ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness. True fulfillment is found in doing God's will and remaining in His love.


Galatians 5:16-21 further elaborates on the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the destructive nature of living according to the flesh, listing specific behaviors that distance us from God's kingdom. It calls believers to walk by the Spirit, which empowers us to overcome these improper desires.


Ephesians 4:17-20 also speaks to the transformation required for those in Christ: "Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!" This passage highlights the necessity of renewing our minds and turning away from the futile and impure practices common among those who do not know God. Instead, we are called to live in the light of Christ's teachings.


Despite the strong warnings against improper desires for physical pleasure, there is hope and redemption through the Gospel. Romans 8:1 proclaims, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance reminds us that in Christ, we are forgiven and set free from the power of sin, including the cravings of the flesh. By relying on the Holy Spirit and embracing our identity in Christ, we can overcome these desires and live a life that honors God.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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