The Consuming Fire: Understanding Sinful Desires
Brothers and sisters, today we confront the uncomfortable truth of our fallen nature, exploring the destructive power of sinful desires. These desires, like a consuming fire, can lead us astray, corrupting our lives and separating us from God.
A. Burning and Deceitful Desire (Ephesians 4:22)
• Ephesians 4:22 speaks of "the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." These are desires that masquerade as good, useful, or beautiful, but ultimately lead to destruction.
• These desires can manifest in seemingly noble pursuits, like the desire to do good works or be a good person, but without a foundation in God's Word, they become self-serving and ultimately deceitful.
• A common example is the confusion of lust with love, the "making love" that disregards the sanctity of true intimacy.
• Our lives must be guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, not by the fleeting and deceptive desires of our sinful nature. We must put off the old self and put on the new, created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
B. Burning and Evil Desire (Colossians 3:5)
• Colossians 3:5 warns against "evil desires." These are desires that drive us towards all forms of wickedness.
• The examples of Herod, Nero, and Hitler demonstrate the destructive power of unchecked evil desires.
• Even seemingly small acts, like cursing others, reveal the presence of this evil desire within us.
• Even believers can struggle with these desires, highlighting the constant need for vigilance and reliance on God's strength.
C. Lust: Burning Desire (1 Thessalonians 4:5)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:5 speaks of "passionate lust." This refers to sexual immorality in all its forms.
• Lust has brought down empires, destroyed lives, and corrupted societies throughout history.
• It was a contributing factor to the flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and God's command to the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites.
• Even today, lust continues to destroy believers, pastors, churches, and families, and it fuels the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
D. Burning Desire That Corrupts (2 Peter 1:3-4)
• 2 Peter 1:3-4 speaks of the "corruption in the world caused by evil desires." The word "corruption" signifies decay, putrefaction, and rot.
• Sinful desires lead to the degeneration of our physical and material lives, resulting in promiscuity, violence, and societal breakdown.
• These desires rot everything they touch.
E. Unclean Burning Desire (2 Peter 2:10)
• 2 Peter 2:10 describes those who "follow the corrupting desires of the sinful nature and despise authority." These are those who disregard holiness.
• This unclean desire manifests in both:
◦ Corporal uncleanness: Engaging in sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, smoking, alcoholism, and other vices.
◦ Spiritual uncleanness: Participating in idolatrous practices, witchcraft, and demonic connections.
The Path to Freedom:
• Recognize the Deception: We must acknowledge the deceitful nature of sinful desires and refuse to be led astray.
• Seek the Holy Spirit's Guidance: We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, aligning them with God's Word.
• Put Off the Old Self: We must actively reject the old patterns of behavior and thought that fuel sinful desires.
• Put On the New Self: We must embrace the new life offered in Christ, cultivating righteousness and holiness.
• Guard Our Hearts: We must be vigilant, guarding our hearts against the temptations of the world.
- Preaching on "High Places": Spiritual Strongholds in Our Lives
- Preaching on Teraphim Worship in the Bible
- Preaching on Adam: Image, Fall, and Redemption
Conclusion
Let us renounce the consuming fire of sinful desires and embrace the purifying fire of God's love. Let us walk in the light of His truth, seeking holiness and righteousness in all that we do. Amen.
