Permitted

1
Permitted Prohibited Desire
2
Introduction

• Thomas defines the verb epithumeo as a compound
  of epi intensifier and thumos passion,
  meaning desire, lust after 1937.
• Louw Nida say it means (1) to greatly desire
  to do or have something 25.12 (2) to strongly
  desire to have what belongs to someone else
  and/or to engage in an activity which is morally
  wrong 25.20.

3
Physical Realm

• The desire for physical food is natural (Luke
  1511-16 1619-21).
• The desire for release from physical suffering is
  understandable (Philippians 121-24 cf.
  Revelation 96).

4
Spiritual Realm

• Desire for spiritual association is good (Luke
  1722 2214-16 1 Thessalonians 217-20).
• Desire for spiritual faithfulness is admirable
  (Hebrews 611-12).
• Desire for spiritual oversight is commendable (1
  Timothy 31 cf. 1 Peter 51-4).
• Desire for spiritual understanding is virtuous
  (Matthew 1316-17 1 Peter 110-12).

5
Sinful Desire

• Sinful desire originates with Satan (John 844)
  and with self (James 113-16).

6
Characteristics

• Sinful desire is corrupt (Ephesians 420-24 2
  Peter 14).
• Sinful desire is callous (2 Peter 33-4).
• Sinful desire is carnal (Galatians 516-24 1
  John 215-17).

7
Expressions

• Sinful desire is expressed in sexual immorality
  (Matthew 527-28 1 Thessalonians 43-8).
• Sinful desire is seen in materialistic coveting
  (Mark 418-19 Romans 77-11 1 Timothy 69-10).

8
Participants

• Lusts are the domain of self-indulgent youth (2
  Timothy 220-22).
• Lusts are the defining characteristic of sinful
  humanity (Romans 124-32 Ephesians 21-3 Titus
  33).
• Lusts are a trait of apostate disciples (2
  Timothy 36-7 41-5 James 41-4).
• Lusts are also characteristic of false teachers
  (2 Peter 29-11, 18-19 Jude 16-21).

9
Conclusion

• We must not let sin reign in our mortal bodies so
  that we obey its lusts (Romans 612-13).
• We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no
  provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts
  (Romans 1313-14).
• We must crucify the flesh with its passions and
  desires (Galatians 524-25).
• We must consider ourselves dead to evil desire
  (Colossians 35-7).

10
Conclusion

• We must deny ungodliness and worldly desires
  (Titus 211-14).
• We must not be conformed to the former lusts
  which were ours in ignorance (1 Peter 114-16).
• We must abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war
  against the soul (1 Peter 211-12).
• We must waste no more time in pursuing the lusts
  of men (1 Peter 41-5).