Matters Of The Heart-3-The Lure Of Lust

On this podcast, Pastor Brad will be teaching us about The Lure Of Lust. Part three of his series on the Matters Of The Heart. But first, we will hear from Misty Burdette and the miracle that God has done in her life.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT: Matthew 5:27-30 NKJV
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,[a] ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[b] 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everyone!
I’m so glad that you’re here today. I’m loving this series. It has been challenging, to say the least, because Jesus is going straight for the jugular. He isn't sparing us any room to wiggle. He is going for the heart. That’s why this series is entitled “Matters Of The Heart”.
Today is no different. I have warned and let parents know that today is a pg-13 type message. I am quite certain that some will not like what I have to say. Some may ever say that the subject matter is “inappropriate”. I’m sure it will make you squirm in the seat a little.
We are in the mess we are in today because the church has been to silent on subjects we deem as TABOO.
Therefore, I will not be silent on a subject that even Jesus tackled and dealt with- That is the subject of adultery, pornography, and sexual sin.

ILLUSTRATION
It’s quite obvious that today's society is a sex saturated culture.
From commercials, magazine covers, and food advertisements, the human body has been used to sell products. Quite obviously, this is not new. Pornographic images have been found in the oldest of the Egyptian pyramids.
Not many years ago, you'd have to go to a smutty part of town to get pornographic material.
Today, free pornography is available via cell phones, computers, ipads, and televisions.
Parents would be wise to check behind their children to see what kinds of material they are viewing.
NOTE: Who cares if they say you are invading their privacy. If you live at my house and I pay for it, you have no privacy! Say amen, somebody!
No healthy parent wants to think about his child viewing pornography, but it often happens. Some researchers have stated that the average age of exposure to pornography is down to 8.
To be completely transparent, that's the age I remember being exposed to that kind of material from a family member.
IT IS A BIG DEAL!

64% of self-identified Christian men and 15% of self-identified Christian women view pornography at least once a month (compared to 65% of non-Christian men and 30% of non-Christian women).
37% of Christian men and 7% of Christian women view pornography at least several times a week (compared to 42% of non-Christian men and 11% of non-Christian women).
Apparently in this sexually saturated culture, lust is not just a problem for the lost, but in the church.
And don’t you dare think that the issue of lust and pornography is only an issue for men: 50 Shades Of Grey was marketed to women!

TRANSITION
Paul told Timothy
2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV)
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

To flee means to run!

Be like Joseph in Potiphar’s house. You must take off running. You CANNOT put any confidence in your flesh.

BACKGROUND
In our text, Jesus makes no bones about this issue. He is dealing with adultery amongst other things. Jesus makes it very clear that there’s more than just the action of physical adultery or murder. It’s what is in the heart.
Why?
Because the heart will eventually manifest into words and ultimately actions.

APPLICATION


DON’T DO IT!

- Adultery is defined as all sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage.
- It is certainly the physical act of sex.
- it is breaking a covenant made to God and your spouse.
- Single people can commit adultery as well. It’s not just a married thing.
- Sex is good in context. God designed our bodies to work together. Outside of parameters, we open ourselves us to diseases, mistrust, abuse, divorce, among other things.
- It’s simply not worth it!

2.   DON’T ENTERTAIN IT!
-Actions begin in the mind, and what we allow in our eyes and ears affects our mind.
- Genesis 13:13 - Lot LOOKED toward Sodom. The next thing you read, he's there!
- What you constantly put in front of you will eventually become your reality.
- “It doesn't hurt if you only look.” Not true. Never forget:
- That is someones child.
- You are objectifying the human body.  
- You are rewiring your brain to respond to stimuli differently, and will affect your relationships.
- You are destroying trust.

3.   DON’T PUT UP WITH IT!
- Cut your hand off.
- Pluck your eye out.
Those things sound drastic, don't they? Well, they are!
We forget that we must also take part in our spiritual sanctification.
- How does that translate today? If your tv, internet, or devices are causing you to stumble, it would be better to get rid of them.

CONCLUSION