Lust is an unlawful desire that leads us away from God’s will. The Bible provides clear guidance on how to handle lust. In 1 Corinthians 10:6-10, Paul outlines four ways we should not engage in lust, using the examples of the Israelites to illustrate the consequences of such behavior. Let’s explore these four “neithers” to better understand how to navigate lust in our lives.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” (1 Corinthians 10:6)
1. Neither Lust with Our Hearts (1 Corinthians 10:7)
“Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”
Our hearts are the center of our desires and affections. The Israelites turned their hearts to idolatry, worshiping the golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32). This idolatry led them away from God and into sin. Protecting our hearts from lust means guarding them against other “gods” that try to take the place of the true God. By keeping our hearts focused on God and not allowing other desires to take His place, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and lust.
2. Neither Lust with Our Flesh (1 Corinthians 10:8)
“Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.”
The Israelites engaged in fornication with the Moabite women, leading to a plague that killed twenty-three thousand of them in one day (Numbers 25). Lusting with our flesh leads to actions that defile our bodies. Fornication and other sinful acts stem from uncontrolled desires of the flesh. By submitting our bodies to God’s control, we can avoid the pitfalls the judgements of fleshly lust.
3. Neither Lust with Our Minds (1 Corinthians 10:9)
“Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.”
The Israelites tempted Christ by complaining and doubting God’s provision in the wilderness, leading to their destruction by fiery serpents (Numbers 21:4-6). Our minds can rationalize and justify sinful desires.
Lusting with our minds involves using our logic to excuse behaviors that go against God’s commandments. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of doubting or challenging Christ’s leadership and justifying it as acceptable.
Renewing our minds with scripture helps us align our thoughts with God’s will and resist the urge to rationalize sin.
4. Neither Lust with Our Mouths (1 Corinthians 10:10)
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”
Lust can also be expressed through our words. The Israelites murmured and complained against God and Moses, leading to their destruction by the destroyer (Numbers 16:41-49). Murmuring, complaining, and speaking against God’s will are forms of lust that manifest through ungrateful mouths. Speaking words of faith and thanksgiving instead of complaining keeps our speech in line with God’s desires.
By understanding these four neithers, we can better guard our hearts, flesh, minds, and mouths against unlawful desires. Let us seek God’s help in overcoming lust and living a life that pleases Him.
