Kryptonite: Week 5

DEVOTIONAL

We are going to focus on relationships. Specifically we are going to talk about something that will hurt the relationships that we are in and our future relationships, too: lust. Next we are going to talk about how to find freedom and break free from the cycle of lust.

We need to make sure that we have a good, working definition for what lust is. Simply put, lust is anything that perverts and twists God’s gift of sex. God gave the gift of sex for a husband and wife to enjoy in the context of marriage. Unfortunately, sin has led our world to take this gift and twist it to make it something that it was not intended to be. Instead of love, many people lust. They value sex more than making a commitment to having a loving, healthy relationship in the way that God designed this to be. Lust hurts us, it hurts the people around us, and it can even destroy present and future relationships if we let it.

Lust is a deadly cycle. It starts with our thoughts and, if we do not get a hold of our thoughts and let it, lust leads us on the path to act on our lustful thoughts and desires. It leads us unhealthy, feeling guilty, shameful, and stuck.

While we may feel stuck, the truth is that there are ways to fight against lust when the temptation comes. I want to talk about three things specifically that we can do to guard against lust and fight against it.

Protect our thoughts

The first thing we have to remember, friends, is to protect our thoughts. You see, the way we think makes all of the difference. One way that we can protect our thoughts is by re-directing our thoughts when we are tempted. This means by getting rid of the things causing us to give in to lust. Matthew 5:27-30 says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into Hell.”

I know, this sounds pretty extreme, right? But Jesus knew how sin of any sort can destroy us. If our smartphone, computer, or t.v. is causing us to sin, we need to take steps to let go of those things, as best as we can to turn away from lust or any other sin we are facing.

Now, this is hard because porn is everywhere. You can have other students who text you something inappropriate, you could be on youtube and something pops up, or watching a movie quickly it can get hot and heavy.

A second way we can protect our thoughts is by focusing on watching and listening to things that point us to Christ. If something you watch or listening to causes us to be tempted to lust, stop watching and listening to it. Start listening to podcasts, music, and sermons that point you to Christ. When your mind is set on Christ, we are thinking of Him and the things of Him and less likely to be focused on lust and other temptations. We can also more easily say “no” when the temptations come. Philippians 4:8 says it this way: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” When we think of these things that are from God, we protect our minds.

Ask for help

The second thing that we have to do is ask for help. If you are struggling with lust, I want you to know that you are not alone. We have to admit when we are struggling. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” When we acknowledge our struggles, we can take steps towards healing and help.
Turn to God first. Ask Him for help. Confess your struggles to God and ask Him to help you fight. Then, talk to your parents and friends who you trust about the things you are struggling with. He wants to help you.

Now, most students here think it isn’t a big deal. I am not as bad as that kid at my school. But don’t let that stop you. That is exactly where the evil one wants you because he knows lust will wreck your life. So talk to a Remix leader even tonight if you need help, or talk to your parents. Ask them to help hold you accountable in your struggles. Ask them to help you fight against lust. You are not alone. When you ask for help, you are inviting others on your journey who can help carry you as you fight through it.

Focus on Jesus

Finally, and this is the most important: Focus on Jesus. Set your eyes, your minds, and your hearts on Christ. When you learn how to drive, one of the first things you learn is that you move in the direction you are looking. If you are looking to the left, you will move towards the left. If you look towards the right, you move towards the right. When you look straight, as you should be looking, you drive straight. In the same way, when you look towards Christ, you move in the direction towards Him and away from sins and temptations, including lust. Psalm 119:11 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we live according to Christ and His word, we move in the direction towards Him. Don’t you want to move in the direction that leads you towards Christ?

Lust is real and it is destructive, but we do not have to feel stuck there. We can protect our minds, ask for help, and turn to Christ and receive help in the battle against lust. You are not alone.

BREAK THE ICE

Describe your day like you are in a Hallmark movie?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS 

1. What are some differences between love and lust? Explain.

2. What are ways that lust can destroy our relationships? Give examples.

3. Read Matthew 5:27-30. Do you think you take lust seriously? Explain.

Matthew 5:27-30
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

4. Read Philippians 4:8. Do you usually think about the things in this verse? Why or why not?

Philippians 4:8
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

5. In the battle against lust, and any sin, really, we need to ask for help. Who is someone you can turn to for help when you are struggling?

6. The closer we step towards God, the easier it becomes to say “no” when we are tempted. What is one step you can take this week to step closer to God?

MOVING FORWARD

During the message today we talked about three ways to fight against lust: protect your mind, ask for help, and focus on Jesus. Pick an area you would like to focus on this week and think of one way you can grow in that area over the next week. Share this with your group. When everyone has shared, pray together that you all would have courage to take these steps this week.