Lust

The unregenerate (preconversion) life is governed by deceitful lusts or desires (Ephesians 4:22; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 3:5; Titus 2:12 ). Following conversion, such fleshly desires compete for control of the individual with spiritual desires (Galatians 5:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:22 ). 1 John 2:16-17 warns that desires of the flesh and eyes are not from God and will pass away with the sinful world. Here lust or desire includes not only sexual desire but also other vices such as materialism. James 1:14-15 warns that desire is the beginning of all sin and results in death. Jesus warned that one who lusts has already sinned ( Matthew 5:28 ). Part of God's judgment on sin is to give persons over to their own desires (Romans 1:24 ). Only the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer makes victory over sinful desires possible (Romans 8:1-2 ).