ADULLAM – a 7-Day Devotional for Menنموونە

Lust: Starving the Flesh and Pursuing Holiness

I know this battle too well. Lust was a stronghold in my life—one that took root in how I managed my time, my thoughts, and my devotion to Christ. Time wasted became sin pursued. Scrolling aimlessly led me to places I had no business being. My neglect of prayer and Scripture gave sin an open door, and Satan seized the opportunity. I also recognize that seeds of temptation sown early often reap bitter fruit later. Some of what I was exposed to in my youth awakened sinful desires before their time, and for years, I struggled with looking at women lustfully.

But the biggest lesson I learned? I had to stop deceiving myself. Sin thrives in secrecy, but it dies in confession. I had to be honest before God and cry out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24, English Standard Version). Lust is not just a matter of outward behavior—it is a war for the soul. Our culture tells men that lust is natural, pornography is harmless, and self-control is impossible. But God’s Word teaches that holiness is not only possible—it is commanded.

Jesus declared, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Lust blinds us to the beauty of Christ, but purity fixes our eyes on Him. If we are to grow in sanctification, we must put sin to death (Romans 8:13). John Owen rightly said, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”

Bro, don't make peace with lust—make war against it. Stop feeding what must be starved. Mortify your flesh (Colossians 3:5), renew your mind (Romans 12:2), and discipline your body (1 Corinthians 9:27). Sin cannot reign where Christ rules. Holiness is not legalism; it is evidence of true salvation. If you belong to Jesus, you will fight for purity—not perfectly, but persistently.

Challenge: Starve the flesh. Make war against lust. Cut off whatever is fueling temptation.

Reflection: What areas of your life have you allowed compromise in, and what must you surrender to Christ?