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Overcoming Lust: A Biblical Guide to Sexual Purity by Pastor Steve Sherman
Overcoming Lust: A Biblical Guide to Sexual Purity
By Pastor Steve Sherman
INTRODUCTION
In a world overflowing with temptation, lust has become one of the most pervasive spiritual battles confronting believers. Sexual impurity is not only a physical sin but also a spiritual contamination that separates us from God’s presence and weakens our moral conviction. Pastor Steve Sherman’s teaching on Purity dives deep into the scriptural foundation for overcoming lust and maintaining a clean heart before God.
THE ROOT OF LUST
Lust begins in the heart. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Lust is not merely an act but a thought process, a desire that if not checked, becomes sin in action. The enemy uses lust as a weapon to destroy destinies, marriages, and ministries.
The root of lust lies in undisciplined thoughts. What you allow your eyes to see and your mind to dwell upon determines your spiritual direction. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Lust begins with what we see, develops through imagination, and is birthed through action.
THE DESTRUCTION OF LUST
Lust promises pleasure but delivers pain. James 1:14–15 warns that when lust conceives, it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished, brings forth death. Lust kills intimacy with God, destroys trust in relationships, and births shame and guilt.
King David’s story in 2 Samuel 11 reminds us that unchecked lust leads to disastrous outcomes. A single look at Bathsheba led to adultery, deceit, and murder. Lust blinds judgment and corrupts character. It breaks down the moral barrier between right and wrong.
THE CALL TO PURITY
God’s Word calls His people to holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4 says, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
Purity is not just abstaining from physical sin—it is a commitment to live in alignment with God’s heart. It involves renewing the mind through Scripture, guarding the senses, and pursuing righteousness daily.
Romans 12:2 commands us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation happens when we consistently feed on the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse our thoughts and desires.
STEPS TO OVERCOME LUST
- Confession and Repentance:
Admit your struggle before God. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Repentance opens the door for restoration. - Guarding Your Eyes and Mind:
Job 31:1 declares, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Discipline what you watch, read, and entertain. - Flee from Temptation:
2 Timothy 2:22 urges us to “flee also youthful lusts.” Avoid places, conversations, or relationships that fuel temptation. - Accountability:
Surround yourself with godly friends who will hold you accountable. Confide in mentors or spiritual leaders who can pray with you and offer guidance. - Consistent Prayer and Fasting:
Prayer subdues the flesh and strengthens the spirit. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). - Renewal through the Word:
Fill your mind with Scripture. When your mind is full of the Word, there’s no room for lustful thoughts to take root. - Depend on the Holy Spirit:
Galatians 5:16 instructs, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” It is the Spirit who empowers us to live victoriously.
VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST
Through Christ, we have the power to overcome. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” Victory over lust is not achieved by willpower but through divine empowerment.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross broke the power of sin. When we accept His grace and rely on the Holy Spirit, our hearts are purified, and our desires realigned with God’s will.
Purity is possible—not by human strength, but by surrender. As we yield daily to God, we are transformed into His image, living testimonies of His sanctifying power.
LIVING IN CONTINUAL PURITY
Purity is not a one-time event; it is a daily choice. Psalm 119:9 asks, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
Keep your spiritual armor on. Feed your spirit more than your flesh. Avoid spiritual compromise. Purity opens the door to divine revelation, deeper intimacy with God, and lasting joy.
When we live pure lives, we become vessels of honour—fit for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21).
Prayer for Sexual Purity
Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging that I am weak in my flesh, but strong in You. Lord, You know every secret struggle, every temptation, and every failure that has tried to stain my life. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Let the fire of Your holiness burn away every lustful desire, every impure thought, and every ungodly craving within me. I choose this day to present my body as a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable unto You, which is my reasonable service.
Father, fill my heart with the love that conquers lust. Let my eyes behold only what glorifies You. Deliver me from every unclean association, every secret addiction, every digital trap, and every enticement of darkness. Let my mind be renewed daily by Your Word, that I may walk in righteousness all my days.
Surround me, Lord, with Your divine hedge of protection. Keep me accountable, humble, and steadfast. Let my appetite be for Your presence, my longing be for Your Spirit, and my joy be in obedience to You.
In the name of Jesus, I command every demonic power fueling lust in my life to lose its grip now. Every spirit of seduction, immorality, and shame—be uprooted from my life in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Lord, I thank You because You have washed me clean. The chains are broken, the addiction is over, and the victory is mine. From today, my heart, my thoughts, and my body will glorify You alone. Amen.
Declarations of Victory
- I declare that I am set free from the spirit of lust.
- I am a vessel of purity, consecrated for the Master’s use.
- I am delivered from every secret battle of the flesh.
- My eyes are sanctified; my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
- I am no longer bound by guilt or shame; the blood of Jesus has cleansed me.
- Every demonic influence that once controlled me has been destroyed.
- I receive a fresh hunger for holiness and righteousness.
- The love of God reigns in my heart; lust no longer has power over me.
- I declare that my past is forgiven, my present is purified, and my future is secured.
- The fire of the Holy Ghost keeps my life burning in purity and truth.
The Final Charge – A Call to Purity
Beloved, this generation is drowning in the flood of sensuality and moral decay. But the call of God remains the same: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). The true revival we seek will not come through miracles or signs alone—it will come through holiness.
Sexual purity is not old-fashioned; it is heaven’s standard for those who will carry divine power. The enemy may tempt you with pleasure, but that pleasure is poison wrapped in beauty. The price of purity may seem high, but the cost of impurity is destruction.
Keep your body under subjection. Guard your eyes, your heart, and your mind. Let your relationships honour Christ. Be the example of holiness in your generation. You don’t need to follow the world to feel loved; you are already accepted by the One who died for you.
Rise up today as a soldier of purity. Let your voice, your choices, and your testimony become a message of hope to others struggling in silence. You can live pure in this impure world—through the power of Jesus Christ.
Remember, purity is not just about avoiding sin—it is about walking in power, peace, and purpose. When you choose purity, you choose God. And when you choose God, you choose life, destiny, and glory.
Final Benediction:
May the Lord preserve you blameless—spirit, soul, and body—unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the grace to stand in holiness, the wisdom to discern temptation, and the strength to overcome every ungodly desire rest upon you forever.
From this day forward, may your life reflect the purity of Christ, your steps be ordered by the Spirit, and your testimony inspire generations.
You are pure.
You are free.
You are victorious.
You are God’s vessel of holiness and light.
In Jesus’ mighty name—Amen.
CONCLUSION
Pastor Steve Sherman reminds us that lust is defeated not by secrecy or shame, but by surrender and sanctification. True purity is not perfection but progression—walking daily in the light of God’s Word and allowing His grace to transform us from within.
As believers, let us rise as examples of godly purity in a corrupted generation. May our lives reflect the beauty of holiness, and may the fire of the Holy Spirit burn away every impurity within us.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (KJV)
✅ Originally written and taught by Pastor Steve Sherman
✝️ Republished and reformatted for odmdaily.com Gospel Blog (2025 Edition)
