Bible Verses About Lust Of The Flesh

Lust of the flesh is a common struggle for many Christians. In this context, Lust can mean anything from sexual desires to unhealthy cravings for power, money, or material possessions.

As believers, we are called to live a life of purity, free from the bondage of sin or earthly desires and focus on our spiritual well-being.

See also: Prayer Against Impure Thoughts

In this article, we will share with you some key Bible verses about lust of the flesh, what the bible says about lust of the flesh, consequences of Lust, and how to overcome it.

What is Lust of the Flesh?

Lust of the flesh is a desire for sinful or fleshly pleasures. It can manifest in various ways, such as sexual immorality, addiction, gluttony, and materialism.

The Bible warns us against giving in to the lusts of the flesh, as it leads to death and destruction.

Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

How can we overcome Lust of the Flesh?

Here are a few things we can do to get rid of lust:

Walk by the Spirit: As mentioned in Galatians 5:16-17, we are to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. We should seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and actions.

Flee from temptation: In 1 Corinthians 6:18, it says, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” A call to action for all Christians to flee from all forms of sexual temptation and instead honor God with their bodies
Renew our minds: Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” We are encouraged to renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word daily and to reject the lies of the world.
Seek accountability: James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” We must seek accountability with fellow believers who can support and encourage us in our walk with God.

Prayer: Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We should always pray for God’s strength and guidance in overcoming temptation.

Examples Of Lust Of The Flesh In The Bible

they that are in the flesh cannot please God

David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) – King David, while walking on the roof of his palace, saw Bathsheba bathing and was overcome with lust. He inquired about her, found out she was married, and still decided to sleep with her. This act led to a series of sins, including deceit and murder, ultimately causing the death of their first child and severe consequences for David’s family.
Samson and Delilah (Judges 16) – Samson, a man of great physical strength, fell victim to his lust for Delilah. In the story, the Philistines hired Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, and after several attempts, she finally succeeded. Samson’s lust for Delilah led to his capture, blindness, and death.

The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) – The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of their rampant sexual immorality and wickedness. The people’s lustful desires led to their ruin; hence, this story serves as a reminder of the consequences of a nation disobeying God’s commandments.
Lot’s daughters and incest (Genesis 19:30-38) – After fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s daughters, fearing they would never have children, got their father drunk and slept with him to become pregnant. Their lustful desires led to the birth of Moab and Ammon, whose descendants became long-time enemies of Israel.
The sin of Achan (Joshua 7) – Achan, an Israelite soldier, disobeyed God’s command not to take any spoils from the battle of Jericho. Overcome by greed, he took valuable items and hid them in his tent. His lust for material possessions led to the defeat of Israel in their next battle and ultimately to his death, along with his family.

Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
1 John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
James 1:14-15 – “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

Matthew 5:28 – “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

Ephesians 2:3 – “Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
2 Timothy 2:22 – “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

1 Peter 2:11 – “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Romans 8:5 – “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”

Proverbs 6:25 – “Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.”
Job 31:1 – “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

10 Quotes Relating to Lust Of The Flesh

“You cannot satisfy your lust for possessions by gaining more possessions.”
“Lust is the craving for salt of a man who is dying of thirst.” – Frederick Buechner
“Lust is a poor, weak, whimpering whispering thing compared with that richness and energy of desire which will arise when lust has been killed.” – C.S. Lewis

“Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Lust is an enemy to the purse, a foe to the person, a canker to the mind, a corrosive to the conscience, a weakness of the wit, a besotter of the senses.” – Pliny the Elder
“The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life drain our resources, our energy, and our love for the Lord.” – Billy Graham

“He that strives not to stem his anger’s tide, does a wild horse without a bridle ride.” – Horace
“Lust is a shackle that holds its captive fast in chains; the more it is obeyed, the stronger the chains become.” – Augustine of Hippo
“The lust of avarice has so totally seized upon mankind that their wealth seems rather to possess them than they possess their wealth.” – Pliny the Elder