Do not love the world or the things in this world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's possessions--is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16)
Lust is one of the thieves of joy we're spending time exposing this summer. The word lust has, like much of our culture, been sexualized. But in this passage, John views it from a wider scope. One definition states that lust is "a passionate or overmastering desire or craving."
Here's 7 thoughts from Sunday's sermon:
Lust sells you the lie that there are no limits.
"There will not be joy without contentment, but our society and economy thrives on our discontentment. If you're not happy with one cow, you won't be happy with 100." - Josh Ballard
This world, limited by lust, is passing away, but Jesus provides truly limitless life.
Our work is to believe that Jesus conquers lust in us with limits.
Instead of first asking 'what should I limit?' ask 'What is the enemy causing me to lust after?'
It will likely be a series of limits, not a single limitation that lead to conquering lust in your life.
When you limit yourself, you make room to be filled by a limitless Spirit.
Jesus sees our hearts lusting for more in this world and offers us himself. He limited his own power as God, so that you and I can be reconciled to God. When we believe he can conquer the lust in our hearts, limits become things that restore and complete our joy!