Most time folks think that it\’s the work of the devil when you are into the temptation of the flesh without realizing that things gets wrong in life, it is not always the attributes of the devil or evil spirit. There is the manipulation of evil spirit in the life of a person yet there are the lust of the flesh which manifest in the work of the flesh in human due to their own attributes
In the book of Galatians 5; 17-21; The bible talked about the lust of the flesh and how it is evidenced in the work being manifested in the flesh, these are Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lewdness, Idolatry, Sorcery, Hatred, Contentions, Jealousies, Outburst of wrath, Selfish ambitions , Dissension, Heresies, Envy, Murders, Drunkenness, Revelries and the likes of which i tell you before hand, just as I also told you in time past that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God\”.
Lust in the literal meaning and for the purpose I want us to understand it, is a \”Desire\” meaning a lust of the flesh which is a sinful desire, the lust of the \”Old Man\” nature as such a desire that is contrary to the will of God.
\”….But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his desire and enticed , then when desire has conceived it gives birth to sin when sin is fully grown it brings forth death\”. (James 1:13-15). Paul\’s advice to the Ephesians was that they put of the traits of the \”Old Man\” which is the flesh of man\’s un-regenerated nature then he went ahead to list some of those tendencies and put them in check in other to enjoy the dominion of a recreated spirit. (Ephesians 4:25-32) .
The irony of life often time when such lust is not checked and controlled in the life of a believer they take an easy way out by saying is the work of the devil in other to shy away from taking responsibility and exonerate their self involvement and blame it on Satan. In the book of Genesis chapter 3 verses 1-6, when Satan came to tempt or deceive the woman to lure her out to a rebellious attitude, the devil tried to conscientise the woman\’s mind and confuse her to believe that they have been deprived or denied of their right to be like God and since the woman had no direct communion with God as such did not looked up to God for direction,she failed to the trap of the deceiver and made her self vulnerable to Satan. In the true sense , she did not desire [lust] to be like God by eating the forbidden fruit rather she was deceived to have taken the fruit forbidden them from eating by God. (Genesis 3:1-6).
\”People who live following their sinful selves think only about what they want, but those who live following the spirit are thinking about what the spirit wants them to do. If your thinking is controlled by your sinful self there is spiritual death but if your thinking is controlled by the spirit there is life and peace…any one whose thinking is controlled by their sinful self is against God\”. (Romans 8:5-7).
Lust is a sinful desire which is drawn out of self desire which is according to the dictates of the flesh not devil inspired. However one of the ways to put on the \”New Man\” is by the renewal of your mind according to the word of God in Romans 12 : 1-2 \”I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of god that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable services. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God\”. In other to keep off those evil tendencies and attitudes under check and allow the new man in you to be dominated by the Holy Spirit so that you will not allow the desire of the flesh to drawn you away from God\’s desire for your life, you must be ready to walk in the light of the word of God. Cheers and be Blessed as you Read Amen.