Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:28
Jesus continued teaching and said this in Matthew 5:28, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus left no doubt where sin starts in our lives, and sin does not start with the act, but sin starts within our minds. Our minds are where the battles with temptation always begin. God created our minds, so He knows how powerful they are. As Jesus spoke, He made it clear that lustful thoughts are just as sinful as lustful actions. God tells us how our minds must be prepared for our battles. God says in 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” God says that though we live in the fleshly shell we currently inhabit, that is not where our battles begin. God reminds us that the weapons He has given us are “divinely powerful” (His Holy Spirit in us) so we can take every thought captive and bring it under the authority of Christ in us. God’s Word is clear that our minds must be “renewed” and focused on Christ and His Word every day (Romans 12:1–2, Ephesians 4:23, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:1–2).
Challenge & Application
· Since lustful thoughts are just as sinful as actions, what are you doing to protect your heart and mind?
· What Scriptures are you memorizing to focus on God’s Word when you’re tempted in your thoughts?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!