Lecture Notes on Lust and Demonic Possession

Jun 6, 2024

Lecture Notes on Lust and Demonic Possession

Key Themes

  • Abstaining from fleshly lusts
  • The connection between lust and demonic possession
  • Encouragement to strive for spiritual greatness

Biblical References

1 Corinthians 10:13

  • Provides assurance that God is faithful and won't let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

Romans 7:8

  • Apostle Paul's struggle with 'concupiscence' (strong sexual desire, lust)
  • Concupiscence as a form of sin
  • Importance of being real and confessing one's faults

2 Corinthians 12:6

  • Paul didn't want to be exalted above measure despite his revelations
  • His humility in leadership

Galatians 4:12-14

  • Paul's confession of his own struggles

Hebrews 2:13-18

  • Christ experienced human temptations and is therefore a merciful high priest
  • Importance of trusting in Christ

1 Peter 2:11

  • Exhorts believers to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul

Understanding 'Concupiscence'

  • Definition: Strong sexual desire; lust
  • Paul's admission that he struggled with sexual lust
  • Different forms of sexual lust (adultery, same-sex, bestiality)

Overcoming Temptation and Sin

  • Importance of not letting sin reign in your mortal body (Romans 6:12)
  • Sins of the flesh and the need for constant vigilance and self-control

1 Corinthians 6:15-20

  • The body as a temple of the Holy Spirit
  • Warning against joining the body with harlots

Proverbs 24:16

  • A just man falls seven times but rises again; contrast with the wicked who fall into mischief

Warnings and Encouragement

1 Peter 4:2

  • Urges believers to live for the will of God rather than for fleshly lusts

Titus 3:3-5

  • Reflects on past foolishness but confirms God’s kindness and mercy

Matthew 12:43-45

  • The parable of the unclean spirit that returns with seven more spirits

James 4:7

  • Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

1 John 2:16

  • The lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life are not of the Father but of the world

Practical Guidelines

  • Romans 12:1-2: Transform by renewing your mind
  • Sarak 18:30: Refrain from your appetites and lusts
  • Sarak 23:6: A prayer to not be given over to an impudent mind

Concluding Thoughts

  • Importance of fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21) to combat certain kinds of demons
  • Belief in Christ provides power over unclean spirits (Acts 19:1-16)
  • Understanding the seriousness of spiritual warfare
  • Keep spiritual focus to avoid falling back into sin

Summary

The lecture emphasized the devastating effects of giving in to lust and detailed how lust and demonic possession are interconnected. Biblical narratives were used to illustrate the power of Christ and the apostles to cast out unclean spirits, underscoring the necessity of spiritual vigilance, prayer, and the transformative power of belief in Christ. Practical advice was provided for overcoming these struggles, which includes avoiding sinful environments, confessing sins, and seeking guidance through scripture and community.