ANTHEM: Strategies for Fighting Lust

Lust
A desire that we should not have because it is untethered from the purifying effects of Christ and is therefore directed to the wrong object or is so out of proportion or unsuited to its object as to disorder our thoughts or feelings or actions.

Christ centered, gospel rooted strategies for overcoming lust:
Avoid
No
Turn
Hold
Enjoy
Move

Avoid
2 Tim 2:19-22
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• What sort of situations have defiling effects on our desires?

Romans 13:12-14

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on  the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh , to gratify its desires.

• Avoid the stimulus and associations that drag us towards lust. 

The Battle is Not Yours

Thousands and thousands of years ago,
God's people prepared a test;
As the Ammonites and the Moabites
Decended; destruction their quest.

But Jehoshophat saw the problem,
And we read from God's precious Word
That Jehoshophat prepared a fast,
And prepared to seek the Lord.

And all the people, young and old
Gathered together that day
And humbled themselves before the Lord,
As Jehoshophat started to pray.

He lifted his voice in remembrance,
Recalling the days of 'ore;
And promised that God would keep His Word
As always He'd done before.

And finally, in utter abandonment.
He spoke these words so true:
"We have no might against them, Lord,
Nor know we what to do!"

Then, from the very lips of God,
There came these words sublime:
"Be not afraid, beloved,
The battle's not yours; it's Mine!"

"No need to fight, beloved,
Here is all you need to do:
Just take your place; stand still, and see
Your God will fight for you."

So they bowed their heads and worshipped,
And appointed men to sing;
Not to fight God's battles,
But let His praises ring.

"Here comes the enemy"; they cried;
"Let ever voice be raised!"
God's people started to shout and sing,
And lifted their hearts in praise.

And when their lips in praises sang
Lo, then, the job was done.
For God, at the sound of their voices, fought
And at once, the battle was won.

Now what about you, dear Christian,
In your heart have you seen the light?
Have you yet come to understand,
The battle's not yours to fight?

That all your precious Jesus
Is longing for you to do,
Is to set yourself, stand still, and see
That he can live through you.

The battle's not ours--- Oh, shout it!
The battle's not ours to win.
The battle belongs to Jesus,
And Jesus will reign from within.

Acknowledge you cannot do it,
And begin to sing and to praise,
And God will begin to fight for you
As you but acknowledge His ways.

No, the battle's not ours, beloved
The battle belongs to the Son
The battle's not ours; but the victory's ours;
And the victory's already won!!!!

By Russell Kelfer

Booklet 904-b
The Battle Is Not Yours; But God's