The concept that looking at a woman with lustful intent is a form of adultery is ridiculous and offensive in the world today. But, it is just another part of the radical ethic Jesus is laying out in the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, he is so serious that he tells his disciples that dramatic steps must be taken to pursue his ethic. However, he gives them hope in the fact that through his sacrifice and resurrection he will fulfill this seemingly impossible ethic for them and empower them to live it out in ways they (and we) never thought possible.
Application Questions
1. What forms of discontentment and coveting tend to fuel your lustful heart?
2. What aspects of people do you tend to lust after (physical, emotional, relational, etc.)?
3. What are practical ways you can remember the glories of Christ and his grace to motivate your fight against lust?
4. What are some materialistic or consumeristic tendencies that you could fight to help in your battle against lust?
5. What are some practical ways you can grow in seeing people for the beautifully complex image-bearers that God created them to be?
