The Danger of Uncontrolled Desires
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Dec 12, 2023
- 2 min read
And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. (2 Peter 2:7-12)
Lust is not just a sexual issue; people can also lust after food. Others lust after recognition and power. In 2 Peter 2:7-12, Peter highlighted a particular sin called aselgeia in the Greek. It is the sin that led to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a prime example of a society consumed by absolute depravity. They lived sinful lifestyles that were totally absent from any form of self-discipline. They were excessive, immoral, and entirely sexually depraved. If that type of lifestyle is not checked, the disease of depravity multiplies and infects entire regions, states, and countries. In Genesis 6, we read that depravity was so bad that the entire earth was filled with it and the thoughts of every man’s heart was only evil except, for Noah.
As a reminder of the consequences for indulging in a lifestyle of sin, Peter reminded us that the angels who sinned were cast down to hell. Today, we often see the devastating effects of unchecked carnal desires. The pursuit of pleasure without restraint leads to moral decay, broken families, and total societal upheaval. Yet, amid all of this, Peter brought hope. He said the Lord knows how to deliver us out of temptations.
Practical Application
When you are tempted, pray in the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His leading. Doing this will keep your focus on Him and out of the lust and temptation of the moment.
