What Jesus Says About Lust
Matthew 5:27-30
Summary
In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus takes the command against adultery deeper than outward behavior and exposes the desires of the heart. Sexual sin is not merely a problem “out there”; it reveals something within us that needs the transforming grace of God. Jesus therefore calls his followers to take sin seriously, responding with honest confession, concrete action, and humble dependence on him. His words are severe because sin is serious, but they are also an invitation to freedom. By God’s grace, we do not have to remain trapped in shame or enslaved to the same patterns of sin.
Discussion Questions
Quotes
"Always be killing sin or it will be killing you.” - John Owen, The Mortification of Sin, p.9
“I might here bewail the endless, foolish labour of poor souls, who are convinced of sin, and yet not able to stand against its power. They try many perplexing ways and duties, to keep down sin, but, being strangers to the Spirit of God, they find it is all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. They spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which does not profit. This is the saddest warfare that any poor creature can be engaged in. A soul under the power of conviction from the law is pressed to fight against sin, but he has no strength for the battle. He must fight, but he can never conquer. He is like a man who thrusts himself on the sword of the enemy on purpose to be slain. The law drives him on, and then sin beats him back. Sometimes he thinks he has foiled sin, but he has only raised a dust, so that he cannot see the sin. He stirs up his natural affections of fear, sorrow, and anguish, and this makes him believe that sin is conquered when it is not even touched. He soon must be at the battle again, and the lust which he thought to be slain is seen to be not even wounded.” - John Owen, The Mortification of Sin, p.21-22
Summary
In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus takes the command against adultery deeper than outward behavior and exposes the desires of the heart. Sexual sin is not merely a problem “out there”; it reveals something within us that needs the transforming grace of God. Jesus therefore calls his followers to take sin seriously, responding with honest confession, concrete action, and humble dependence on him. His words are severe because sin is serious, but they are also an invitation to freedom. By God’s grace, we do not have to remain trapped in shame or enslaved to the same patterns of sin.
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you most in Matthew 5:27-30? What makes this passage challenging?
- How does Jesus deepen the command, “You shall not commit adultery,” beyond outward behavior?
- Why do you think Jesus focuses so directly on the heart rather than merely on external actions?
- What are some ways we tend to blame circumstances, culture, technology, or other people for sins that ultimately arise from within us?
- Jesus uses intentionally severe language about tearing out an eye or cutting off a hand. What point is he making through these images?
- What is the difference between mortification—putting sin to death—and simply managing, hiding, or feeling guilty about sin?
- Why can honest confession be such an important first step in fighting sexual sin? What makes confession difficult?
- Jesus calls us to take concrete action against sin. What might that look like practically with our phones, internet use, entertainment, relationships, or other areas of temptation?
- Are there safeguards we sometimes resist because they feel too inconvenient or “extreme”? How does this passage challenge that way of thinking?
- How can someone fight sexual sin seriously without becoming consumed by shame, fear, or constant self-condemnation?
- Why should progress in holiness produce humility rather than pride? How does the phrase “but for the grace of God go I” capture the proper attitude?
- Jesus’ warning about hell is severe. How does the gospel allow us to take that warning seriously while still having real hope that freedom and change are possible?
Quotes
"Always be killing sin or it will be killing you.” - John Owen, The Mortification of Sin, p.9
“I might here bewail the endless, foolish labour of poor souls, who are convinced of sin, and yet not able to stand against its power. They try many perplexing ways and duties, to keep down sin, but, being strangers to the Spirit of God, they find it is all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. They spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which does not profit. This is the saddest warfare that any poor creature can be engaged in. A soul under the power of conviction from the law is pressed to fight against sin, but he has no strength for the battle. He must fight, but he can never conquer. He is like a man who thrusts himself on the sword of the enemy on purpose to be slain. The law drives him on, and then sin beats him back. Sometimes he thinks he has foiled sin, but he has only raised a dust, so that he cannot see the sin. He stirs up his natural affections of fear, sorrow, and anguish, and this makes him believe that sin is conquered when it is not even touched. He soon must be at the battle again, and the lust which he thought to be slain is seen to be not even wounded.” - John Owen, The Mortification of Sin, p.21-22
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