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Breaking the Chains of Lust: The Power of Prayer and Fasting to Overcome Sinful Desires, Including Masturbation, Through the Strength and Guidance of the Holy Ghost.

This Bible study explores the spiritual battle against lust and sinful desires, providing a pathway to freedom through the divine power of Jesus Christ, the discipline of prayer and fasting, and the empowering presence of the Holy Ghost. It offers practical guidance and scriptural principles for sustained victory and a life of holiness.

1. Understanding the Nature of Lust and Its Deception

1.1 What is Lust?

Verses: James 1:14-15
  • Lust originates from our own desires, not from God, drawing us away and enticing us.
  • It conceives sin, and when sin is finished, it brings forth spiritual death.

1.2 The Deceptive Nature of Sin

Verses: Hebrews 3:13
  • Sin hardens the heart and promises pleasure but delivers bondage and destruction.
  • It distorts our perception of God's will and leads us astray from truth.

1.3 The Consequences of Yielding to Lust

Verses: Romans 6:23; Proverbs 6:27-29
  • The wages of sin is death, separating us from God and His blessings.
  • It brings shame, guilt, spiritual barrenness, and can lead to physical and emotional harm.

2. The Divine Provision for Deliverance: Jesus Christ, Our Deliverer

2.1 Jesus, the Manifestation of God, Who Conquered Sin

Verses: 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and deliver us from sin's power.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, making Him fully capable of saving us.

2.2 Salvation and Forgiveness Through His Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12
  • Repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ are for the remission of sins.
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

2.3 The Power of His Blood to Cleanse

Verses: 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5
  • The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin and purifies our conscience.
  • He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, making us pure before God.

2.4 Putting on the New Man in Christ

Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10
  • We are called to put off the old man of sin and put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness.
  • This transformation is possible through Christ, who renews us in knowledge after His image.

3. Weapons of Warfare: Prayer and Fasting

3.1 Prayer as Communication with God

Verses: Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Through prayer, we cast our anxieties on God and receive His peace that surpasses all understanding.
  • We are commanded to pray without ceasing, maintaining constant communion with our Heavenly Father.

3.2 Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Verses: Matthew 17:21; Isaiah 58:6
  • Some spiritual strongholds and types of sin require prayer and fasting for complete deliverance.
  • Fasting breaks the yokes of bondage, loosens the bands of wickedness, and sets the oppressed free.

3.3 Seeking God's Face for Deliverance

Verses: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 27:8
  • When we humble ourselves, pray, and seek God's face, He hears from heaven and heals our land and lives.
  • Our hearts should continually seek His face, desiring His presence and guidance above all else.

3.4 The Importance of Consistent Discipline

Verses: 1 Corinthians 9:27; Luke 18:1
  • We must discipline our bodies and bring them into subjection to avoid being disqualified from God's purpose.
  • We ought always to pray and not faint, demonstrating perseverance in our spiritual walk.

4. Walking in the Spirit: The Holy Ghost as Our Guide and Strength

4.1 The Holy Ghost: The Spirit of God Dwelling Within

Verses: Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:19
  • If the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, empowered for righteousness.
  • Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which you have of God, and you are not your own.

4.2 Yielding to the Spirit's Leading

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25
  • Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh, gaining victory over sinful desires.
  • If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to direct our steps and choices.

4.3 The Spirit's Power to Mortify the Deeds of the Body

Verses: Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5
  • If you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live a life free from sin's dominion.
  • Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, putting to death all ungodly desires.

4.4 Cultivating a Spirit-Filled Life

Verses: Ephesians 5:18-19; Acts 1:8
  • Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
  • You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, enabling you to be a witness and overcome sin.

5. Maintaining Freedom: Continual Consecration and Accountability

5.1 Renewing Your Mind Daily

Verses: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8
  • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  • Think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, guarding your thought life.

5.2 Fleeing Temptation

Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22
  • Flee fornication and all sexual immorality, understanding that sin against the body is unique.
  • Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with those who call on the Lord.

5.3 Building a Support System

Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16
  • Consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together.
  • Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed and strengthened.

5.4 Living a Life of Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14
  • As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation and conduct.
  • Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God.