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Sermon Summary:

This sermon addresses the challenging topic of lust and sexual temptation, framing it as a spiritual battle that all Christians face. Pastor Jody emphasizes that God's warnings about sexual purity are not meant to deprive us of pleasure, but to protect us from harm and draw us closer to Him. Using the analogy of an airboat tour and the repeated warning to "keep your hands inside the boat," the sermon illustrates how God's commandments regarding sexual purity are meant to safeguard us from the dangers of lust, which is compared to alligators lurking in the water.

Key Points:

• Lust is a heart issue that begins in the mind before manifesting in actions
• Our culture complicates the battle against lust through constant sexual stimulation
• Lustful desires are impossible to fully satisfy and lead to a cycle of increasing hunger
• Uncontrolled lust ultimately leads to disaster in various aspects of life
• Practical steps to combat lust include monitoring your eyes, defantasizing myths about relationships, acknowledging the struggle, and guarding your relationships
• The importance of nurturing one's relationship with Jesus and, for married couples, working on their marriage
• Resisting temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit and focusing on God's truth

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 5:27-30