Lust, Coveting, and the Commodification of Desire: Rethinking Sexuality in the Kingdom (Sermon on the Mount Series)

Sep 7, 2020

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How reimagining Jesus’ teaching on lust liberates us from shame, reframes desire, and challenges harmful patterns in purity culture. Continuing their Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford break down one of Jesus’ most misinterpreted instructions, engaging with the Greek text, touching on double standards around adultery, and wrestling with the weight of toxic sexuality within the church. Through blunt honesty and biblical exegesis, they uncover a subversive call to holiness—a holiness that centers dignity, community, and healing.

Key Takeaways: • Lust Is Not Just Desire—It’s Coveting – Jesus uses the language of covetousness, reframing lust as a willful orientation toward possessing what is not ours rather than simply feeling attraction or desire. • Smashing the Double Standard – Jesus critiques the patriarchal framing of adultery and lust by placing moral responsibility on men, breaking from ancient purity codes that blamed women. • The Commodification of Human Beings – A warning against objectification and the addictive, soul-hollowing nature of unchecked lust and pornographic consumption. • Beyond Shame: A Better Theology of Sex – Sexuality is not a curse but a gift. Jesus and the Bible affirm desire when stewarded rightly, honoring the whole person. • Making Space for Healing – Personal confession and communal solidarity are essential. Healing doesn’t come through suppressing desire or shaming ourselves, but through grace, truth, and genuine transformation.

Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5:27–30 – Jesus’ teaching on lust in the Sermon on the Mount • Exodus 20 – Commandments against adultery and coveting • Ephesians 4:17–19 – Paul on desensitization and lust • CS Lewis' concept of “Shadowlands” • White Witch & Turkish Delight example from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe • Talmudic examples on modesty and rabbinic purity laws • Episode guest reference: Dr. Celeste Holbrook • “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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