God continually uses John Piper to answer me. Once again at the perfect time I am seeing this. Piper has a gift that makes him able to show the severity of sin. Beautiful explanation. I am ready to fight.
So the best way to summarize this video is BEGONE THOUGHTS. but in all seriousness, I struggle a lot with my addiction to lustful thoughts and pornography and I had once broken it. I was wondering why I was so proficient back then and this video reminded me. I immediately rebuked what came before my mind and eyes while being filled with the Spirit. While our faith is Spiritual, is is also practical and I'm so glad you went over this Pastor John. I thank the Lord from your guidance
Hey man, I just wanted to encourage you to pray for the strength to stay away from those things every day. Spending more time with the Lord is always helpful.
So true... if I wait to see what kind of snake it is it is too late... Same experience. Thanks for putting it up. Truly helpful. God bless you and your ministry.
I am finding these so helpful because everyone has lust for something. It may not be sexual, but there are idols we justify but do not honor the Lord. I pray for the grace to apply what I am learning. The Lord began the work and He is faithful to complete it.
So many people in the church are living together outside of marriage and justifying it by saying they’re in love. While others are coming home right after a service and viewing porn thinking that it’s acceptable. In either case people are being lulled into a false sense of security. They are self deceived.
Its evident, that when I came closer to Christ, He first took the pornography from me. Showed me that pornography, in its carnal form, is a perversion of the joyous act of sex between man and wife. I still struggle with lust, like any man. But I see things now with His eyes, not mine. Whenever I struggle with lust, I think back to the place where He found me, languishing and trapped in sin. I never want to go back to that place. But even if I did, I know His grace would envelop me. But yet, this is proof that though salvation is not by works, a changed heart and mind through Him really bears different fruit.
If I am still giving in to sin or my lust that I desire takes a hold of me, as if I am struggling with a sin and saying Yes instead of saying "No" but living as a so called Christian, I lie and the Truth is not in me. Repent truly and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Word of God will FREE you and SAVE you!!! Seek The Truth IT IS ONLY in Christ Jesus!!! 1 John 1:6-10 KJV - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 2:3-6 KJV - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
this series has changed my perspective/thinking/mind, on not only lust, but sin in general. This is a series on how to overcome any sin period. Because all sin stems from lust for your own desires to be fulfilled over Christs'...Thank you Mr. Piper for this insight
Thank you for this message which states how URGENT the fight against sin is. Too often I put up little resistance when the first risings of temptation and lust appear. But this is what I must do. Tempted to sin, kill it now with the sword of the Spirit!
With regards to lust, the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart and said choose sin (lust) or God...He gave two scriptures I use with great effect, Job 31:1 ' I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl ' and Proverbs 4:15 ' avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and go on your way' ... as well as the well known 1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bare.. Fight the good fight of faith. Be strong, put on God's Spiritual armour Ephesians 6...
I found myself nodding along to each of his points. Five seconds is a bit too liberal a timeframe but you should get the point. You're not going to say three seconds is enough when a snake attacks but you'll bat it away the moment you see it and it's the same with lust
If I am still giving in to sin or my lust that I desire takes a hold of me, as if I am struggling with a sin and saying Yes instead of saying "No" but living as a so called Christian, I lie and the Truth is not in me. Repent truly and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Word of God will FREE you and SAVE you!!! Seek The Truth IT IS ONLY in Christ Jesus!!! 1 John 1:6-10 KJV - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 2:3-6 KJV - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
I must admit I really do struggle with such things (or things that are a bit similar) and I always wonder if you really cannot ignore them, what would be the next thing to do?
Wisedom of man rather than the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 KJVS [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Philippians 2:12-13 KJVS [12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 1 Peter 5:6-10 KJVS [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you . God test and tries those of the promise seed to bring forth the fruit of righteousness He is growing in us. Our feeble efforts alone will not be able to anthem sexual lust
Sometimes people come across the situation they don't know that is lust or not. At the time they can't say "No" in 5 sec. So "No" in 5 sec not possible in all the situation. Before say no, everyone should know why should say No. Understanding the situation is better than quick response.
I guess u could say that, but it seems like we'd be getting pretty close to the adulterer's house in Proverbs. Better to run than to be open to the arrow possibly heading to your heart.
Or make sure you have and maintain a healthy sex live with your partner, that goes both for female and male, I know several pastors who have left their spouse's because of infidelity and a lack of understanding of what is the responsibilities of each partner. In one the female handed the keys of her marriage to satan by refusing to have sex with her husband, because she did not need it any more, thereby rescinding her sexual responsibilities to him. The other just cheated on his wife with a church sectary who was much younger and hotter then her. These are men and women who should of been on the lookout for the enemy's attacks.
I wouldn't call that a friend.. if you take a snake by the tail and snap it like a whip it's neck breaks and it dies. Five seconds seems like a long time.. which is strange because a millennium is so short.
The Bible says to flee not indulge for 5 seconds! Usually men say there’s a 3 second rule! You see a sexual temptation you immediately flee! Man made the “seconds”rule not Jesus! You don’t stay and fight sexual temptation YOU FLEE!
Duppsy Daisy okay.. are you married? Look, in the time of Moses people could get married before priests were appointed to marry people. You don't have to pay anyone for it or recognize it with a government document. You can make a vow of marriage before God. It's free. You shouldn't be having sex outside of that nor mean to get divorced.
Kevin Burress thank you Kevin. We are mot legally married but we both believe in Jesus Christ and we love each other! I have been married legally before bit he was an unbeliever and we were young and it didnt work out. I pray every day and ask for forgiveness and I am asking for guidance in my prayers as well....life is hard sometimes...
Duppsy Daisy I know life can be hard it's also hard to respond. (As per the law) It is good that you love eachother. You should remember that even God loved Israel and forgave them more than once for being a whore of a people. I believe it is right that time is taken to atone for the divorce, I also understand that marriage should be free and divorce should cost. Ideally things would work that way in this world that is less than ideal that there is divorce at all. The important thing is that you love the Lord and try to keep His Word and Laws and Commandments now in faith and have hope of being saved.
This isn’t a lust issue but an issue of what is the will of God in this situation. The fact that you’re even asking this question is an indication that there is that still, small voice of the Spirit telling you that living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage is not God’s best for you. As good as your relationship may be in your estimation, it is not God’s perfect will for you. And somewhere, deep down in your spirit, I think you know it. Of course, I’m not the one you will answer to, because God is the Judge in these matters; however, the Bible is clear concerning sex outside of marriage. My challenge to you is that you pray and ask God that if how you’re living in this relationship is wrong and not His best for you, that He end this relationship and that He make it clear to you both about how you can honor best Him. God help you in this decision.
Not to try to justify, but is looking at animation wrong... or not desiring a woman but using her to arouse passion for relief. I believe that masturbation is a sin and try to abstain but these thoughts (probably from the enemy) try and justify. I can say that many of the women (or parts of them) don’t make me desire them, but do awaken my sexual passion. Trust me when I say, I want God’s glory from my life. Not sure this is a way to that.
Yes it is. In the Greek in Matthew 5, lust is looking at a woman to arouse sexual feelings or passions. It's so hard, but our Father does reward the fight.
lamontshandy, If it awakes you sexual passion, it is sin. If you look at a woman without sexual desire/passion you are safe. This only can happen it you are filled with the Spirit, for it will prevent you from having such thoughts. May God bless you.
Hi Wayne! I’m coming back and rewatching this series cause I’ve been struggling with this lately. The idea that you have five seconds to kill it means that if you do not say no and fling it away almost immediately, it will take hold and lead you into pleasing the flesh. Those five seconds are all it takes for us to fall, and so we have to choose God instead and “kill it” per say. I hope that somewhat helps and I hope you’re doing well and staying strong. I’m praying for you and rooting for you.
@@kyledoolittle2643 thank you for your reply, but we need "human to God contrast". What I mean by that is the human is representative of the sinner; Christ is the Savior. In Isaiah 53:6 it states: all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. Christ came to destroy the power of the "union" we had with Satan; thereby restoring our "union" with God. In this "Vine/branch union" (John 15:1-5)), we have our will; the Lord has His will. The difference with this union is that we SUBMIT our will to the Lord's will, so we can do what HE wants us to do. When we do not SUBMIT to His will, we "add our own spin" to what He has said and done. Also, we MUST factor in Satan's activity, since he is "transformed into an angel of light, and his ministers are transformed into ministers of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:14-15). When Peter cut off Malchus' ear; Jesus healed Malchus' ear. When Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, Jesus turned to him and said, "get thee behind Me, Satan. You savour not the things that be of God, but the things that be of man". Peter and the other disciples had to LEARN how to follow the Lord. NO ONE would "naturally follow" that which is of the Spirit. There is much to contend with as we learn of the Lord, and we must not allow people to literally "count five seconds" before we stumble into sin. Christ Himself is there for us. He is the ONLY ONE who can give us REST. Submitting to Him each day, strengthens the bond between us and Him. If you are truly "born again", then that union between you and Him has been established. You must learn to "function" within the boundaries of that union. Any other way is just putting pressure on the flesh to "perform". You'll wind up in a worse situation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). He gave the disciples more than "five seconds". He spent years with them, and they still struggled with Him. God is patient.
God continually uses John Piper to answer me. Once again at the perfect time I am seeing this. Piper has a gift that makes him able to show the severity of sin. Beautiful explanation. I am ready to fight.
Praying that God will bestow you with full armor of God to keep you safe!
How are you brother in your fight?
5 seconds, my dear brothers and sisters! Let's all develop our reflexes!! Great preaching Pastor John!!
So the best way to summarize this video is BEGONE THOUGHTS.
but in all seriousness, I struggle a lot with my addiction to lustful thoughts and pornography and I had once broken it. I was wondering why I was so proficient back then and this video reminded me. I immediately rebuked what came before my mind and eyes while being filled with the Spirit. While our faith is Spiritual, is is also practical and I'm so glad you went over this Pastor John. I thank the Lord from your guidance
Hey man, I just wanted to encourage you to pray for the strength to stay away from those things every day. Spending more time with the Lord is always helpful.
HAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA "BEGONE THOUGHTS" im mad no one else caught that. yesss thats the exact phrase and mindset we need to have pun intended
So true... if I wait to see what kind of snake it is it is too late... Same experience. Thanks for putting it up. Truly helpful. God bless you and your ministry.
I am finding these so helpful because everyone has lust for something. It may not be sexual, but there are idols we justify but do not honor the Lord. I pray for the grace to apply what I am learning. The Lord began the work and He is faithful to complete it.
I gotta say this series has been such a blessing to me! Looking forward to the rest of it
So many people in the church are living together outside of marriage and justifying it by saying they’re in love. While others are coming home right after a service and viewing porn thinking that it’s acceptable. In either case people are being lulled into a false sense of security. They are self deceived.
Its evident, that when I came closer to Christ, He first took the pornography from me.
Showed me that pornography, in its carnal form, is a perversion of the joyous act of sex between man and wife.
I still struggle with lust, like any man. But I see things now with His eyes, not mine.
Whenever I struggle with lust, I think back to the place where He found me, languishing and trapped in sin. I never want to go back to that place. But even if I did, I know His grace would envelop me.
But yet, this is proof that though salvation is not by works, a changed heart and mind through Him really bears different fruit.
If I am still giving in to sin or my lust that I desire takes a hold of me, as if I am struggling with a sin and saying Yes instead of saying "No" but living as a so called Christian, I lie and the Truth is not in me. Repent truly and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Word of God will FREE you and SAVE you!!!
Seek The Truth IT IS ONLY in Christ Jesus!!!
1 John 1:6-10 KJV - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2:3-6 KJV - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
If it doesn't glorify God get rid of it...
Agree!
this series has changed my perspective/thinking/mind, on not only lust, but sin in general. This is a series on how to overcome any sin period. Because all sin stems from lust for your own desires to be fulfilled over Christs'...Thank you Mr. Piper for this insight
You’re right!
So true.....this is a powerful defense and attack plan against the enemy and this situation....thank you for putting this out there!!
Shalom Amen
🙏😇☔🕊️🕯️✝️🛐
I like how you are so relevant to today's problems like nude selfies.
Thank you for this message which states how URGENT the fight against sin is. Too often I put up little resistance when the first risings of temptation and lust appear. But this is what I must do. Tempted to sin, kill it now with the sword of the Spirit!
I appreciate his point about the snake but on a side note, if my friend throws a snake at me, I’m getting a new friend 😂.
AMEN!!! This is serious stuff
I'm learning not to give in to sexual temptation but to be in awe of God's law.
With regards to lust, the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart and said choose sin (lust) or God...He gave two scriptures I use with great effect, Job 31:1 ' I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl ' and Proverbs 4:15 ' avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and go on your way' ... as well as the well known 1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bare..
Fight the good fight of faith. Be strong, put on God's Spiritual armour Ephesians 6...
Thank you for sharing this , God bless your whole Desiring God team :)
Louvado seja Deus por esse ministério. Moro em uma pequena cidade no interior do Brasil e sou muito abençoado por esse ministério. Deus os abençoe
Wow this was much needed!!!!
This is great advice. We must learn to live by Romans 8:13 in these days of ungodliness.
Thanks for this, true blessing 🙏🏽. God bless you more.
Amen Amen
Underrated 💯
I found myself nodding along to each of his points. Five seconds is a bit too liberal a timeframe but you should get the point. You're not going to say three seconds is enough when a snake attacks but you'll bat it away the moment you see it and it's the same with lust
God help us 😣
Thank you for the content.
If I am still giving in to sin or my lust that I desire takes a hold of me, as if I am struggling with a sin and saying Yes instead of saying "No" but living as a so called Christian, I lie and the Truth is not in me. Repent truly and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Word of God will FREE you and SAVE you!!!
Seek The Truth IT IS ONLY in Christ Jesus!!!
1 John 1:6-10 KJV - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2:3-6 KJV - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Thanks
PLEASE PRAY FOR KERALA FLOODS IN INDIA THANK YOU
THANK YOU
Amén
I must admit I really do struggle with such things (or things that are a bit similar) and I always wonder if you really cannot ignore them, what would be the next thing to do?
So Helpful
The snake part got me laughing
Wisedom of man rather than the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13 KJVS
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Philippians 2:12-13 KJVS
[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
1 Peter 5:6-10 KJVS
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you .
God test and tries those of the promise seed to bring forth the fruit of righteousness He is growing in us. Our feeble efforts alone will not be able to anthem sexual lust
Sometimes people come across the situation they don't know that is lust or not. At the time they can't say "No" in 5 sec. So "No" in 5 sec not possible in all the situation. Before say no, everyone should know why should say No. Understanding the situation is better than quick response.
I guess u could say that, but it seems like we'd be getting pretty close to the adulterer's house in Proverbs. Better to run than to be open to the arrow possibly heading to your heart.
Or make sure you have and maintain a healthy sex live with your partner, that goes both for female and male, I know several pastors who have left their spouse's because of infidelity and a lack of understanding of what is the responsibilities of each partner.
In one the female handed the keys of her marriage to satan by refusing to have sex with her husband, because she did not need it any more, thereby rescinding her sexual responsibilities to him. The other just cheated on his wife with a church sectary who was much younger and hotter then her.
These are men and women who should of been on the lookout for the enemy's attacks.
I wouldn't call that a friend.. if you take a snake by the tail and snap it like a whip it's neck breaks and it dies.
Five seconds seems like a long time.. which is strange because a millennium is so short.
The Bible says to flee not indulge for 5 seconds! Usually men say there’s a 3 second rule! You see a sexual temptation you immediately flee! Man made the “seconds”rule not Jesus! You don’t stay and fight sexual temptation YOU FLEE!
What if a person is in a long time sexual relationship with the same person? Is that lust and sin?
Duppsy Daisy okay.. are you married? Look, in the time of Moses people could get married before priests were appointed to marry people. You don't have to pay anyone for it or recognize it with a government document. You can make a vow of marriage before God. It's free. You shouldn't be having sex outside of that nor mean to get divorced.
Kevin Burress thank you Kevin. We are mot legally married but we both believe in Jesus Christ and we love each other! I have been married legally before bit he was an unbeliever and we were young and it didnt work out. I pray every day and ask for forgiveness and I am asking for guidance in my prayers as well....life is hard sometimes...
Duppsy Daisy I know life can be hard it's also hard to respond. (As per the law) It is good that you love eachother. You should remember that even God loved Israel and forgave them more than once for being a whore of a people. I believe it is right that time is taken to atone for the divorce, I also understand that marriage should be free and divorce should cost. Ideally things would work that way in this world that is less than ideal that there is divorce at all. The important thing is that you love the Lord and try to keep His Word and Laws and Commandments now in faith and have hope of being saved.
Kevin Burress wonderfully said, thank you!
This isn’t a lust issue but an issue of what is the will of God in this situation. The fact that you’re even asking this question is an indication that there is that still, small voice of the Spirit telling you that living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage is not God’s best for you. As good as your relationship may be in your estimation, it is not God’s perfect will for you. And somewhere, deep down in your spirit, I think you know it. Of course, I’m not the one you will answer to, because God is the Judge in these matters; however, the Bible is clear concerning sex outside of marriage. My challenge to you is that you pray and ask God that if how you’re living in this relationship is wrong and not His best for you, that He end this relationship and that He make it clear to you both about how you can honor best Him. God help you in this decision.
Not to try to justify, but is looking at animation wrong... or not desiring a woman but using her to arouse passion for relief. I believe that masturbation is a sin and try to abstain but these thoughts (probably from the enemy) try and justify. I can say that many of the women (or parts of them) don’t make me desire them, but do awaken my sexual passion. Trust me when I say, I want God’s glory from my life. Not sure this is a way to that.
Yes it is. In the Greek in Matthew 5, lust is looking at a woman to arouse sexual feelings or passions. It's so hard, but our Father does reward the fight.
lamontshandy, If it awakes you sexual passion, it is sin. If you look at a woman without sexual desire/passion you are safe. This only can happen it you are filled with the Spirit, for it will prevent you from having such thoughts.
May God bless you.
James Orton you are not correct. Lust is a desire to have. It can have nothing to do sex.
What does "you have five seconds to kill it" mean?
Hi Wayne! I’m coming back and rewatching this series cause I’ve been struggling with this lately. The idea that you have five seconds to kill it means that if you do not say no and fling it away almost immediately, it will take hold and lead you into pleasing the flesh. Those five seconds are all it takes for us to fall, and so we have to choose God instead and “kill it” per say. I hope that somewhat helps and I hope you’re doing well and staying strong. I’m praying for you and rooting for you.
@@kyledoolittle2643 thank you for your reply, but we need "human to God contrast". What I mean by that is the human is representative of the sinner; Christ is the Savior. In Isaiah 53:6 it states: all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. Christ came to destroy the power of the "union" we had with Satan; thereby restoring our "union" with God. In this "Vine/branch union" (John 15:1-5)), we have our will; the Lord has His will. The difference with this union is that we SUBMIT our will to the Lord's will, so we can do what HE wants us to do. When we do not SUBMIT to His will, we "add our own spin" to what He has said and done. Also, we MUST factor in Satan's activity, since he is "transformed into an angel of light, and his ministers are transformed into ministers of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:14-15). When Peter cut off Malchus' ear; Jesus healed Malchus' ear. When Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, Jesus turned to him and said, "get thee behind Me, Satan. You savour not the things that be of God, but the things that be of man". Peter and the other disciples had to LEARN how to follow the Lord. NO ONE would "naturally follow" that which is of the Spirit. There is much to contend with as we learn of the Lord, and we must not allow people to literally "count five seconds" before we stumble into sin. Christ Himself is there for us. He is the ONLY ONE who can give us REST. Submitting to Him each day, strengthens the bond between us and Him. If you are truly "born again", then that union between you and Him has been established. You must learn to "function" within the boundaries of that union. Any other way is just putting pressure on the flesh to "perform". You'll wind up in a worse situation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). He gave the disciples more than "five seconds". He spent years with them, and they still struggled with Him. God is patient.