To answer the basic question regarding whether or not lust is always a sin, we will focus on a number of scriptures that not only mention lust (or lusts), but also seem to be the most relevant in helping us to satisfactorily answer this basic question.
[Note: When we quote Scripture in this article, we use the wording in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.]
Matthew 5:28: [Jesus Christ declares,] “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” [Note: Virtually all versions of the Bible use the term “lust” in translating this verse of scripture.]
Strong’s Concordance of the Bible says that the Greek word which is translated as lust in this scripture means “to set the heart upon; i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise).” Our belief is that although having a longing may be alright in some instances, Jesus Christ made it very clear that it is not alright for a man to long for (i.e., desire to have) a sexual relationship with a woman who is not his wife. And, logic indicates that it is also not alright for a woman to long for a sexual relationship with a man who is not her husband.
Although Strong indicates that the Greek word that is translated as lust in the next scripture is “a general term for every kind of desire,” it is clear that the term lust that is used in this particular scripture pertains specifically to men who engage in homosexual practices as a result of their lust for sex with other men.
Romans 1:27: [Since the creation of the world] men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
In regard to all of the following scriptures, a different Greek word than is used in either Matthew 5:28 or Romans 1:27 is also translated by most versions of the Bible as lust (or lusts). Strong states that this Greek word “stresses the lust, craving, longing or desire for what is usually forbidden. It refers to the whole world of active lusts and desires. . . .” And, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible states that this lust could include sins of pride, envy, ambition, covetousness, etc. Thus, the term lust that is mentioned in these scriptures pertains to matters in addition to those of a sexual nature.
Romans 1:24: God . . . gave them [wicked people] up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. . . .
Romans 13:13-14: Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Galatians 5:16: I [the apostle Paul] say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [Note: With regard to this scripture, most modern versions of the Bible use the term “desire (or desires) of the flesh,” rather than “lust of the flesh.”]
Ephesians 2:3: [W]e all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
1 Timothy 6:9: But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Titus 2:11-12: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
Titus 3:3: [W]e ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
2 Peter 2:10: [T]he Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. . . . [Note: Some modern versions of the Bible use a different term than “lust” in their translation of this scripture.]
1 John 2:16-17: For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Conclusion
Although biblical references to lust almost always include the desire to engage in immoral sexual relationships such as adultery or homosexuality, the Bible also indicates that lust can pertain to sinful matters in addition to those having a sexual connotation. In other words, there is ample reason to believe that lust is a sin if it compels a person to do things that the Bible condemns. Conversely, we believe that it is appropriate to have lust (i.e., a longing or a desire) for something that the Bible does not regard as sin, such as a special meal or vacation, provided that this type of lust does not hamper a person’s ability to live a righteous life.