[EscondidoSurfer]

When we overcome lust we are proving God's will. A good way to apply Romans 12:1-2

[hosepipe]

Lusting toward over coming lust!!.... WHAT A CONCEPT!..

[RBStealth]

Escondido:

Carslbad or Puerto?

[imardmd1]

Overcoming lust is a milepost on the way to enough spiritual maturity to serve as an officer in the local church. See 1 John 2:13-14:

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

The young adult, fit for active service is the neaniskos, who has overcome the Wicked One, firmly. Not that there is never a struggle, but always capable of victory so as not to damage the reputation of Jesus and the church.

Spiritual development:

brephos (newborn) --> naypios (infant) --> paedion --> child able and willing to be disciplined ---> neaniskos (young adult, able to teach, evangelize)--> father (pateros, elder able to guide the church's direction, man of vision and spiritual experience)

IMHO