The Lust of the Flesh: Thinking Biblically About "Sexual Orientation," Attraction, and Temptation

by Jared H. Moore

There has been much debate recently about the Bible and homosexuality. Most Christians rightly agree the Bible prohibits homosexual acts. But does the Bible prohibit homosexual desires? And does the Bible allow for Christians to use supposedly “good aspects of same-sex attractions” for righteous purposes? This book answers these questions by pinpointing exactly what the lusts of the flesh are. But this book is about more than just homosexual desires. At its core, this work answers if our attractions to evil are inherently sinful or just temptation. After examining several passages from the Bible, Jesus’s life and temptations, and church history, this book teaches that every desire for evil is sin and needs Jesus’s forgiveness. It’s time for Christians to focus on God, His Word, and Christ when discussing sin, rather than focusing on our “orientations,” memories, and choices. Introspection, misremembering, and rhetoric have never taken anyone’s sins away. Jesus alone cleanses us and makes us like Him for all eternity, so we must continually turn away from the lusts of the flesh and trust in Christ for both salvation and sanctification.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2023

About the author

Christian, Pastor, PhD in Systematic Theology from SBTS, married and father of 4.

Reviews

[Case Owenby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The impotent gospel of “side B celibate gay Christianity” is a deadly infection in the church and is feeding injured souls straight into the jaws of sin! “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (‭‭1 Cor‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬)

This reads like a seminary dissertation, but I ate it up because this is my number one soap box to get on right now. I want all the research I can get, and I want to read more dissertation style stuff. It’s less poetic and more of a careful dissection of opposing arguments, followed by a clear presentation of his own. It gets four stars because I had to re-read sentences pretty often to make sure I understood them correctly. It’s often more plainly stated than especially moving, which was probably his goal, but his repeated emphasis on the mercy of Christ being greater than our sin was very encouraging.

Sexual identity is the reigning idol of our day, and this is a heresy that has somehow snuck in and implanted itself so effectively in the church. I’ve also been personally damaged and deceived by it to some degree, so I’m passionate about sharing the TRUE good news of Christ, which is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). Lmk if you want to talk more about it, or if you want me to name names of popular pastors to watch out for👀. I want to write an article about this or something.

Read this because it was recommended by my queen Rosaria Butterfield. After listening to the nearly British AI read a lot of this book it was jarring to hear Jared’s real country accent in videos.




The intro for this book is also too good not share a (giant) portion of:
“This book says “Yes” to grace, powerful grace. Praise God, our sin is not the end of the story. Jared shows this toward the end of the book, and he offers real hope for us. There is a force in the cosmos far more powerful than sinful desire, potent as it is. That force is the goodness of God, the overpowering mercy and all-conquering grace of God that flows from Calvary to us. Christ’s death means the death of our sin and the defeat of the devil (Romans 6:6; Hebrews 2:14 through18). Christ was crucified for us; Christ was resurrected for us. So we live now in the power of Christ, and battle the flesh every day of our existence. This indeed is the good news every one of us needs: though we must fight our sin at the level of desire, thought, word, and action, our God is able to make all grace abound to us (2nd Corinthians 9:8). The Christian does not live in a place of misery and defeat; though we regularly falter, the Christian lives in hope and triumph, the triumph of the ascended God-man. We will not help people when we minimize their sin in the ways mentioned above, each of which Jared takes apart with calculation, verve, and a shepherd’s heart. A small harmless gospel helps no one. A great glorious gospel, by contrast, helps many. We give people spiritual aid when we show them the depth of their sin, to be sure, but beyond this the much greater power of the cross (1st Corinthians 1:17-18). This is the way forward. This is the Narnian gateway to joy. This is the escape out of the pit. Here is hoping that this forthright and forceful book will lead many by the hand into the marvelous light of Christ. Satan is attempting to trap us in our sin, and even make it our identity, but Christ is in the business of liberating sinners to the uttermost. In so doing, he becomes our identity (Colossians 3:11).”

[Javier Perdomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well-researched and well-written book on a very controversial topic in the modern day.

In Chapter 1, Dr. Moore states the central thesis of the book as follows:

"This book argues that to have any desire contrary to God or His Word is the beginning of the lust of the flesh. In other words, recognizing an evil desire within us is not just a temptation as some say. The beginning of the lust of the flesh is sin, for if it’s a sin to do evil, it’s a sin to desire evil. When we’re drawn towards evil, we’ve begun to sin in our hearts, and we need forgiveness for this sin. And since the lust of the flesh is itself a sin, a Christian cannot turn it to holy purposes."

This is a thesis which he rigorously defends with carefully-defined terms, thorough Biblical exegesis, a short walk-thru in Church History on the question of concupiscence, and well thought out interaction with and refutation of proponents of novel concepts such as "sexual orientation" and "sublimation" which would disagree with the thesis of this book.

Dr. Moore writes in a very accessible style and takes a very sober-minded and direct approach to tackling this subject -- all without losing a pastoral touch for individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction and want to know how the Gospel speaks into their situation.

[Titus Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written argument that all desire contrary to Gods design is sin! It was very convicting and enjoyable.

[Anthony Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for this clear, accessible book on homosexuality, same-sex attraction, and orientation. The author’s engagement with Revoice errors and even errors among trusted conservative pastors and authors is clarifying and a blessing to the church. The author walks through several different passages that are pertinent to the topic and his walkthrough the Reformed tradition’s teaching on sinful inclinations or concupiscense is eye-opening. The last chapter also gives lots of encouragement regarding how to fight this sin and is applicable and encouraging to anyone who struggles with any sin remaining in them (ie everyone).

[Meaghan Recollet · Rating 5 out of 5]

While some of this was over my head, I really enjoyed the deep dive into church history, and that the discussion of desires being sin was so prevalent in the Reformation, I didn't know that.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I've been curious about this topic for a while and had already convinced myself of certain things, but I couldn’t piece together how the reality of inward sin affects outward sin. The book accomplishes that remarkably well. By dealing with proof texts, real-life experiences, and examining church history, it makes a compelling case for why sin starts with desire rather than the action upon the desire. This book is a much-needed work today; it honestly helped me deal with the sin I've been struggling with in my own life. I appreciate the clear, easy-to-understand, and faithful manner in which the author presents his case. It's a must-read, especially considering the culture we live in today.

[Carissa Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read and incredibly relevant for our day and age. Highly recommend!

[Jay Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by a friend because I teach 17-18 year old kids at a Christian school. I deal with a lot of conversations centered around sexuality, gender, etc. I found this book extremely helpful to help guide and support future discussions.

Moore has provided the Church with a much needed resource in a time where sexual desire is seen as a neutral area. I appreciate Moore’s adherence to Scripture and working through certain passages verse by verse and actually dealing with the text and not ideas about the text.

Another area that was extremely helpful was the section on Church History. Moore does an excellent job of providing countless proofs into what Church History has said about sexual desire. Everything is there from what individuals thought to what creeds, confessions, and catechisms. Moore really does show that the Side B Christianity thought process is really not in line with the Church through the ages.

I’m thankful for this book and I hope more read it and digest the material thoroughly. This book will already be on rotation for me yearly because the content is so rich but pushes me to really consider my own thoughts and desires as I keep them aligned with God’s desire for his people.

[Alireza Ghazi-Torbati · Rating 5 out of 5]

In times where there is confusion and error taking hold of the church, Dr Jared H Moore cuts through the noise to present the most helpful and needed book of our time.

Whereas Living Out, Revoice and their followers lead the church astray by muddying the waters, Moore provides clarity by using biblical categories and solutions to the lust of the flesh (concupiscence).

This book is a helpful contribution (particularly pastorally) to the discussions occurring on both sides of the Atlantic, with Matthew Roberts' 'Pride' being a helpful counterpart in the UK.

If only every undershepherd of Christ's sheep believed the truths expounded and reaffirmed in this book - we would be living in a different world.

May God bless His people through these words by the Holy Spirit's work.

Soli Deo Gloria.

[Jennifer Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered Jared Moore on Twitter when he called out CRU for using Preston Sprinkle to come in and train staff on
homosexuality. I asked a question on the thread and discussion exploded under it. So I continued to receive notifications as a debate raged below. I realized then that Moore was definitely someone worth following and was intrigued when he released a book this year.

This was an excellent read. Moore makes his argument well, defining sin through the use of scripture and doctrine. He outlines the argument of sublimation and then breaks it down explaining its many flaws. In a time when the church is lost in much confusion we need books like this to take us back to the Word. I will definitely recommend this book to others.

[Jessica Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

+the lust of the flesh is morally culpable sin
+people often trip over whether their desire is "chosen" or "unchosen" instead of focusing on the ultimate issue, one's lack of conformity to God's holy standard
+the law defines sin, and the will is involved in everything a person does; all sin is voluntary
+"even though I do not consent to lust (concupiscence) and even if I do not pursue my desires, nevertheless, I still feel desire and am personally present in that very part of me" -Augustine

[John Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely helpful for anyone who reads it. Sinful desires are addressed biblically, and Dr. Moore offers the clear hope that Jesus Christ gives for weary i in need of rescue.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convincing

Jared Moore makes a very convincing case that the lust of the flesh is not an innocent desire that can be turned towards holiness but in actual fact sin that needs to be fought at every stage.

[Austin Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with Moore, but he is not the clearest communicator

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and helpful!

[Logan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful, biblical, and convincing argument for recovering the lost doctrine of concupiscence and applying it pastorally today.

[Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work reads like a dissertation. But that shouldn’t be surprising because it was originally a dissertation. Even yet, it is still approachable.

Jared Moore is a Christian pastor with a PhD from Southern. He is quite vocal and passionate about many “hot topics” in the Reformed evangelical Christian arena. As one could tell from the subtitle, this work is an exploration into one of those “hot topics.”

To describe the work concisely, in Moore’s own words, this book “argues that to have any desire contrary to God or His Word is the beginning of the lust of the flesh. [Or, evil desire within us.] In other words, recognizing an evil desire within us is not just a temptation as some say. The beginning of the lust of the flesh is sin, for if it’s a sin to do evil, it’s a sin to desire evil. When we’re drawn toward evil, we’ve begun to sin in our hearts, and we need forgiveness for this sin. And since the lust of the flesh is itself a sin, a Christian cannot turn it to holy purposes” (20). He is very thorough in his argument. (Which, I’d hope he would be. Considering the fact he is “Dr. Moore” now, I presume he passed!)

Early on in my reading, I made a note on a premise that said, “Should he remain consistent throughout the duration of his argument, I can’t see why I would have to disagree with his premise or argument.” I’m sure I’ll be chewing on the implications of his words (and mine) for some time, though I’m not positive I agree with everything Moore wrote.

I’ve been familiar with Moore’s name (and unfortunate reputation on Twitter) for some time. Reading this really helped put his argument into perspective. I find that I can better understand what he attempts to communicate when discussing with or about folks like Preston Sprinkle, Sam Allberry or Wes Hill. I’m glad he released this window into his mind. (And also now he gets to defend his dissertation every day!)

While I don’t intend to give my specific thoughts on the content of this work, I thought I would note that I’m giving this three stars due to its occasional redundancy in spots where it felt like Moore was “beating a dead horse” to reengage his main point.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes a very needed argument (desires are not morally neutral; desire for sin is always sin), with solid exegesis, decent writing, and occasional overstatement (e.g., taking on Kevin DeYoung for being unbiblical in his pastoral counsel to a Christian grieving over same-sex desires). There were a number of minor edits that needed to be made in the book, and I think the author's laser-like focus on the really bad arguments of Wesley Hill, Matthew Lee Anderson, and others sometimes made him overstate comments about the nature of desire. For instance, he argues "if a good desire can become a bad desire, it was already a bad desire to begin with" (72). While shooting down the bad argument that there is a "good" way to desire same-sex attraction, Moore (inadvertently, I believe) implies in that sentence that the desires of the flesh are always focused on sinful objects. I think more care is needed here to make sure that this theology of desire has space for good desires that actually still become sinful in other ways. I think Moore would agree with this, but overall the book did a better job of addressing bad arguments than building a comprehensive theology of desire/will/affections.

The strongest section of the book was the quick, but very well informed, survey of the theological tradition on "lust of the flesh" or concupiscence, demonstrating a consistent position that current Side B advocates ignore. This will be a good resource to return to for sources in that tradition.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent exegetical work on the relevant scriptures to define the sin of concupiscence. I thought he easily disproved the false "gospel" of sublimation and Side B Christianity, drawing on Scripture and historical church teachings from Augustine to Bavinck. It feels like a major downer for 90% of the book - it's hard to read about how sinful we really are. But the gospel is glorious and where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. "Where sin is great, God is greater. When sinners are good at sinning, Christ is better at saving." (pg 174). I do think the author unnecessarily alienates himself at times from men like DeYoung, Wilson, and Gagnon, but I think it is more semantic than hamartiological differences. My only complaints about the book are related to the editing. There were more than a few comma splices and a few questionable grammatical structures, as well as a few typos. Minor quibbles, but they did take away from the ease of reading this otherwise very accessible book.

[Michael Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Moore’s book is a straightforward treatment of one of the most important and deceptive topics of our day. The common narrative is to separate “sexual orientation” from sexual behavior. Moore demonstrates a rigorously biblical way to think about sinful, sexual desires, and debunks the idea that homosexual desires can be anything other than sinful lust. The book opens with exegesis of the most relevant texts and responds to the top opponents of his view for that particular text. Then Moore shows how his view stacks up historically with Augustine and the Reformed Tradition. Finally, Moore provides pastoral wisdom for how relevant and important this teaching is for the church. Anyone who is committed to the full authority of scripture and the testimony of the church history will be edified by the truth and challenged to reject the modern narrative on sexual immorality.

[Paul D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling sin what it is is the only way to true freedom in Christ, and this book does just that. While this book focuses on same-sex attraction, the idol of our day, the content of this book can be applied to any lust of the flesh. It has renewed my understanding of just how much of a sinner I am, and how much I need Jesus Christ to rescue me, and has led me to repent of my own fleshly sins that I didn't necessarily "choose" but still dwell within me, which has in turned filled my heart with so much joy in who I am in Christ and has lifted the burden of my sinful fleshly desires off my shoulders. This book does a stellar job of arguing the the biblical and historic views of original sin, and refuting contemporary arguments in the church opposed to this view. A must read for all believers in the day we live in.

[Zachary Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably the best book I have ever read on the subject of temptation. Moore's argumentation, writing, and overall approach to the topic of the lust of the flesh is biblical and pastoral. This book is a foundational book for understanding the true and proper outlook on sin, temptation, and holiness. I appreciated Moore's textual, historical-theological, and practical approach. One line that stuck out to me:

"Moreover, pastors [and all Christians!] must remind their brothers and sisters in Christ that they do not fight because they will definitely overcome fleshly desires in this life. They fight because Jesus, not sin, not the flesh, is their Lord (Phil 3:1-21)."

[James Bambrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared Moore’s book takes on the dangerous position of accepting same-sex attraction as something neutral and potentially even godly, and instead shows how God calls us to deny the lust of the flesh in this area, as in every other. It’s a game changer on the discussion, debunking ‘Side B’ arguments with scripture and church history. An essential read on the topic.

[Melissa]

Conversations that matter

[Cuatro Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Dr. Moore for writing a book that gives the biblical position on SSA. We must help our brothers and sisters kill sin and not coddle or excuse it.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest of Recommendations

[Christian Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moore provides helpful thoughts concerning the need to fight for holiness and how every Christian must be pursuing Christ-likeness. Yet, in an attempt to disagree with sublimation he leaves more questions for readers, and a harmotiology that has everything the Christian does as sinful. While offering hope in the gospel for those that are same-sex attracted, Moore simultaneously argues that for those who identify as such must pursue God’s design (marriage). This conclusion seems to be apart from clear imperatives in scripture that call for Christians to be holy, not married in heterosexual relationships. Moore does provide a good biblical defense for a biblical sexual ethic, however, he fails to demonstrate that same-sex attraction or inclination is different from temptation. If you affirm that he does demonstrate that same-sex attraction is different from temptation, then you must logically conclude that temptation is sin in and of itself. Which makes Christ a sinner or not truly one who could relate to us. For a more thorough work through of indwelling sin (the lust of the flesh) see John Owen’s “Indwelling Sin in Believers,” which is interestingly not engaged with here. I have more thoughts on this work, as it does have some helpful things in it for ministering to those who struggle with same-sex attraction. Maybe I will have a fuller review with a comparison to Sam Allberry’s “What God Has to Say About Our Bodies” for the sake of demonstrating the nuance to the conversation in general, and a need to clear and concise about what we mean by the indwelling sin in the believer.