2nd Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
He could have stopped there and then, and he may have had to grit his teeth in denying self, but if he had, the bottom line is that David’s after history was going to be quite different. Sometimes, in overcoming lust, the struggle can be quite severe, to the point where it might resemble works instead of faith. But we need to understand that overcoming lust can get pretty ugly. Some men like Joseph might have to literally run for their lives.
Others may have to avoid certain places where the forces of satan are firmly entrenched. Again, these things do not constitute the real victory, in and of themselves, but they do facilitate the working of God in the heart, and if they become necessary, and are done, your after history will be different.
But when David deliberately chose to facilitate the cravings of lust, instead of facilitating the work of God in the heart, he opened up his vulnerabilities, and the rest is history. When once a man uses his freedom of choice in the facilitating of lust, it becomes a slippery slope from which it can be difficult to escape, because, at that juncture, he is cooperating with devils, instead of God. And once choice is placed in satan’s favor, he makes certain that it would be pressed to its logical end.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!