The main idea of this chapter is that lust (epithumania) is the creation of a false image or persona. We objectify that persona or image in an attempt to fill a deep need for intimacy, which can only be met by our union with God and His kingdom. I believe Jim brings up some very interesting ideas/views about sex and that by understanding these, we can understand ourselves and our players better.

1. Do you agree that our society is obsessed with sexuality and lust? Has your church been silent on the issue? Give examples when our players and ourselves are exposed to the fascination of sex by the culture in our society.
2. Dallas Willard writes, 'the two main errors in the area of human sensuality are these: 1) assuming that all sexual desire is good and 2) believing that all sexual desire is evil. This mirrors the world’s false narrative that all sexual desire is good, and the church's false narrative that all sexual desire is evil. Do you see the half-truths in both views?
3. We know, as kingdom coaches, that Jesus is more concerned with our HEARTS - our inner and not our outer. So it makes sense that the issue of lust will only be solved inside with our hearts. When I took Jim's class, he had us read several passages in books that explained the differences for the struggles in this area between men and women. Men, it’s a visual thing that gets them in trouble. but with women, it is emotional. The readings for men were from the book Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn. For women, the book is Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge really spoke to me. There was a chapter called, Not Just a Man's Battle. It began, "at one time I was having extramarital affairs with five different men..." She went on to describe that although she wasn't having sexual intercourse with any of them, she was having an emotional /mental affair and how that affected her marriage. The description of emotional need defined for me, some of the confusion we, as women, develop in this area. Can you relate?
4. Epithumia allows one to feel a very strong and good sensation, but it never satisfies and leaves us wanting more. On page 94, Jim writes, "When we are properly connected to God and his kingdom, we find that the void is filled". That is the result from knowing who we are and whose we are! Do you believe He can help us write better stories in our lives?
5. Did you agree with the commitment/physical intimacy triangle that Jim described? Does it help you understand the proper boundaries for sex, as our God given gift?
6. Soul exercise of media fast! Let me say when I fasted from the media those 2 days, I wanted more fasting, but I couldn't do it. You will see as you continue with the readings/exercises, that they all begin to tie together. Now I regularly fast for long times from TV, facebook, sports articles about my team, etc....and it feels great. Keep working at it -- you will get there.

Hope all is well in your king/queendom. Keep striving to align your principles with His kingdom principles. It makes life so much easier.

Keep the Faith