97. How to Battle the Passion of Lust | The Ladder of Divine Ascent

In this powerful episode of Raised & Redeemed, we dive into Step 15 of "Thirty Steps to Heaven" by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou to explore how to battle the passion of lust and walk in true spiritual freedom.

You'll learn how to recognize the spiritual roots of lust, distinguish it from God’s holy design for sexuality, and apply biblical strategies for healing and growth. Whether you’re battling temptation, guiding others, or seeking to deepen your faith, this episode offers both practical tools and spiritual wisdom.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

- The difference between lust and holy desire

- How lust connects to pride, gluttony, and despair

- The role of prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline

- Saints who overcame sexual temptation and addiction

- How to redirect lust into a life of holiness and purpose

✝️ Key Topics Covered:

- Understanding lust as a form of spiritual warfare

- How to overcome in moments of weakness

- Steps to break the cycle of sin, shame, and despair

- Embracing chastity as a path to peace and power

- A personal testimony of healing from sexual addiction

🎧 Perfect for:

- Christians battling pornography or sexual sin

- Pastors, youth leaders, and mentors

- Anyone seeking purity, healing, and transformation

➡️ Subscribe for more episodes on overcoming spiritual struggles and growing in holiness.

#ChristianLiving #SpiritualWarfare #OvercomingLust #ChastityTips

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📚 Books Referenced (Affiliate Links):

📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

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🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8

📖 Find the show notes here 👉

🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.

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🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

📲 Follow Along on Socials:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenkoFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed

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🕒 Timestamps:

00:00-1:15 Intro

1:15-3:01 Godly Sexuality vs. Lust

3:01-5:45 Sexual Sins Born from Lust

5:45-7:42 Lust & Spiritual Passions

7:42-9:56 Personal Testimony

9:56-11:29 Scripture on Lust

11:29-16:14 How to Grow in Chastity

16:14-22:14 Practical Steps for Chastity

22:14-24:35 Saints Who Overcame Lust

24:35-25:06 Prayer for Lust

25:06-25:30 What's Next