Faith and Family: Protecting from porn — Scripture provides important principles

Faith and Family: Protecting from porn — Scripture provides important principles

Viewing pornography is a temptation for most Christian men and yielding to this temptation always ends in loss. The battle to overcome pornography is brutal — but winnable in Christ because the power of our resurrected Savior lives within every believer. We can be overcomers.

Those who are sexually addicted need intense therapy and a commitment to Christ-centered therapy. The Bible also offers strength and encouragement to those who struggle with viewing pornography. The booklet Our Hardcore Battle Plan A–Z (New Hope, 2013) examines 26 scriptural principles regarding addiction to pornography. Let’s look at the first three — the ABCs of committing to live pornography free:

A – Admit porn is a struggle for you.

Rather than justifying or excusing pornography, simply admit your struggle to God, to yourself and to caring people. There is great freedom in transparent acknowledgement. A secret possesses power — and Satan knows this. Shining the light of God’s truth on anything sinful and hidden gives you the opportunity to break free. Once exposed, the chains of pornography begin to fall away and lose their power.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion (Prov. 28:13).

B – Breaking free is one of the hardest battles, but you must believe it is winnable.

Battling pornography involves spiritual warfare. The flesh, your sinful nature, is going to fight back. Your mind is going to threaten you, suggesting you can’t survive without looking at pornography. Satan is going to tempt you — and bring tempting opportunities as never before. The truth: you can break free.

You can experience God’s overcoming and healing power. God is greater than your stronghold.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:4–5).

C – Come clean with God. Confess viewing pornography as sin.

Repentance breaks the cycle of sin. Applied to pornography, radical repentance is essential.

Repentance involves brokenness and is a moment when God, the Holy Spirit, convicts you to change the direction you are going. You recognize your sin as being destructive in your life and contrary to God’s will. You experience an overwhelming sense of sorrow for what you have done. You vow in God’s power to no longer do that which God has revealed as sin in your life.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:19).

Whether tempted to look at pornography once, frequently struggling or addicted to pornography, you can experience freedom. Breaking free is a painful process but the rewards of freedom, peace and joy are far greater than the momentary rush of pornography. Guilt-free is the greatest feeling you and I can experience.

Editor’s note — Adapted from Our Hardcore Battle Plan A–Z, a 32-page booklet for men available at WMUstore.com