from the guys at Wretched Radio
Fighting sexual sin is not easy, but it's not impossible. Here is the reality though... you are not so much fighting the actual act of the sexual sin as you are fighting the sin of lust that leads to the sexual sin. So if you can fight the sin of lust, you will be more equipped to fight the sexual sins that result from it. But remember and know this: the fight against sin is the fight of faith... and if you do not fight, that indicates a lack of faith... and very possibly a sign of unbelief. Your desire to fight is a good sign.
Think about this. You know what Jesus said about adultery and lust in Matthew 5:27-28, right? What did He say right after that?
Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell."
I think it is correct to say that Jesus was saying that, speaking in the direct context of lust, if we do not fight lust with everything we have got, even to the point of gouging out our eyes if that is what it takes, then we will be cast into hell. There must be a holy determination to avoid lust, and the one who does not fight it is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Those are hard words, but I do not see how it can be interpreted any differently. It is very plain. You must fight! But you must fight in faith, in and by the power of God. You must do whatever it takes to avoid lust. If you can do that, then pornography will not be a temptation.
Take a listen to this sermon by John Piper. It will be very helpful in your fight of faith against lust, and the resulting sexual sin:
Battling the Unbelief of Lust
Also here is an article adapted from one written by Phil Johnson, who is an associate of John MacArthur. There are some sermons also at the bottom of the article that are very well done.
How to Deal with an Evil Habit
Renewing the Mind
Wisdom Guards the Heart
Guarding Your Thoughts
Why Is the Struggle with Sin So Hard?
Think about this. You know what Jesus said about adultery and lust in Matthew 5:27-28, right? What did He say right after that?
Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell."
I think it is correct to say that Jesus was saying that, speaking in the direct context of lust, if we do not fight lust with everything we have got, even to the point of gouging out our eyes if that is what it takes, then we will be cast into hell. There must be a holy determination to avoid lust, and the one who does not fight it is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Those are hard words, but I do not see how it can be interpreted any differently. It is very plain. You must fight! But you must fight in faith, in and by the power of God. You must do whatever it takes to avoid lust. If you can do that, then pornography will not be a temptation.
Take a listen to this sermon by John Piper. It will be very helpful in your fight of faith against lust, and the resulting sexual sin:
Battling the Unbelief of Lust
Also here is an article adapted from one written by Phil Johnson, who is an associate of John MacArthur. There are some sermons also at the bottom of the article that are very well done.
The Bible tells us that "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to men" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Without question, the struggle with one's sexual thought life is a very common problem that men and women, Christian and non-Christian, battle daily.Here are some links to Phil Johnson's sermons that may be helpful:
But notice that this same verse goes on to say God will not give us more than we can handle—He will provide a way to deal with the temptation.
It is clear that pornography, masturbation and other sexual sin is adultery in the heart, because lust is obviously involved (Matthew 5:28). Lust is the problem that leads a person to become involved in sexual sins. The sin becomes a habit that perpetuates lust, and tremendous guilt results. It is a vicious cycle, and is much like fire, which never says "enough" (Proverbs 30:15-16).
Many people plagued with guilt because of this habit try to assuage the guilt by attacking the habit. Frustration results when they find they cannot stop. But the habit is not actually the problem . . . it is the sin that perpetuates the habit . . . the lust that controls the heart.
As I suggested, God has provided a way for us to deal with this problem. Let me suggest four steps to take in dealing with the problem:
The struggle with lust and other sins of the flesh is a lifelong one. Do not get discouraged if suddenly you find yourself falling back into the same sin just when you thought everything was under control. Implement the above suggestions, and I believe that you will begin to see some very real victory over this problem and will watch this habit die in your life.
- Be constantly confessing lust as sin (1 John 1:9) and ask God, who can do all things, to help control it (Jeremiah 32:17, John 15:2 and 5).
- Spend daily time in God’s Word (Colossians 3:16) so that your mind can dwell on pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8).
- Spend time with other Christians who can encourage and support you when you begin to struggle with sin.
- Stay away from all suggestive books, movies, television programs, and any compromising situations.
A helpful book that deals with overcoming sinful habits in general is "How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit" by Erwin Lutzer. Another, and very highly recommended, is "Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World” by Joshua Harris.
How to Deal with an Evil Habit
Renewing the Mind
Wisdom Guards the Heart
Guarding Your Thoughts
Why Is the Struggle with Sin So Hard?