Biblical steps in overcoming porn addiction
Technology turned porn addiction pandemic
Millions suffer from internet porn addiction. Around 33% of males aged between 16-34 years old are addicted to it and teenagers are most vulnerable. Christians are not exempted, but there is hope because God’s grace is sufficient. Here are practical and Biblical steps that can help you overcome.
1. Admit it’s a problem
Until we acknowledge that there is a “sin problem,” we will not know the cure. Acceptance does not mean defeat, it’s simply acknowledging the problem. Acceptance becomes a step in overcoming an addiction if you acknowledge that you need help. (Psalm 32:5)
→ I gave up being gay, but did not become straight.
Remember: Admitting you need help is a step ahead.
2. Change of mind
Repentance comes from the word “metanoia” which means “a change of mind, heart, and attitude towards sin.” It’s a process of spiritual conversion that happens each day because temptation is constant (James 1:14). Prove by the way you live that you have repented and turn to God. (Matthew 3:8)
→ Dear God: Bakit hindi mo sinasagot prayers ko?
Remember: Hate sin.
3. Quiet time
God gave us His Word to equip us and be overcomers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Success comes when we are fed God’s word daily for we do not live by bread alone (Joshua 1:8, Matthew 4:4). God’s word can penetrate hearts to root out the deepest sins (Hebrews 4:12). Set a specific time each day for prayer or fasting, and reading God’s words.
→ How to pray like Jesus and get answers.
Remember: Hunger for God’s words starves sin.
4. Consider spiritual warfare
The Bible tells us that overcoming sin is through the Holy Spirit. We must walk in the Spirit and yield to His control (Galatians 5:16-25) and run away from sin, not chase it. If something entices you, close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to change your heart and desire. If your sexual struggle is consuming your daily life, spiritual warfare is needed. You must fast and pray for this, declare your victory in Christ and command foul spirits leave.
→ Is spiritual warfare a Biblical practice?
Remember: There is power in the name of Jesus!
5. Accountability
Bearing the burden of sin alone may sink you deeper into it. Ask God to send a brother or sister in Christ to be with you as you overcome. Being open to someone about your sexual struggles enables others to encourage and pray for you (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Proverbs 27:17). Praying as a group is powerful.
→ Example of accountability according to the Bible.
Remember: Ask others to pray for you.
6. Remove triggers
Joseph, son of Jacob who became a powerful man in Eygpt was tempted by the Queen. He knew he couldn’t resist her and the only way for him to not sin is by physically running away. If you’re heavy on internet porn, remove from your room computers, tablets, and smartphones that allows you to watch porn. If it’s going to places that may arouse your senses, stay out. Avoid friends that are worldly and stick with those who are godly. (2 Timothy 2:22-24; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33)
→ How Jackie Hill Perry’s same-sex attraction ended.
Dedicate your room
King Hezekiah wanted to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He ordered the temple to be consecrated and everything detestable removed (2 Chronicles 29:5). If you are in Christ, your body is His temple and pornography has no place. Likewise, magazines and sinful objects in your house belong to the garbage. Dedicate your dwelling place to God by decorating it with scriptures and playing Christian music.
Remember: Run from temptation.
7. Focus on Jesus, not on the sin
Being obsessed with overcoming sin is also wrong. If we are consumed by desperation, it is possible that you are depending on yourself, not on God. Instead, focus on Jesus, not on sin itself or failures. Your sins were nailed to the cross and you are free. Ask Jesus to give you a pure heart (Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7). Remember, two steps forward and one step backward is still progress.
→ I love Jesus but can’t help to stop sinning.
Remember: Look to the cross of Christ!
Satan the accuser and the father of lies will condemn you that you are helpless, but they were defeated at the cross of Christ. Victory is already ours. If you truly belong to Jesus, nothing can take you away from Him – know who you are in Christ.
We must resist temptation and the devil will flee (James 4). However, this verse is often misinterpreted. “It’s simply telling us how to overcome the temptations that the devil throws our way. It is through the Temptations that He gains access to our lives and that is where real oppression begins. Demons that oppress you must be driven out in Jesus Name.”
→ Seven examples of Jesus we should imitate.
It’s a slow fade
As Casting Crown’s song goes, “Be careful little eyes what you see, it’s the second glance that ties your hands. It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away and thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid when you give yourself away.
→ I love Jesus but can’t help falling into sin
→ Testimony of Ickhoy who overcame sexual struggles and pornography.
→ Demonic nature of sexual sins
→ Need counseling, prayer, help?
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