Practical Steps to Overcome Internet Porn Addiction
Why is internet porn addicting? Around 33% of males between 16-34 years old browse porn daily, teenagers are most vulnerable. Christians are not exempted, but there is hope because God’s grace is sufficient.
Here are seven practical steps to overcome porn addiction:
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 acknowledging the problem. Acceptance becomes a step in overcoming an addiction if you acknowledge that you need help. (Psalm 32:5)
→ Rachel 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 spiritual conversion process that happens each day because the temptation is constant (James 1:14). Prove by the way you live that you have repented and turn to God. (Matthew 3:8)
Remember: Hate sin.
→ Bakit hindi mo sinasagot prayers ko?
3. Quiet time
God gave us His Word to be overcomers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It comes when we feed on God’s words. We do not live by bread alone (Joshua 1:8, Matthew 4:4). The Bible penetrates hearts to reveal sin and redemption (Hebrews 4:12). Set a specific time each day for reading the Bible, prayer and fasting.
Remember: Hunger for God’s words starves sin.
→ How to pray like Jesus.
4. Consider spiritual warfare
We must walk in the Spirit and yield to His control (Galatians 5:16-25). Runaway from sin instead of chasing it. If something entices, close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to replace your desire. If your sexual struggle is consuming you, spiritual warfare is needed; rebuke foul spirits.
Remember: There is power in the name of Jesus!
→ Is spiritual warfare Biblical?
5. Accountability
Bearing the burden of sin alone may sink you deeper into it. Look for church accountability. Being 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.
Remember: Ask others to pray for you.
→ Examples of Accountability Questions from the Bible.
6. Remove triggers
Joseph, son of Jacob, became a powerful man in Eygpt. He was tempted by the Queen to have sex with him. He knew he couldn’t resist her, and the only way for him to not sin is by physically running away.
If you’re addicted to internet porn, remove from your room computers, tablets, and smartphones that give you opportunities to sin. Avoid friends that are worldly and stick with those who are godly. (2 Timothy 2:22-24; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33)
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 was removed (2 Chronicles 29:5). Porn, smut, and sinful objects belong to the garbage. Dedicate your dwelling by putting scriptures and playing Christian music.
Remember: Run from temptation.
→ How Jackie’s same-sex attraction ended.
7. Focus on Jesus, not on the sin
If overcoming sin consumes you, you may be depending on yourself, not on God. Instead, focus on Jesus, not on sin or failures. Your sins were nailed to the cross, and God will remember your sins no more.
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.
Remember: Look to the cross of Christ!
→ Seven examples of Jesus we should imitate.
Been there, than that?
If you think you’ve done all these in the past, yet remain defeated, go back to repentance. Only the cross of Christ can we truly overcome. “Resist temptation and the devil will flee” (James 4).
