See also “The Curse of Pornography“
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry”. (Colossians 3:5, KJV)
One of the scourges of our day is the ready access to pornography. With its ease of accessibility and its defiling influence, this world is collapsing under the weight of immorality fueled by porn. Statistics reveal that a vast majority of individuals in our country, both male and female, are ensnared in the corruption of sexual addiction. Many of them are desperate for freedom. There is a solution for this bondage, and that solution is Jesus. He is the ultimate deliverer!
The Bible says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” To those who have been born again and made new, the clear reminder is given: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Even then, however, the battle is not over, for we live in a world of corruption. The Bible goes on to say, “Mortify [put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication [sexual immorality], uncleanness [impurity], inordinate affection [passion, lust], evil concupiscence [evil desire] . . . for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” (Colossians 3:1-6)
The binding powers of pornography are some of the strongest chains of all addictive behaviors. The internet has made this scourge even more prominent and deadly in our time. Cell phones are placed into the hands of children at an average age of eleven years, and electronic devices in the hands of most individuals mean this deadly plague is spreading.
It should be recognized that Jesus equates the lustful look with the actual activity of sin. To desire is as sinful as to do! “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
If you are struggling with pornography addiction do not give up in defeat. Consider some directives from Romans 13:11-14.
- “Cast off the works of darkness” (verse 12). Repent of wickedness and confess all past failures. Identify and turn from habits that cause you to be ensnared in this particular sin.
- “Put on the armor of light” (verse 12). Light is truth and it reveals the secret things that are done in darkness. Live in openness with those close to you. Living in the light is spiritual protection against evil.
- “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 14). Jesus must be our life, our wisdom, and our strength. Without Jesus, there is no lasting deliverance from sin. Jesus is Lord and we must allow him to have full control of our life and our fleshly appetites.
- “Make no provision for the flesh” (verse 14). We must draw lines to keep us away from the sources of temptation. There are certain things we must turn from where we are particularly tempted in. We need to set safeguards to make it difficult to sin.
For more information concerning how to live in victory see Living Above Lust.
“Whatsoever things are true, …honest, …just, …pure, …lovely, …of good report… think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
