Rejecting Porn and Other Sexual Sin

Any Christian finding themselves caught in the addition of sexual sin quickly realizes the addiction is a bondage which repeatedly leads them to sin. Over time it can become just as addictive as any drug. They may go to God repeatedly asking forgiveness, feeling freed but then returning to the sin feeling as if they can't stop the cycle. Non-Christians may experience some similar behavior and show signs of remorse, conviction or condemnation. The best course of action for a non-Christian begins with giving their life over to Jesus Christ by asking His forgiveness for all sins and asking Him to be their boss (Lord).

Deliverance comes when the one caught in this cycle not only asks forgiveness but repents. Repentance means turning away and going the opposite direction. Getting rid of links, connections, passwords and emails connected with websites, chatrooms, dating sites, message boards, printed materials, toys, apparel, etc. is a must! Verbally going to God and making a commitment to God should be accompanied with verbal rejection of all lustful desires.

Denial is not an option! Confession to those that have been affected in any way by the sin and ask their forgiveness. Yes, this includes spouses above all! Trusting a spouse is essential to renewing a marriage and starting fresh basing the relationship on truth and openness before God and each other. This can be one of the most difficult steps to take but it can’t be neglected. Failure to come clean with one’s mate prevents a future built on honesty. Opening up may cost friends and even family relationships. This possibility can’t be avoided by not owning up behavior they already suspect. Any hope of salvaging relationships must be based in honesty. They chose to like or dislike us in the past and must evaluate the future choice on their own. Others can’t be forced to understand the depth of the grasp sexual sin commands. Those we confess to may not know how to process what they hear. Some will be shocked and/or repulsed by the confession. Others will recognize what the Holy Spirit is doing in bringing deliverance and rejoice. Family members and friends may turn away. They must make their own choice. If they are Christians they will have to sort through their feelings before God. Confession works with repentance and renewed commitment in evidencing deliverance from the addiction.

Testifying to others about the deliverance through Jesus serves to bring glory to God where sin and shame once existed. It also helps to strengthen the confidence and resolve to stay clean and committed to Christ. We need to pray for those who can’t or won’t see this and continue to love them.

If you’ve read this far you might wonder what makes me any kind of authority on this subject. I’ve experienced God’s deliverance from a lack of sexual integrity in several areas of my life. I thought several times I had turned from it but I kept going back. In short, I failed to truly repent by leaving open opportunities to go back to it. This continued for decades even as I served in several positions within churches. The cost has been high but deliverance was worth it all. God has restored much and continues to do so. My testimony could be lengthy, so I’ll just end with this: God gave me a loving wife who prayed, forgave me and stood by me.
We’ve been married over 50 years now. God still has a use for me. He never gave up on me. He can and will deliver you as well if you allow Him to.

God bless you!