You’re stronger than you think you are; not because you’re great but because by faith in Jesus you contain the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Breaking free from any addiction is an ongoing battle. “Flee sexual immorality” Paul says, 1 Corinthians 6:18. And it’s arguable that the tense means keep fleeing. Just because you have a bad day, and lose some ground, don’t give up. His grace is sufficient for you. In His strength you can overcome!
You’re in a war and there will be many battles. So fight the good fight of faith by putting on the full armour of God (Ephesians chapter 6). And say no to sin today, don’t worry about tomorrow or the next, just focus on killing sin today.
Three action points.
1. Get avoiding.
Make like Joseph (Genesis 39) and run. Know the times and places when you’re most tempted and avoid them. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable situation like king David did, hanging out on rooftops with naked women in view when he should have been out of the battlefield. Install an internet filter, like Covenant Eyes. Stop watching bad TV, allowing unhelpful images to imprint on your brain. Think about things that are true/noble/right/pure/praiseworthy (Philippians 4).
2. Get accountable.
Share with a church or Life Group leader. Get some comrades alongside you to help you in the fight. A problem aired is a problem shared. Don’t let saving face keep you stuck in sinful disgrace.
3. And get actively serving.
Porn is a self-serving activity so do the opposite – find joy in putting the interests of others above your own.
Don’t be deceived into thinking you’re disqualified. You, like the Corinthians, were never qualified in the first place, and God uses broken people. Noah was a drunkard. Jacob was a conman. Moses was a murderer. Gideon was a coward. David was an adulterer. Matthew was a (tax collecting) traitor. James and John were hotheads. Simon the Zealot was a terrorist. Peter was all talk and Paul persecuted Christians. Don’t rule yourself out. God has good plans prepared in advance especially for you. Just make sure you’re facing in the right direction, fleeing from sin to God.
Reality. Roots. Reckon. Resist, because it isn’t futile.
May the God of all power and hope, give you strength, to overcome and find greater joy and freedom in Him.
