I was 7 years old when I was first exposed to pornography. Some kids had found it, and I naively agreed when they offered to show it to me. In today’s digital world, the stakes are much higher. More than a frozen picture in time, the power of video erodes what little innocence remains in our world.
Over the years, I’ve heard about porn in various forms—phone porn addictions, texted photos, images on the computer. Believers, unbelievers, men, women, young and old alike can be caught in its snare. The temptation is overwhelming, the pain of its effects palpable.
Placed in a broken world, the church carries a strong responsibility to share the answer for those who have felt the stinging effects of sin. Like any sin, when it comes to the healing from sexual sin, we begin with the truth of the Word. Our reasons for falling into immorality may vary,but the answer remains the same: Repent and run (2 Timothy 2:19,22).
While we are called to proclaim loudly the wisdom of God’s Word, we must also understand that rescuing others from temptation goes beyond an admonition not to sin (Jude 1:23). All believers face, and sometimes succumb to, a moment of sexual temptation. Galatians 6:1-2 reminds us to offer our strength and encouragement to those who are struggling. The battle isn’t in what is seen, but rages in the unseen (2 Corinthians 10:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:26).
Freedom is real, and it becomes ours when we understand that shame can no longer hold us captive (Romans 8:1). A powerful vessel of hope, the church must be a safe place where people can be honest—first with God and then with others. It’s the only way we can truly engage the heartache that sin brings to all of us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 1:12-26
More:
Read Proverbs 5:1-23 and consider how this passage applies to society today.
Next:
What does it mean when we say the church should be a safe place? What are some practical ways the church can respond to believers dealing with sexual temptation?
daisymarygoldr on October 6, 2014 at 2:06 am
What does it mean when we say the church should be a safe place? Considering your personal story, to me church should be a safe place so that our little ones are not subjected to the stinging effects of sin.
In fact, church should be a picture of heaven on earth where everyone loves God and others; there is no fear of getting hurt by liars, robbers, murderers, adulterers, homosexuals, porn, drug, and alcohol addicts.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 and 2 Timothy 2:26 is not about believers struggling with sexual temptation. It refers to those that have left the path of truth and have also turned others away from the faith.
What are some practical ways the church can respond to believers dealing with sexual temptation? Point them to Christ who is the best example for dealing with temptation (Hebrews 4:15).
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.” (2 Peter 2:9-10).
angelinatan25 on October 6, 2014 at 11:34 am
TO ME, CHURCH MUST BE A SAFE PLACE PROVIDED ALL IN THE CHURCH LIVE OUT THE COMMANDMENTS SET IN THE NT AND OT.
BUT IN ACTUAL TRUTH, THE CHURCH IS SAFE WHERE CHILDREN ARE PLACED IN; AS FOR THE ADULTS – ALL ARE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF SANCTIFICATION, FROM SPIRITUAL BABES TO SPIRITUAL MATURE ONES.
MOREOVER, CHURCH-GOERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WITH DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS, OBJECTIVES IN THEIR LIVES, ALSO SOME MAY BE SELF-CENTERED WITH MOTIVES ONLY THEY AND GOD KNOWS…
THUS, THE CHURCH WHICH SHOULD BE SAFE, MAY BE ‘UNSAFE’ TOO.
Sheridan Voysey on October 6, 2014 at 5:11 am
These are important words, Regina. In addition to what you’ve said above – the necessity of repentance, the need for a safe place to deal with temptation – I’d add the need to confess the temptation (whatever it is) to someone personally (James 5:16). This is a scary act, but gets the issue out of the ‘secret place’ and helps with accountability and finding freedom.
godlove on October 6, 2014 at 6:26 am
I personally know “someone” – a believer – who has been struggling for many years now with a porn addiction of some sort. I know he has tried lots and lots of solutions but keeps getting trapped into it over and over again. At times when he thinks he has finally been healed he suddenly finds himself back to square one, having to start the battle against the sin all over again.
The words of Romans 7:15-25 are so pertinent in his life:
“For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. … For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. … What a wretched man I am!”
May the Lord help us!!
noseasboba on October 6, 2014 at 10:48 am
rather than point out the supposed errors in your post, I can appreciate how the verses you specified have more than one application. I feel you did very well in addressing this epidemic. we are still, as humans in error, of the habit of classifying sins. some have more of a stigma than others. in the hierarchy, being gay and watching porn are at the top. your food for thought about how we can begin to create an environment where this sin is brought out of the shadows where it grows into the loving light of the body of Christ was very filling to me. thank you, Regina.