Trapped in the Web of Pornography

The statistics on the use of pornography by Christians are staggering: 30% of church leaders admit to accessing porn more than once a month, 42% of Christian men say they struggle with ‘porn addiction’ and 75% admit to viewing porn on a regular basis.  (Stats as published by Premier Christian News, 16^th January 2015).  Pornography and masturbation is such an enormous problem that we could label it a global pandemic; one that is largely ignored and even considered normal behaviour.

Satan is cruel. After he leads us into sin, he entraps us into compulsions that lead to addictive behaviours. Then, for the final part of his strategy, he twists in the knife and seeks to overwhelm us with guilt, condemnation and feelings of failure and self-hate. You might very well be one of the many who love the Lord but has also found themselves overcome by a porn addiction or at least a knowing that the temptation and compulsion is never far away. You may feel desperate, defiled, lonely and living in the fear that things will never change.

Jesus is stronger than any prison bars Satan can trap us in!

The great news is that Jesus is stronger than any prison bars Satan can trap us in! But to find the way out we will need more than mere dogged determination. We will require God’s supernatural help as well as Godly wisdom and counsel. Here are some pointers that will  help you to permanently overcome the compulsive desires:

1. Repentance and forgiveness is key – take time with God to be real and honest about your problem. Lay down your excuses, be real about its effect on you, your spouse and loved ones. Being willing to forgive yourself and accept God’s forgiveness. This should be spoken out to a trusted friend or pastor.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5:16

2. Undermine and flee temptation. I know you have heard this before, but it cannot be said enough. You will be tempted. Satan will not just throw in the towel because you have made up your mind to be free. Temptation will come your way, so expect it and have a plan in place. Turn to God for strength and be practical in distracting yourself; go for a walk, put your phone in a drawer or call a friend. As you resist temptation, it will abate.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Be aware of underlying issues that empower the need for porn.

3. Be aware of underlying issues that empower the need for porn. Seek the Lord’s wisdom in why you have these struggles.
4. Be pro-active in your fight. When you feel tempted and passively wait for deliverance, it may not come. You need to actively engage in this battle. God wants to train your broken will. Pray, pray and pray some more. Pray in tongues if you have the gift. Sing worship and proclaim Scripture. The enemy wants to shut your mouth because there is power in prayer, praise and proclamation.
5. Remember that Jesus is stronger than any bondage to sin. Hold on to this truth, even if only by your fingernails. In your own strength you will find ongoing defeat, but in His strength you can hope for true freedom. It is simply a lie that you can never be free. Strongholds of addiction are deeply spiritual (as well as physical) and demonic activity is definitely involved. But never forget, Jesus is stronger and He has the power to set you free. I have seen it many times and you can see it too.
6. Be kind to yourself. Guilt and condemnation play into the enemy’s hands. You might have a setback. You might fail. But God won’t give up on you. You may have lost a battle but not the war. The Lord is still there, right by your side, with His overwhelming love, forgiveness and compassion. Do yourself a favour and start acting more like the Lord: Be kind, forgiving and compassionate.
7. Find friends who will support you , someone who is free in this area themselves and will hold you to account without condemnation. We need people described in Galatians 6:1 where it says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”

There is no promise of a quick fix.

There is no promise of a quick fix. It is of course possible that the Lord delivers you supernaturally in one moment but most of the time it will be a process of a deepening discipleship walk with Him.  It is in this discipleship walk that you will discover the true key to freedom – learning to love Jesus more than the sin.  This is God’s restoration in your life as the enemy’s hold will be gradually disempowered and you will find full and lasting freedom in Christ.