Focal Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Sex was created by God and is a beautiful expression of love in marriage. Satan takes what God creates and corrupts it “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). No matter what Satan intends, we must always come back to what God says about the issue. Today, we are considering what many believe is an unimportant issue. After all, viewing something pornographic is an individual event, and it does not harm others. So, what could be so bad about it?
Revelation 2:23 reminds us that God knows everything about us. Every place we go, every thought we have – God sees them. We may think we are getting away with something, but God sees it all.
In 2005 statistics were released that said 68 million pornographic search requests (about 25 percent of all searches) occurred daily. Research has found that with any form of addiction, there is a progression that draws a person ever deeper into that which provides satisfaction. What starts as dabbling may satisfy for a while, but it never lasts. This creates a desire for more, enticing the person to seek a more thrilling experience to achieve the same level of satisfaction. And the cycle repeats over and over.
So, what can we do? We have hope for those caught in the web of pornographic addiction. First, identify all the locations and activities that start the temptation. Then set up safeguards to avoid the situations and places. This might mean changing web surfing patterns, or installing protective software on a computer. Identify the emotional triggers that cause the desires – hungry, angry, lonely, tired. It is important to see the behavior as sin. Remove all the rationalizations used to excuse it. Refocus your thoughts and relationships upon Christ. Bible reading, prayer and Scripture memorization help in this area. Enter into accountability with a group of believers who will edify and support you.
Is there hope? In Christ, we are victors.