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Held by the strong chains of pornography? Discover and utilize the power in the Word of God in overcoming porn. Pornography is consumed by tens of millions of people across the globe. Several millions of those consumers are Christians! Some of these believers do not think that the Bible forbids pornography. The reality is that porn is not just a sin; it is demonic! The vice also affects both genders. In Australia, 76% of porn consumers are men, while women account for 41%, according to a 2019 study. The situation is not unique to Australians or any demographic. In a 2023 report, which investigated porn consumption in the 18-85 age bracket, researchers noted that the issue was prevalent in each group! Most people feel stuck and helpless, but there is a solution!
1. Confront mental strongholds
People who struggle with porn or any other addiction have a mindset that keeps them chained. Some grapple with the habit due to ambivalence. In other words, they have mixed feelings on the sinfulness of porn. As believers, we must remember that any thought or philosophy that contradicts God’s word must be held captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). If the Bible says a particular habit is sinful, we must see it that way, even if society promotes a different view. Porn is a sin, and the first step to overcoming it is to see it as such.
2. Declare your identity in Christ
Many times, our struggle with sin occurs due to the lack of knowledge of who we are in Christ. In Ephesians 2 (AMPC), the Bible states that God gave us the very life of Christ Himself. Likewise, Romans 6:4 reveals our identity, showing that we were resurrected with Christ “so we, too, might habitually live and behave in the newness of life.” These are not mere verses that I am pasting without knowledge; we have a nature that does not attract or accommodate sin, including porn. This exercise may require you to print out some word-based declarations. Recite them daily until the mind adopts this new position.
3. Saturate your mind with the Word
I have observed that the mind operates based on the information it receives. If you develop a habit of “bingeing” on the word, you will compel your mind to see things in line with God’s precepts. You can do this by simply replacing “porn time” with “word-bingeing” time. During this time, listen to sermons, read the Word, and, most importantly, listen to songs that remind you of your position in Christ. Many songs can inspire your faith, but I have found music by Kimberly Walker-Smith, Hillsong, and Bethel Music to be powerful. I know not everyone subscribes to music by these individuals and groups, but I speak from experience here. You are free to seek any music that elevates the finished work of the cross.
4. Stay away from movies
As I have stated, information shapes our attitudes and determines the strongholds we retain. You can create a scripture-based stronghold such that porn is no longer appealing. To reach this level, you must be deliberate. Decide that movies are not important to you. It does not matter if a sex scene is simulated or real. Just stay away from anything that promotes nudity, promiscuity, and impurity. The only way you are overcoming porn is by avoiding all triggers, which include movies.
5. Rise whenever you fall
The only way Satan defeats people is to make them think like defeatists. Just because you fall into the temptation of viewing porn does not mean that you are a failure. Instead, you should realize that the Grace of God is like a stick that helps you rise and walk. In short, the Grace of God is meant to keep you from falling into sin as well as lifting you from sin. The faster you learn how to use it more for walking than rising, the better for you!
References
Ballard Brief. (2023, August 15). Pornography use among young adults in the United States. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/pornography-use-among-young-adults-in-the-united-states
Ballester-Arnal, R., García-Barba, M., Castro-Calvo, J., Giménez-García, C., & Gil-Llario, M. D. (2022). Pornography consumption in people of different age groups: An analysis based on gender, contents, and consequences. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 20(2), 766-779. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00720-z
