“I’m addicted to porn.”

I hear that admission when I counsel men. A lot. Especially (but not always) from younger men. And my heart breaks for them.

Unlike the old days, when a guy had to muster up the courage to go inside a store and purchase a magazine, today everything a man (or woman) desires to see is one click away.

We don’t talk about this much. Maybe we should. Because the last stats I read cited “over 50% of men who attend church regularly have looked at porn in the last 30 days.” That’s a lot of men filling church pews who, at least on some level, are struggling with this demon. Further, weekly, I read of yet another church leader shipwrecking themselves on the rocks of moral failure. And frankly, it chills me, knowing that if I, myself, don’t remain vigilant, I could easily fall into the same tragic category.

Beloved author and pastor, Chuck Swindoll, offers the following:

“No one is immune. You’re not. I’m not. Sexual temptation (lust) is no respecter of persons. And beware – it never gives up.

“How do you handle such an aggressive intruder? Try this: When sexual temptation suggests a rendezvous, send Jesus Christ as your representative. Have him inform the demon you want nothing to do filling your mind with poison. Have Christ remind him since you are united with Christ, you are no longer a slave to sin. Jesus’ death and resurrection freed you from sin’s death-grip and gave you a new Master.

Then Swindoll cites the following biblical truth from the book of Romans…

“For sin’s power over us was broken when we became Christians and were baptized to become a part of Jesus Christ. Through His death, the power of your sinful nature was shattered. Your old, sin-loving nature was buried with Him by baptism when He died. And when God the Father, with glorious power, brought Him back to life again, you were given His wonderful new life to enjoy.” – Romans 6:3-4 TLB 

“You are protected as long as you draw upon Christ’s strength (“Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10) Try to handle it yourself and you’ll lose every time. This is why we are warned again and again in the New Testament to flee sexual temptations. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)  [End Swindoll’s comments]

Take a minute and note the different responses to sexual temptation between Joseph and Samson. Joseph ran away; Samson ran toward. Eventually, Joseph was promoted to the second most powerful leader in all of Egypt; Samson died a humiliated, blind slave. (Joseph’s story is recorded in the book of Genesis, Samson’s in the book of Judges.)

Jesus unpacked the toxic effect of this particular sin when he said,

“Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully (this includes digital images) has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28

There is a biblical principle called “the principle of replacement.” When we’re tempted in any area, do what Jesus did with Satan in the wilderness temptation narratives – respond with biblical truth i.e. confront/replace the temptation with scripture. Satan has no defense against the Word of God. (Cf. Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13)

In regard to sexual temptation, here are a few “weapons” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5), as a Christian, you have in your arsenal.

“I will set no worthless or wicked thing before my eyes.” – Psalm 101:3 AMP (Write this one down and place it near any device/tv/monitor.)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (Satan knows sin methodically darkens/clouds our ability to have fellowship with God. The psalmist wrote, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” – Psalm 66:18. This relational state with God makes us easy prey for Satan.)

Already mentioned:

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion…” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

“Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28

For those reading this who think, “It’s not that big a deal. It’s not gonna hurt me,” there’s an old song that goes like this…

Sin will take you farther than you want to go,

Slowly, but wholly, taking control,

Sin will leave you longer than you want to stay,

Sin will cost you far more than you want to pay.

Just as a predator lurks beneath the surface of what appears to be calm, harmless water, so sexual sin patiently waits for you to “wade in.”

nw