I would like to add a slightly different perspective on the subject. Masturbation itself, not being mentioned in the bible, leaves some to search for scriptures in order to ‘make it a sin’. I know that, for myself, when this was a serious problem, it was accompanied by many other connecting sins, which were more dangerous than the masturbation itself.
One of the main areas of focus , when seeking to be delivered from masturbation, regardless of the means you use to gain control, prayer, fasting, or just quitting, should be, what your personal experiences have caused you to become attracted to.
‘All’ addictions are the result of experiences we’ve had in the past. Simply because we may not be able to identify the causative factors, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Parental relationships, abuse, (both emotional and physical), excessive guilt and shame surrounding masturbation and sex itself, are some of these factors.
Masturbation is the physical manipulation of the body to produce momentary pleasure, however once we add pictures, videos, DVD’s, mentally visualizing people, or viewing actual individuals, it becomes a type of idolatry, simply because we have placed ‘the objects of our desire’, or their image, in a position of being greatly desired or worshipped. Whether our unwitting partners in these activities are ever in danger spiritually, is controversial, but one thing is certain, these images are imprinted on our sub-conscious, which is why some continue to see images of nakedness and sexual scenarios long after they’ve completed the act of viewing the images. The primary danger, is not in the masturbatory addiction/habit, it is in the viewing material.
A great first step in becoming free from these desires, is identifying the triggers. Anxiety, stress, isolation, and boredom are some of these triggers. Fasting removes strength from the physical body and also has the potential to break spiritual strongholds, and so for those who practice this, it can be very effective.
There is so much I want to say concerning this subject, but I’ll limit it to one more point. The difference between, the person who is struggling with a particular sin, i.e. drugs, homosexuality, pedophilia, pornography, or a combination of several things, is that the enemy tempts, with the desire to bring you fully under his control. His efforts are not simply to cause you embarrassment, or to fail, but to cause you to ‘give up’, to surrender. He is actively trying to prove to God, that you will simply surrender your life to him, in place of accepting this struggle. Please understand that some have done exactly that, but you are not among those who sell out! You have accepted the struggle and are continually finding ways to resist.
Stop beating yourselves up! God loves you and you are Sons! God has not 'given you over to unnatural affections, or a reprobate mind! If this were so, you would not desire to be free. Press on and continue. God is faithful. You are a work in progress. Keep moving forward, seek out and receive support, and you will see that, with each month, and each passing year, a new strength over these issues will be developed, and you will do what previously seemed impossible.
