Masturbation As A Work of the Flesh

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B

Baruch

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#1
Some may disagree. Some may be offended. Just consider the description of masturbation as the scripture describes it.

Jude 1: 8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Romans 6: 12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Seeing the listing of uncleanness inbetween fornication and lasciviousness by which lasciviousness means sexual excessiveness, I really do not see how "masturbation" can escape the definition of "uncleanness" as walking after the lust of the flesh would lead to.

So then comes what appears to be the impossible battle living in America where the media hypes the sexual appetities, but nothing is impossible with God. What is our motivation for looking? To assess someone or to lust after someone? These things the believer needs to trust the Lord to lead them in the way they ought to go... to set their minds on the things above.

1 John 2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Galatians 5: 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Romans 13: 13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The Lord will convict you as to what sows to your flesh. You need to put these things out of sight and out of mind. If watching televison does it, find another source for entertainment or a hobby. If the computer tempts you to porn site, get rid of the computer. If music turns you on... don't play the song. If it is comics... get rid of them. If it is art, find another hobby. Trust the Lord to help you. That is what He is in you for... to help you live as His.

Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Hebrews 2:18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

When you feel yourself waffling and rationalizing the sin... go to the scriptures for there is power in His Word to hold to the conviction as you turn to the Lord Jesus in prayer for help.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 3:14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Don't get discouraged when you slip up. Just learn from what sows to the flesh and ask Jesus to be your Good Shepherd to put those things away and to lead you away from it next time.

Proverbs 6:26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. 27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

1 Corinthians 15: 33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Romans 9:15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

It is far more dangerous for a believer to live in America than in a persecuted country because persecuted believers are holding to their faith and walking with Jesus in the face of persecution, but here... when there are so many distractions and allures, our guard is down.

1 Peter 5: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:.... 9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 Corinthians 15:57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1: 24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#2
Aside from the fact that the word masturbation is not in any of the scriptures you posted..and while masturbation has always traditionally been thought to do harm to the body, no modern day medical evidence has proven that. In fact a number eg James Dobson? claim it is healthy.

So I wonder if your rules about TV etc also apply to the bible? i.e. if you mis-quote the bible, then throw it out!! j/k


I believe the problem with male masturbation is the loss of bodily fluids which has traditionally been believed by Jews to contain some kind of "life force".

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Sex_and_Sexuality/Jewish_Approaches/Masturbation.shtml
The first of these concerns accounts for the most common line of reasoning. Exposed semen, in the view of those who take this approach, somehow contaminates the environment and taints its holiness. The sources do not go into great detail as to how or why this happens, but that is because they rely on earlier sources regarding purity.
In the Torah, impurity results whenever there is a loss of elan vitale, of life energy. The extreme case of impurity is therefore a dead body, the most potent source of spreading impurity as "the father of the fathers of impurity" (avi avot ha-tumah). Impurity arises also, however, when bodies deviate in any way from their wholeness. This happens even when what is going on is perfectly normal and natural, such as a woman's menstrual flow or a man's ejaculation.
At that point, the woman or man becomes impure, which means that she or he is unfit to engage in public rituals until a prescribed time has passed and a ritual of ablution, later transformed into immersion in a natural body of water or a specially constructed pool (mikveh), has been fulfilled.
 
B

Baruch

Guest
#3
Aside from the fact that the word masturbation is not in any of the scriptures you posted..and while masturbation has always traditionally been thought to do harm to the body, no modern day medical evidence has proven that. In fact a number eg James Dobson? claim it is healthy.

So I wonder if your rules about TV etc also apply to the bible? i.e. if you mis-quote the bible, then throw it out!! j/k

I believe the problem with male masturbation is the loss of bodily fluids which has traditionally been believed by Jews to contain some kind of "life force".

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Sex_and_Sexuality/Jewish_Approaches/Masturbation.shtml
The first of these concerns accounts for the most common line of reasoning. Exposed semen, in the view of those who take this approach, somehow contaminates the environment and taints its holiness. The sources do not go into great detail as to how or why this happens, but that is because they rely on earlier sources regarding purity.
In the Torah, impurity results whenever there is a loss of elan vitale, of life energy. The extreme case of impurity is therefore a dead body, the most potent source of spreading impurity as "the father of the fathers of impurity" (avi avot ha-tumah). Impurity arises also, however, when bodies deviate in any way from their wholeness. This happens even when what is going on is perfectly normal and natural, such as a woman's menstrual flow or a man's ejaculation.
At that point, the woman or man becomes impure, which means that she or he is unfit to engage in public rituals until a prescribed time has passed and a ritual of ablution, later transformed into immersion in a natural body of water or a specially constructed pool (mikveh), has been fulfilled.
Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

That is another description of masturbation as it can also be the result of anyone walking after the flesh..in the lust of uncleanness.

2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

So as much as the Jewish custom of cleanliness defined what is unclean, God bothered to have it written. One can ascertain the current application from the reference of Jude and 2 Peter to show the necessity of changing the heart within... as only God can if one turns it over to Him so that this sin will no longer have dominion over them.

As much as medical research shows no physical harm in spite of the definition of "self-abuse", do remember that medical research also emphasize sex as a means to avoid prostate cancer and thus anyone can rationalize that to infer that fornication or adultery isn't wrong then.

It all leads to how we walk... and what we are sowing to... the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, or do we love the Father so that we do not love the creature over the Creator to avoid lust which can lead to lasviousness, uncleanness, fornication, and adultery?

The application of television or music all leads to if it sows to the flesh that it causes a believer to sin in that manner. Some can watch a program and not be tempted whereas another cannot.

Those that cannot will know to stop watching television because the camera takes the viewers where "lust" wants to go. It is well known that sex sells in the media and the latest Burger King commercial is proof of that so even the sponser break holds the temptations that could cause someone to sin or to stumble. So is our eye on the fleeting things of this earth where it will pass away.. or on the Father above?

Matthew 6:21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

1 John 2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

So if a believer finds it difficult to not sin in regards to the lust of the flesh, they need Jesus' help to turn away from that which sows to it.
 
B

Baruch

Guest
#4
There was another thread started on this that you can still read on , I particularly like Robos contribution.

http://www.christianchat.com/showthread.php?t=1136&highlight=masterbation
RoboOp's response below from that thread link:

Scripture regarding masturbation: there is no explicit scripture on this.

But yes Jesus did say that if you look at a woman to lust after her, then you already did the sin in your heart. So, yes I would say that masturbation (for someone who is not married) is a sin. But it's a really tough one to overcome, and many many struggle with it. I don't want to say that it's a small sin, but certainly I'd rather someone fall into masturbation than fall into the actual physical act of fornication or adultery. But again I'm not saying that masturbation should be encouraged either.

On the other hand, I once read a write up on this by a pastor or Bible teacher who said the same thing I said above, but with one exception. I think he was answering the question "Is it okay for a married person to masturbate when they or their spouse is away (e.g., out of town)". He actually answered that yes it's okay if they're simply lusting after their own husband/wife.
haha Anyway I couldn't disagree. Personally though I think it's not a good habit to get into, but I certainly can't judge a married person in that situation, and also I can't judge a non-married person for struggling with this extremely difficult issue.

Anyway here's what Paul says on this whole issue of "burning in passion/lust":

1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. 2But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. .... 8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

And Song of Solomon repeatedly says:

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

According to what I've read, the "gazelles and does of the field" have their own particular mating season, you know..... and so do you.. and it's marriage.. so try not to arouse or awaken that passion until then........ which I know is hard..... being careful what you watch and stuff (movies, TV) might help a little.... but my main advice is stay close to God, and get married as soon as you can!


God bless
Thanks MerryHeart for providing the link.

To add to RoboOp's response is..

Matthew 19:8He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. 10His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. 11But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

1 Corinthians 7: 6But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. 8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. 9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

If one considers that masturbation would be a release, there would be no danger of burning... so then masturbation unavoidably serves lust.
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#5
It would seem the ritual impurity of masturbation came from the release of a person's "life force" or energy. Not the act itself. Female masturbation is rarely referred to.

While you have referred to TV , eyes etc which is true, you haven't mentioned hormones. When the male body produces testosterone this results in increased sex drive, not to mention the body producing more sperm than it needs. So the question needs to be considered , is it something that needs to be overcome, or is it a normal part of being a human being?

We should be careful of saying something is a sin when God's word doesn't explicitly say whether it is or isn't. As far as I know even Jews aren't clear on this issue either as their scriptures don't really say.
Given this I think it is one of those topics that we have the freedom to choose whether it is right or wrong. For one person it may be wrong, for another it may be OK. Who is to judge?

The definition of "self-abuse" is an outdated description from the times when masturbation was thought to cause disease or even death.The dominant Christian view of sex came from Augustine whose view was that sex was for procreation alone, who even regarded the first sin by Adam and Eve to be intercourse.

A lust of the flesh could also be called gluttony. When our flesh desires a nice big bowl of icrecream and we satisfy that desire, is that as much of a sin?
 
B

Baruch

Guest
#6
It would seem the ritual impurity of masturbation came from the release of a person's "life force" or energy. Not the act itself. Female masturbation is rarely referred to.

While you have referred to TV , eyes etc which is true, you haven't mentioned hormones. When the male body produces testosterone this results in increased sex drive, not to mention the body producing more sperm than it needs. So the question needs to be considered , is it something that needs to be overcome, or is it a normal part of being a human being?

We should be careful of saying something is a sin when God's word doesn't explicitly say whether it is or isn't. As far as I know even Jews aren't clear on this issue either as their scriptures don't really say.
Given this I think it is one of those topics that we have the freedom to choose whether it is right or wrong. For one person it may be wrong, for another it may be OK. Who is to judge?

The definition of "self-abuse" is an outdated description from the times when masturbation was thought to cause disease or even death.The dominant Christian view of sex came from Augustine whose view was that sex was for procreation alone, who even regarded the first sin by Adam and Eve to be intercourse.

A lust of the flesh could also be called gluttony. When our flesh desires a nice big bowl of icrecream and we satisfy that desire, is that as much of a sin?
When in doubt, go to the Lord in prayer, but as it is, such desires as you put it, is also included.

Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

That is why if one cannot contain, get married, for it is better to marry than to burn. If one finds himself or herself unable to live the life of a eunuch or stay single after death of a spouse, they are to marry.

As much as hormones are a factor, sowing to the flesh is moreso. If looking at women or the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated causes one to have affections or desires... then either lean on Jesus to stop looking or stop procrastinating and find a good woman to marry.
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#7
If masturbation is for sexual release it is no more a lust of the flesh than going to the toilet and relieving your bladder or bowels. You can lust without masturbation and vice versa there is a difference I think you are confusing the two.

I thought the idea of marrying so not burning was, in context, about a couple that already had burning desire for one another. Anyway people married fairly young in the bible ?? Your idea of getting married instead of burning can only be interpreted as "find someone, and marry just to have sex". I think it's a very simplistic solution and probably impractical. Becauase marriage does not guarantee that sexual needs are met and even married people masturbate.
 
B

Baruch

Guest
#8
If masturbation is for sexual release it is no more a lust of the flesh than going to the toilet and relieving your bladder or bowels. You can lust without masturbation and vice versa there is a difference I think you are confusing the two.
Again.. affections is not exactly lust and yet walking after it produces uncleanness, I do not see any confusion between the two. To most people, lust is involved when it comes to masturbation, and if one is misled to believe it is not lust, then the "sex drive" is certainly showing dominion over the life of the believer as in walking after the flesh to fulfill the desires of the flesh.

I thought the idea of marrying so not burning was, in context, about a couple that already had burning desire for one another. Anyway people married fairly young in the bible ?? Your idea of getting married instead of burning can only be interpreted as "find someone, and marry just to have sex". I think it's a very simplistic solution and probably impractical. Becauase marriage does not guarantee that sexual needs are met and even married people masturbate.
Actually, that advise was given to widows... and I gave it on the note of leaning on Jesus to either put away those things you are looking at that sows to the flesh.. or.... lean on Jesus to help you stop procrastinating and seek a good woman to marry.... as it is written that it is better to marry than to burn.

Take it to Jesus in prayer.

Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
 
B

Baruch

Guest
#9
Anyway people married fairly young in the bible ?? Your idea of getting married instead of burning can only be interpreted as "find someone, and marry just to have sex". I think it's a very simplistic solution and probably impractical. Becauase marriage does not guarantee that sexual needs are met and even married people masturbate.
They shouldn't be masturbating as they are one flesh.

As far as meeting sexual needs.

1 Corinthians 7:1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Christian married couples should not be masterbating when they have sexual needs. They are one flesh.

And as far as staying single and desiring to think on those things that please the Lord....

2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

God cares about the inside... not what is readily seen on the outside.

Matthew 23: 25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

1 Corinthians 7:32But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 36But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. 37Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

Philippians 4: 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

May God cause the increase. Amen.
 
Mar 18, 2009
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#10
Copied from one of my prior posts...

I definitely relate with your problem; however, I think the real issue you're facing is lust, not just the physical act of masturbation. While some may disagree with me on this point, I know of no Biblical prohibition against the act itself...none. Jesus did stress that lust is equal to adultery of the heart, but there's no reference made to masturbation at all, let alone it being inherently dependent on lust (which it isn't). If it were, every young child who discovers it or married people who engage in it would be sinning like crazy, so obviously the physical aspect isn't the real problem...it's the thoughts and impulses taking place in your mind and heart.

In our sex-saturated society, being a Christian man is not easy at all. TV, film, radio, and all sorts of other industries push sex towards us like crazy, and then condemns us for eventually giving in. So many people don't really understand how visual the male mind really is. The slightest hint of anything sexual can (and often does) send our hormones into overdrive. It's like a voice in our heads, saying, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"....and it doesn't want to quit. Controlling our mind is never easy, but it is necessary. I'm learning a little more each day, to trust that God loves me, whether I feel it or not. Sometimes, I'll wrestle against my thoughts like crazy, and it's only a matter of time before I can't take it any more. I endured an addiction to pornography for 9 years, and in 2006 God set me free...but the memories are still there, and when I'm stressed its so easy to let my spiritual and mental guard down.

The only solution I can offer is that you read your Bible a little each day, pray for God to help you control your mind when those impulses rage, and if it gets really bad, then ask God to help you obtain a release without using lustful thoughts. It is not easy (I've only succeeded completely once or twice), but it is possible. If you start to feel condemned, remind yourself (out loud if necessary) that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and keep praying. Prayer and trusting God more than your feelings is the key to all of it. It may sound like a cliche, but its true.

I would also recommend these articles; you may find the information in them helpful.

1) Is Masturbaton a Sin?

2) Why Didn't God Call Masturbation a Sin?

3) Masturbation Q & A
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#11
Baruch it seems you've come up with a lot of "rules" for both singles and married couples that don't explicitly mention masturbation.

I think any feelings of guilt, shame and condemnation associated with this practice (often fueled by teachings that put others under bondage with their "rules") far outweighs the lack of importance which the bible places on this topic.

BTW the verse about unmarried marrying is for both unmarried and widows.
 
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Baruch

Guest
#12
Baruch it seems you've come up with a lot of "rules" for both singles and married couples that don't explicitly mention masturbation.

I think any feelings of guilt, shame and condemnation associated with this practice (often fueled by teachings that put others under bondage with their "rules") far outweighs the lack of importance which the bible places on this topic.

BTW the verse about unmarried marrying is for both unmarried and widows.
1 Corinthians 7:8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. 9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Yep. You were right! Best check the scriptures rather than rely on my poor recollection. Yepperee.....

Too bad you can't come up with what uncleanness is when it is listed as a work of the flesh inbetween fornication and lasciviousness.

Too bad that you have to rely on modern day man's definition of masturbation to gloss over what uncleanness is obviously meant back then. All the descriptions of masturbation is listed in the OP.

Too bad that you would rather have your sex drive rule over you than turning it over to Jesus for help. At no point in my thread did I ever believe you could do it alone and by keeping a rule or two or three.

Too bad that you rely on man's knowledge today as if it outweighs the Bible and puts God's words in the past.

Too bad that the same man's knowledge today is rationalizing the homosexual lifestyle that you cannot see it doing the same thing for masturbation.

I'll pray for you. That's about all I can do. May God help you.

BTW, will the judgment you gave regarding complacency in not seeking after God be applicable to your stance on masturbation?
 
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Baruch

Guest
#13
I think any feelings of guilt, shame and condemnation associated with this practice (often fueled by teachings that put others under bondage with their "rules") far outweighs the lack of importance which the bible places on this topic.
I know that there is a war of principality and dark forces about, so heed this advise... if for some reason a fiery trial should come upon you... self-condemnation... guilt... rage... frustration... getting ready to walk away from Jesus and christianity........

...go to Jesus in prayer... normal everyday prayer. He is waiting for you to stop climbing up another way to come to Him and rest in Him.

1 Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Peter 2: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

May God cause the increase. Amen.
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#14
Too bad you can't come up with what uncleanness is when it is listed as a work of the flesh inbetween fornication and lasciviousness.

I haven't tried yet. But I can say what it is not. If you are to try and say that uncleaness is masturbation, then you must also include a woman having her period as falling into this category of uncleanness.

Gill commentary for one, describes uncleaness in this context as sodomy.

in the lust of uncleanness; not of fornication and adultery, but of sodomy, and sodomitical practices; sins exceeding great, not only contrary to the law and light of nature, but dishonourable to human nature; and are what prevail where idolatry, infidelity, errors, and heresies do; and which, as they are sins of the deepest dye, deserve the greater ****ation, and are chiefly and more especially punished by God with great severity:



 
Mar 18, 2009
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#15
Mahogany and Baruch,

Just from my own casual observation of this feud between the two of you, it seems as though both of you are 100% set in your opinions, and both of you are trying like crazy to use Scripture back up both viewpoints. This approach won't work if either of you are already convinced that masturbation is (or isn't) wrong. The plain fact of the matter is that neither the word "masturbation" nor any explicit description of the practice itself are contained in the Bible. If God had seen such a thing as inherently evil, why would He not have included it clearly in his Word? The fact that such descriptions are absent is a huge clue to God's stance on the physical act itself. God does view lustful thoughts and actions as evil, there's no debate about that at all...but if He's really all-knowing and all-seeing, you'd think if he wanted us to avoid self-release He'd have spelled it out in the text itself...but He didn't.
 
Jan 8, 2009
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#16
Too bad that you have to rely on modern day man's definition of masturbation to gloss over what uncleanness is obviously meant back then. All the descriptions of masturbation is listed in the OP.

Ignoring the fact that masturbation is not mentioned once in the verses you posted. You could at least acknowledge that. It is very difficult to establish an anti-masturbation viewpoint based on scripture alone. Why don't you quote some early writings about how masturbation leads to all kinds of diseases and even death?
Or do you believe like Augustine and his contemporarys that the sex drive is basically evil and that the first sin Adam and Eve committed was intercourse?
 
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