Porn addiction, need help fighting off temptation

[Socreta93]

I made a thread a while back I struggled with this addiction. I would stop and go back. I feel the Devil knows how to reel me in, I won't get into details but knows what sweet spots to hit. I decided to stop, it's been well over a week but I feel the temptation every day, really strong go back back. I haven't but I need prayer in order keep fighting. I don't want to go back, I don't want to give in because if I do I feel powerless, it's a terrible feeling and eventually I just don't care. I want this to be a permanent change.

 

[Bereshith]

Sorry to hear about your battles, Socreta93. It has become a huge problem for modern society due to the Internet.

As a single Christian I find keeping physically fit and mentally busy on positive things gives me little issues with this area.

If I lapse in fitness and have too much time on my hands with little to do then unwholsome thoughts begin.

Try not to dwell on it and forgive yourself quickly if it happens. You might want to consider counselling also.

 

[mailmandan]

I once read a poll conducted by a Christian website that indicated a surprising number of Christians are addicted to pornography. The poll results indicated that 50% of all Christian men and 20% of all Christian women are addicted to pornography. The people who struggle with the repeated pursuit of sexual gratification include church members, deacons, staff, and even clergy. No one is exempt! The struggle is real!

Now how many Christians (especially) men can honestly say, "whenever I am tempted to lust, I NEVER give in." I have 100% conquered that sin 100% of the time, no problem? If David, who was “a man after God’s own heart,” and other men and women of faith yielded to sexual temptation, it could happen to any of us. Researchers are finding that when people indulge in porn, a powerful chemical in their brain and body is released and there are a growing number of therapists and psychologists who are saying that this is as addictive as alcohol or cocaine or even heroin!

The researchers explained that when people view porn, "It causes the brain to release what we call endogenous drugs or endogenous chemicals. 'Endogenous' meaning 'produced from within.' So where alcohol and cocaine seek to mimic the brain's natural chemicals, pornography releases the real deal.

Due to our flesh, we will have to deal with the temptation to lust until we die, but that doesn't mean we have to continuously give into the temptation until we die. The temptation to lust comes in many forms including ungodly sexual appetites; and there are lusts, such as the lust of power, fame or position etc.. We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome lust every day. No matter the form of lust we are tempted by, we need to remember that we have a High Priest and Advocate with the Father who understands our every weakness and was tempted in every way as we are, yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 2:1)

1 Corinthians 6:18 says to flee sexual immorality! Pour your heart out to Jesus and ask Him for the power to give up your sexual addiction. You can't simply suppress this sin in your own strength and give it up solely in your own power. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

 

[Bereshith]

"You can't simply suppress this sin in your own strength and give it up solely in your own power. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing."

I find this "Pray and Weep" doctrine misleading. I have seen many Christians misled over the years by such "Super Spiritual" teaching.

God has given us common sense and doctors and therapists to help us in these areas. Anyone who is struggling in this area should use every avenue that God has given us to deal with sexual sin; including exercise and an active lifestyle.

 

[MrH59]

I made a thread a while back I struggled with this addiction. I would stop and go back. I feel the Devil knows how to reel me in, I won't get into details but knows what sweet spots to hit. I decided to stop, it's been well over a week but I feel the temptation every day, really strong go back back. I haven't but I need prayer in order keep fighting. I don't want to go back, I don't want to give in because if I do I feel powerless, it's a terrible feeling and eventually I just don't care. I want this to be a permanent change.

Let me just say that truly understand your struggles.
Just saying no is not enough. To just say I’m not going to do that anymore or I’m not going to think about that anymore. Giving up the list of our flesh creates a void. It’s our sinful nature that we’re trying to overcome. I’m not not just saying this to you but for myself and others. Replace these thoughts with scripture, songs and prayer. You can’t pour water into a full cup. You have to empty it out and then you can. We have to empty our life and what we refill it with will be determined by our thoughts and actions. Our decisions equal choices equals consequences. We need to know our triggers and not rationalize them. Know our options and use our tools to make choices. This will affect our quality and outcome of our life. Endurance to run the race.
Empty it out, own it, admit it, understand it. It’s a sin our flesh enjoys. Find another joy!!

 

[Bereshith]

Try exercise.

I've been single for over 10 yrs and overcame unwanted thoughts through exercise and keeping my mind active with positive Biblical thoughts.

Prayer led me to a Christian counsellor who suggested exercise and helped me with basing my thinking around Scripture and God's forgiveness.

Scripture teaches that it is better to marry than to burn with passion so marriage may be the answer for you.

As this is no longer an issue for me I've stayed single but as the Apostle Paul taught not everyone has the gift of celibacy.

 

[Bereshith]

PS see Dr. Bruce Milne "Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief" on the fact that the neglect of exercise is sin.

This was an area that I struggled in but overcame through encouragement through brothers and sisters in Christ. Through that victory came victory in other areas.

Try exercise...it is Godly!

 

[Bingo]

 

[mailmandan]

"You can't simply suppress this sin in your own strength and give it up solely in your own power. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing."

I find this "Pray and Weep" doctrine misleading. I have seen many Christians misled over the years by such "Super Spiritual" teaching.

God has given us common sense and doctors and therapists to help us in these areas. Anyone who is struggling in this area should use every avenue that God has given us to deal with sexual sin; including exercise and an active lifestyle.

Apart from Jesus, I was unable to overcome those types of struggles, but glad to hear that exercise and an active lifestyle worked for you. Seeking the Lord for strength and marriage worked for me.

 

[Blain]

I made a thread a while back I struggled with this addiction. I would stop and go back. I feel the Devil knows how to reel me in, I won't get into details but knows what sweet spots to hit. I decided to stop, it's been well over a week but I feel the temptation every day, really strong go back back. I haven't but I need prayer in order keep fighting. I don't want to go back, I don't want to give in because if I do I feel powerless, it's a terrible feeling and eventually I just don't care. I want this to be a permanent change.

You are not alone my friend, I mean porn my not be my addiction but I do have a very addictive personality I can like you be able to stop for a time but then it always comes back it is like having chains you cannot break you know Jesus has the keys and only he can free you from them but then we place ourselves back in those chains like a dog returning to it's vomit.

I too wish my chains could be permanently broken not just the addictions but all the many chains I have placed myself in but perhaps being completely free from them is not the point.
To be honest I klnow the feeling of guilt and shame in returning to our chains all to well but I also have grown and learned more from my struggles than anything else.

If you cannot be free of them then maybe that is to show you how vast his grace is, after all who is more grateful for his grace the sinner or the saint? if you cannot recieve the freeddom you seek then take those chains see them as a teaching experience.

Turning lemons into lemonaid is an art but if life hands you a bad hand then fight for a better one.

 

[levi85]

Lord give your strength , and understanding to Socreta93
to say no to porn addiction, and bless your name. Lord help Socreta93, to overcome temptation and live a Holy life for you. Lord set Socreta93 free from porn addiction and you be glorified, in Jesus loving name, Amen!

 

[Prycejosh1987]

I made a thread a while back I struggled with this addiction. I would stop and go back. I feel the Devil knows how to reel me in, I won't get into details but knows what sweet spots to hit. I decided to stop, it's been well over a week but I feel the temptation every day, really strong go back back. I haven't but I need prayer in order keep fighting. I don't want to go back, I don't want to give in because if I do I feel powerless, it's a terrible feeling and eventually I just don't care. I want this to be a permanent change.

Porn addiction is very hard to stop. I know someone that stopped for 8 months and then started again. The best thing to do is take it one step at a time and do it less. Good luck, i am praying for you.

 

[trapped]

I have dealt with many addictions - alcohol, cocaine, work and sex. Something taught in AA and NA is to change your playmates (friends), playpens (places you go) and your playthings (stuff needed to fulfill your addiction). This is your part in getting free. Actual release from the addiction is GOD's part. If we could release ourselves, we would not need GOD. And this would be self generated rightiousness - filthy rags. But if GOD restores our soul to be free from addiction it is to HIS glory and credit. If we do our part, HE will do HIS part - usually not in our timing but HIS.

I went for about 5 years getting over the coke addiction. I did not even really like the drug but just wanted it. Strange but powerful. After several years of being on edge about where I went and who I saw I was approached by a street dealer who said. "wansumcoke?" From somewhere deep in my belly came a shocked, disgusted one word answer "NO!!!" Afterward I took a very deep breath as I realized that I was finally free and didn't need to be scared anymore. I continue to take that same deep breath of relief every time I remember that encounter.

I suggest you get rid of any porn and any other things you may have in your home that may be connected with sex sin. Change your computer security settings to make it harder to access on line stuff. And cut ties with anyone with whom you have ... you know what I mean.

Sanctification is a life long process. Be patient with yourself and keep your heart focused on the final result.
"We are HIS workmanship..."

 

[Scribe]

purelifeministries.org is a great ministry with many resources for this issue. They have a great success rate. I know people who are connected to this ministry from the Teen Challenge ministry. They have a residency program for those who need an intense longterm training and discipline with accountability. They also have resources for those who want to follow a training program from home. https://www.purelifeministries.org/

 

[Mic4Jesus]

Hi, just read your post. Porn is something awful.
I have known that for 15 years but now am free; The most important is not a programm, a seminary, it's to be accompanied by somebody on your way to be a disciple. If I can help you, just tell me.
Prayer is important but you need more.

 

[Lion222]

Choose to suffer!
Make up your mind to choose suffering and embrace it in order to be Jesus disciple.
To be empty and hungry until God fills you up.

What you let into your eyes and heart matters too.
Take notice of what makes you suffer more and put it away.

Satans lie is, because you land in the same spot you always do when you fall that nothing has changed, that outward this sin is always from the same reasons.

The reasons we go to your outward sins are many, the motives of your heart. the why is what you must confess as your sin.
Broken cisterns are places where we go to get our thirst quenched but they have no water.

Father God in Jesus name open the eyes of this persons heart to see the why... the motives of sin and confess them to you.
For you are faithful to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness associated with it. Amen

 

[oldethennew]

a 'true Christian' will know for sure that they have the very best 'helping hand possible' as they struggle
in 'over-coming' their 'old-man's debilitating bondages -
Christ is now their Go-To as they learn to daily put-on their brand new clothes for their
new found LOVE, Jesus Christ, the One Who has called them out of their 'worldly bondages',
The One Who they have been assured will create in them 'the New-Godly-Man'...
the Truth of this will be most evident in the 'fruits' that we begin to bear for our Saviour...

 

[Jimbone]

"You can't simply suppress this sin in your own strength and give it up solely in your own power. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing."

I find this "Pray and Weep" doctrine misleading. I have seen many Christians misled over the years by such "Super Spiritual" teaching.

God has given us common sense and doctors and therapists to help us in these areas. Anyone who is struggling in this area should use every avenue that God has given us to deal with sexual sin; including exercise and an active lifestyle.

So praying and weeping about our problem to Jesus, bad.Turning to ourselves and worldly answers= 100% Christ followers way.

Really? I disagree, I say Going to Jesus, praying, and weeping to Him about your struggles is THE ONLY way. Even though He may very well lead you to realize some common sense things and to go see a therapists.

I honestly don't disagree that what you're saying being possibly helpful, my biggest disagreement is how your first step is to set Jesus to the side as if He's nothing. That's what I disagree with.

 

[oldethennew]

conviction of sin and repentance of sin will always bring about weeping-sorrow and praying -
and 'after this,' God may lead us in many directions for our Spiritual Healing',
but the correct ORDER is to GET RIGHT with Jesus Christ first and then we will know for sure
that our decisions will be according to His Will -
as it is written;
PRO. 3:5.
Trust in The LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
6.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
7.
Be not wise in your own eyes: fear The LORD, and depart from evil.
8.
It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones.