Overcoming Pornography #preaching
Overcoming Pornography
Good morning, church family. I trust you’re all doing well this morning. You know, sometimes it’s good to start with a little humor. So, here’s a quick funny story.
Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50." The second boy says, "That's nothing. My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100." The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
In all seriousness, though, I want to discuss a grave issue today, a struggle that has been plaguing many individuals: the issue of pornography.
Our guiding verse today is 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
The world we live in has normalized and even glamorized pornography, making it seem as if it's just another form of entertainment. However, Scripture provides a different perspective, one where our bodies are not objects for consumption but temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Let's look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 39. Here was a young man faced with a powerful temptation, Mrs. Potipar attempting to seduce him. Joseph could have given in, but he chose to flee. He made a conscious decision to not only honor God but also to honor his body and the trust placed in him.
As Christians, we're called to live differently from the world around us. Paul urges us in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." It's through God's grace, the support of the community, and the renewing of our minds that we can overcome the grip of pornography.
The struggle against pornography isn't just about avoiding explicit content. It's about understanding the value of purity, respect, and real love. It's about acknowledging the destructive impact of pornography on relationships, on the mind, and on our spiritual health.
I want to remind you that God’s grace and mercy is abundant. In 1 John 1:9, it says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." So, if you're struggling, don't hide in the darkness. Reach out, confess, and let God’s light shine on your path.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, showed immense compassion and love to those caught in sexual sin. Think of the woman caught in adultery. The society condemned her, but Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) He didn't condemn her but told her to go and sin no more.
We must come together, not in judgement, but in love and support, helping one another overcome and find healing. We must remember, we are not fighting this battle alone. Our Lord is with us, providing us a way out, and reminding us that we can overcome.
Let's close in prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for those struggling with pornography. We ask that Your grace, mercy and strength be with them. Help us to foster an environment of love, understanding, and compassion. Remind us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and to treat them with respect and honor. Help us to find joy and fulfillment in You rather than seeking momentary pleasure in things that harm us and separate us from You. We thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen."
My dear brothers and sisters, we must remember this: God is a God of deliverance, a God who sets captives free. We must bring our struggles to Him, lean on His strength, and trust in His saving power.
Just as Jesus showed compassion and grace to the woman caught in adultery, He shows the same to us. In our times of struggle, let us remember that His love is unwavering, His mercy is boundless, and His forgiveness is complete.
If you are wrestling with the chains of pornography, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust. Seek help. There is no shame in seeking help, but there is victory in overcoming.
May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace. Let us live in the light of His grace, love, and mercy. God loves you and wants the best for you, and the best is a life free from the bondage of sin, including pornography. So, hold on, keep faith, and remember - with God, all things are possible.
Remember, dear ones, that while the battle may be fierce, the victory is already won in Christ. And as we move forward this week, let us bear in mind the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Go in peace, and let the love of Christ lead you. God bless you all.
