Protecting from Pornography

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To fight against lust, we must have a plan to protect ourselves from pornography. Using scriptural insight and practical wisdom, you can find hope with this struggle.

But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:28

The Current Reality

  1. Pornography is sexually explicit material that dehumanizes, objectifies, and degrades people for the purpose of sexual arousal.
  2. In the United States, 25,258 users are viewing internet pornography every second.
  3. There are 4.2 million pornographic websites, which equals 12% of total websites.
  4. 1 in 5 mobile searches is for pornography.
  5. 27% of teens receive sexts.
  6. 57% of teens search out porn at least monthly.
  7. The first exposure to pornography among men is 12 years old, on average.
  8. 71% of teens hide online behavior from their parents.

Insights from Galatians 5:16-24

  1. Surrendering to the Spirit is a daily activity and not a singular decision (16).
  2. The Spirit and the flesh oppose each other and attempt to frustrate the other’s plans (17).
  3. The flesh does works (19), while the Spirit provides fruit (22).
  4. Paul’s warning against sexual immorality uses the word “pornea” (πορνεία – 19).
  5. The flesh pursues sins of sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality, while the Spirit provides fruit of patience, faithfulness, and self-control (19, 22-23).
  6. Belonging to Jesus includes crucifying our flesh with its passions and desires (24).

The Fight Plan

  1. Determine what triggers the usage.
  2. Decide how and when you will engage in media and avoid mindless browsing.
  3. Establish the boundaries for tech usage and content.
  4. Accept technological inconvenience if it promotes holiness.
  5. Evaluate the environments where you are most susceptible to temptation and avoid them or alter them.
  6. Commit to an accountability partner and agree upon how to evaluate.
  7. Memorize fighter verses pertaining to lust (Matt. 5:28; Eph. 5:3; 1 John 2:16; Gal. 5:15; 2 Tim. 2:22; Col. 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:18; Prov. 6:25; Job 31:1; James 1:14-15).
  8. Employ apps that block or report pornographic material (Qustodio, Covenant Eyes, Ever Accountable, Accountable2You, Net Nanny, Lion, Open DNS, Kaspersky Safe Kids).
  9. Pursue God’s methods to meet your desires.
  10. Evaluate your methods quarterly.