James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Pornography is one of the most deadly evils ever introduced to the human race. Through satanic agencies, this evil has made it's way into the homes and minds of millions of people. Through the internet and the various electronic devices that abound, this soul-destroying vice has been made readily available at the click of a button, and has proven to be no respecter of persons, for even many politicians and those in the higher echelons of society have fallen prey to its destructive influences. Sad to say, but it is also often found to afflict those within the marriage relationship too. Very many married men, unbeknownst to their wives, are secretly struggling against this deadly plague, and the longer it is indulged, the more difficult it is to overcome. It has been found that once this door of darkness has been opened within a person's mind, the victims of porn can only be truly delivered by the supernatural power of Christ.
Our passage of scripture above clearly states that lust begins within the minds of individuals and goes through a conception process before resulting in sinful actions. These sinful actions, repeated over time, form habits which become deeply entrenched within the domain of the mind, and if not decidedly and permanently overcome, eventually put a strangle hold which results in spiritual death. Therefore it is necessary for us to understand what exactly lust is, in the context of pornography.
Question: what is lust, in the context of porn?
Answer: It is an illicit sexual desire. The reason why it is illegal, is because it focuses one's sexual desires and passions on someone not belonging to oneself. In the case of pornography, it develops into a deep sexual craving for other persons whether living or deceased, for many "porn stars" who are currently being viewed by millions, have long since been dead and buried. It then becomes a very disturbing reality, that a living person can adore so intently, the body of one who has been laid in the grave for many years! Lust therefore is a violation of the seventh commandment which states "thou shalt not commit adultery". For many years adultery was confined to a person's outward actions, but Jesus revealed the far-reaching effects of the law. Let's read:
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Which then means that a person can commit "adultery" even with a person who has been dead for many years.
The word of God is crystal clear, that in order to gain the victory over this and all other sins, the grace and power of the omnipotent God must be engaged. It will be futile for any man or woman, suffering from this affliction, to try any man-made strategies in order to overcome. The power of Jesus Christ alone, and nothing else, can cleanse us from this sin; This is what the Bible states so let's read a few scriptures which explain the dire situation and the cure:
Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Paul here describes the desperation of those of us who have been imprisoned by the chains of lust, but the Bible does not stop here. It goes on in the next chapter to teach us how we can live victoriously. Let's read:
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Note well that the word does not mention anything about will power, or forming other good habits to replace the evil ones. While these are good in their legitimate sphere, they cannot in and of themselves stop or reverse the sin of lust. Only the power of the Holy Spirit is capable of permanently uprooting this deadly sin, and through His power alone can anyone keep from retrogressing back into the chains of lust. The Apostle again reiterates the victory that can be ours if we give ourselves unreservedly to Christ, trusting in His power to rescue and save to the uttermost, those who are recipients of His grace. Let's read:
2nd Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting 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.
Armed with these mighty promises and these powerful truths, the believer who trusts in Jesus can be more than a conqueror through Him that loved us. There is no need for any person to despair of overcoming this sin, for God personally takes the battle field in our behalf, and there is nothing that satan and sin fear so much, as the power of God working within our hearts. That's why we need to petition God's help daily in gaining the victory, and if we do, there will be absolutely no other result than complete victory over all sin.
Friends, fellow believers, and citizens, if any one is struggling with the sin of lust in any of its varied forms, if any one is battling with the sin of pornography, the God of heaven ardently desires that we turn the battle over to Him immediately, and if we do, God will come through with His promise to save, restore, heal and empower. We sincerely hope and pray that victorious living would be ours today, and so we end with a truth which we will do well to ponder each day. It reads:
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
May this truth and experience be ours both now and for the rest of our lives.
"Good night and God bless!