How Do I Battle Subtle Temptations to Lust?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1408
Transcript: www.desiringgo...

[@prov-fp3vo]

Little sin leads to big sin. The devil uses whatever he can to trigger the lust. He wants u back. Know your trigger and stay away

[@prov-fp3vo]

See I think I know what I'm doing but I cut my self sin after sin

[@2ndPigeon]

Hey what does the devil do with our souls? What is his motivation?

[@charityouma1848]

​@@2ndPigeon The fall of satan as an angel in heaven is telling with regard to that question; Jude 1.6 talks about a kind of rebellion against God. So satan's motivation is pride, wanting to usurp God's authority and to be worshipped in His place.

[@2ndPigeon]

@@charityouma1848 And a collection of souls does what exactly?

[@JoshuaW86]

@@2ndPigeon do you really want to find out?

[@СергейК-е6ч]

5 suggestions from Pastor John. 1. Faithfulness in little. (3:48) 2. Urgency in warfare. (4:25) 3. Fight like a dead man. (5:19) 4. Make specific covenants. (7:48) 5. Pray for sovereign sway. (9:40)

[@tys8965]

Сергей К Thank you. I somehow always forget the beginning when I get to the end of the video. This is helpful.

[@Izthefaithful]

Thanks!

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

Ha! Thanks.

[@ADayintheLifeofTee]

1. Lk 16:10 3. Col 3:2 -4 4. Job 31:1 #ACovenantWithTheEyes 5. Ps 119:37

[@BrandonGlaspie]

@@ADayintheLifeofTee Number 2: Matthew 5:27-30

[@andrewdoesapologetics]

The holy spirit convicted me two weeks ago and I confessed to my wife that I had watched porn since we had been married. Instead of holding onto the secret because I was afraid she'd leave, I've seen nothing but forgiveness and healing from the Lord. What feels the best is since I've revealed the truth, the urge to watch it has completely left.

[@AKhardcore1]

Just told mine this week. Been doing that since I was a teen and I'm in my mid 30s now. God gave me the victory 2 months ago and it's freedom. Him who the Son sets free is free indeed.

[@nrcarl00]

AKhardcore1 praise God!

[@JoshuaW86]

How are you doing now brother? Still clean from this filth?

[@2ndPigeon]

Shouldn't you get forgiveness from your wife instead?

[@sillycheese301]

​@2ndPigeon yes but your WiFi doesn't decide whether you get into heaven or not and she may not forgive him

[@mbgrafix]

Remember this... It is IMPOSSIBLE to stop thinking about something! Instead, you can only begin to think on something else. As such, if you find yourself thinking lustfully, instead CHOOSE to begin thinking pure thoughts. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." ‐-Philippians 4:8 "...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -2 Corinthians 10:5

[@CatfishHeaven777]

Mike Bennett Amen!!

[@krissmork]

Have you found success in this? Getting a little better for me, but not by much at all. I sortof blame it on trying to stop masturbation all together, I get way to sensitive, man. Tips?

[@mbgrafix]

@@krissmork 2 Corinthians 10 is but one clear example of Christ commanding US to take EVERY thought captive. As such, as a Christian, you are a "disciple"...the root word for discipline...i.e.- being a Christian is a discipline. It is YOU who must take charge, not the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads...the conscience convicts...but the will must be disciplined. For instance...when watching television, I fast forward past any and all sexual scenes...and not just the explicit ones, but rather, ALL scenes...even the ones that are more subtle and suggestive. In this way you do not feed your carnal nature. And I do likewise with literature etc...turning away from ALL that causes a snare. If you remain vigilant and disciplined, it absolutely will make a difference!

[@mbgrafix]

Read Matthew 5:27-30... “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." ...now ask yourself...doesn't this passage seem custom written to especially apply to the age in which we presently live? An age in which sexuality and pornography are ubiquitous? We KNOW that Christ foresaw our times, and He therefore knew that we would be up against temptations that previous generations did not face, due to the fact that the technical ability did not exist until fairly recently for creating and mass distributing of audiovisual media. Nevertheless, Jesus stresses the seriousness of sin in this passage and the need for repentance.

[@mr.c2485]

You talk like sexual desire is a problem. Quite to the contrary. It is not only Ordained of god but necessary if one is to understand the nature of God. Thought substitution is unprofitable in that it is a futile attempt to convince the self that thought can be manipulated. If that’s possible then God is not necessary. Ours is to capture, possess, and transfer all thought to others in the form of forgiveness and compassion. Even if one is somehow able to win the game of mind control they will have invited in the most dangerous of temptations....pride.

[@Emilysafe]

“I love the renewed sense of vigilance”... so encouraging ❤️❤️

[@mr.c2485]

Emily Jay Sticking your head in the sand is not vigilance. What this guy teaches is compliance and cowardice.

[@colombia989]

Mr. C-gay, dude stop being a hater. Instead encourage people to run this race towards the prize. And the prize is Jesus Christ!!!

[@krissmork]

@@mr.c2485 What on earth do you mean? HOW is "fighting like a dead man" cowardice, and how is taking precautions against sin sticking your head in the sand? What would you prefer people do?

[@mr.c2485]

Kriss Mork Both require a defensive posture. We are to be on the offense. Powerful people never run, excuse make, rationalize, blame place, avoid, or attempt to stop anything. They capture all thought, take the info captive, possess and bind “the strong man” , and then transfer the knowledge to others in the form of forgiveness and compassion. None of this is achievable through attempted compliance to law.

[@creetan9997]

@@mr.c2485 People aren't powerful. People are corrupted and only through Christ, not ourselves, can there be victory. Do not depend on your own strength, on your own understanding. Do not trust yourself, trust in Christ alone. If you think you are strong enough to take on anything, you are just fooling yourself and committing one of the worse sins of all, pride. Making your mind confused or completely delusional on the reality of your situation. It's not fun.

[@john78tv]

I completely agree with this guy's concern about subtle temptations. I sometimes go to the gym or even at work, the type of clothing these days is too revealing. It is a daily battle & choice not to look, and to turn to God. Thank you for this video!

[@melangreathouse2209]

And I quote “ you don’t FIGHT?, you’re not DEAD”!! Well spoken Sir, and one that I will meditate on EVERY DAY!

[@MouseCrusader]

This is especially good for all the single people out there! Stay strong in Christ everyone!

[@Dandelion_flight]

MouseCrusader Married people as well. We face this sort of temptations as well.

[@2ndPigeon]

You know how hard it is to masturbate without porn? At least I can't do it, that's what porn is for.

[@2ndPigeon]

@NicoCoco Shouldn't jesus care more about starving kids in Africa then what I do in private? he needs to get his priorities straight. Immoral bastard.

[@2ndPigeon]

@NicoCoco That's horrible. You believe that crap? Where is your empathy?

[@2ndPigeon]

​@NicoCoco If I had the power, wouldn't let children starve, and neither would you. You and I are more good, moral and just then the murderous scumbag described in the bible. I'm not gonna read the whole novel you just wrote because all I need is to read the first sentence to detect your cognitive dissonance regarding this.

[@Arcanon10]

I have heard many testimonies about how men, by God's grace and strength, have overcome the sins of lust and pornography. In each case, the man rightly gives all the glory and victory to God, for indeed, without God no such victory is possible. Without God, we are dead in our sins, clothed in rags of decay and hopelessness. Only a vigorous obedience born out of a thankful love for Christ can truly give us the power to escape temptation. We must love Christ more than we love our sin. That being said, I have often noticed something that I wish to address. I have noticed very often, though perhaps not uniformly, how a single person's "gaining victory over lust" seems to coincide with their finally being married to a spouse with whom they can finally share a God-ordained and blessed sexuality. Indeed, God has ordained only one expression of sexuality that is lawful .... and that is between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage. All other sexual expressions, whether pornography, lustful thoughts, self-pleasure, premarital sex, are unlawful in the eyes of God. Indeed, a single person has literally NO lawful sexual expression whereas the married person has everything in this regard. The single person, with regards to sex, is like a starving person standing beside a banquet table from which only married people may eat. A single person can never taste even a crumb without being condemned as sinful. And rightfully so! I do not disagree at all with the commands of our Lord. However, I find it remarkable how often I hear people talk about victory over lust who also are either about to get married or who were recently married. Yet the fact that they are now able to have sex in a blessed and God-ordained situation is never talked about as a pragmatic and central force in their gaining victory over lust and pornography. This seems quite odd to me ... and possibly even disingenuous. It is almost as if the the once starving person talks about how God has helped them defeat hunger even though they now eat frequently from the banquet table. Now of course, it would be foolish and naive to assume that sinfulness and lust disappear the moment a person becomes married despite now having a spouse into whom one can pour their passions and affections. The very point of this video testifies to that truth. I am aware that many married people struggle with pornography and, as noted in the video, more subtle temptations. Too that point, I cannot speak. The idea that at person, once God has given them a spouse with whom sex is now possible, still desires extra-marital sexuality completely confounds me and truly is an example of "having no excuse." And that is not to say that sin should ever be excused or believed to have a justifiable cause; certainly not. The single person who must repetitively squelch the natural yearnings of the body and heart with a practically robotic stolidity is nonetheless called to righteousness just as the married person is called to righteousness. Both the starving and the well-fed should not steal food. Yet the offense of the latter seems less understandable than that of the former, does it not? Lastly, I am well aware of how my characterizations brazenly betray my own struggles as a 37 year-old single man who has longed for and prayed for a wife and who has experienced all the sadness, pain, maddening physical frustration, and disappointment that comes with unwanted, prolonged singleness. Perhaps there is a cynicism underlying my skepticism whenever I hear men talk about overcoming lust around the same time they were married while never mentioning their marriage as a component of that victory. In either case, the battle goes on. And yes, I know I must learn to be content in Christ. Christ said that we do not live on bread alone (earthly things) but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. This is ultimately true. Christ is all we need. But yes, prepare to suffer in obedience for the sake of Christ, just as He suffered for us all.

[@morgansheila5785]

Wow... right a book maybe? Many would benefit from your perspective/wisdom on this, I know I have

[@Arcanon10]

@@morgansheila5785 Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you were encouraged by what I wrote :)

[@animaticToshiue]

Paul said that he wishes to be single as he is, that there be no sexual relations, but DUE TO THE TEMPTATION TO SEXUAL IMMORALITY, each man should have a wife and woman her husband. But then he presents why it is better to be single, and that is undivided devotion to the Lord (without the distraction of having to please a spouse and the other troubles of family). So yeah, it seems like getting married is a way to fight sexual immorality. It (Singleness) is not forced on anyone, though. It is a gift from God, a grace given, I believe, if the temptation is to sexual immorality, then grace to overcome it even as a single person, having no sexual expression. But perhaps it will be more helpful not to use the illustration of a banquet because it gives the impression that a single person is missing a lot of goodness that married people have. That is not to say sex is not good. It is, since everything God give us as gifts are good. But there is also something that married people don't have that single people have. I guess, as in 1Cor7, they have more freedom to devote as much as they can of their lives to God's work. Singleness is also a blessed opportunity that perhaps, we won't always have. And in this, it will be good for us to be thankful, and not think that we are missing on a banquet. There is another banquet available to us, which is not less glorious (might even be more?) than what married people have. :)

[@Arcanon10]

@@animaticToshiue Hey :) Firstly, I will say that I ultimately agree with you and truly admire the grace you are demonstrating in writing as you did. I will honestly admit that it can be a struggle to apply such grace in my own life. What I will write now is not directed at you, but rather merely an expression of my own frustration. No doubt, this frustration is due to a lack of spiritual maturity. So I pray that the Lord will increase my faith and endurance and understanding, possibly even through this conversation. :) So, while I can understand the Scriptural basis for the "gift of singleness," I find there to be a practical disconnect. The Scriptures calls it a "gift," yet in my own experience, it feels far more like a "trial." And I think this ultimately stems from a misunderstanding of the "gift of singleness." One almost wonders why it is called the "gift of singleness" and not the "gift of free time." Because "free time" is what everyone assumes you have just because you are single. More seriously, however, I have never liked calling it the "gift of singleness" because it is the only "gift" that is characterized by the absence of something rather than the addition of something. When we consider all the different spiritual gifts God gives to members of the church, it is always something added to them in order to support the church and fellow believers. But with the "gift of singleness," something is actively and often painfully ABSENT. People will say you have more time to serve because of what is absent from your life, despite the fact that I don't know of any services one could provide the church at 3 a.m when one is alone in bed. Well, fine then ... call it the "gift of more time to serve." I do not understand the benefit of highlighting the reason one supposedly has more time to serve thereby using it to define the whole "gift." With that being said, I do believe that the Scriptures clearly demonstrate the principle that the Lord can use singleness as a means to further His kingdom. Christ describes this in Matthew 19 and we know Paul says as much in 1st Corinthians 7. Certainly, someone engaged in the kind of all-consuming evangelistic work Paul was would only be weighed down by the concerns of a spouse and family. Oddly enough, however, this principle seems to be rarely applied practically by the vast majority of pastors who quote 1st Corinthians 7. It would not be hyperbolic to suggest that 99% of pastors, Christian KZbinrs, and people I see engaged in mission work are ... you guessed it .... married. Indeed, most of them are married quite early. It is rare indeed to see any pastor actually take Paul up on his advice. So evidently "free time" is not as important to serving the church as we think? Does that make any sense to anyone? Pastors, in particular, are chosen by God for a unique and central role in His church. They minister to the flock of believers and guide them in their understanding of and growing in the truth of the Word. The stronger the pastor, the stronger the church; the weaker the pastor, the weaker the church. If anyone should be wholly devoted to God's work without the "cares or burdens" of a spouse, it should be pastors, according to this thinking. But we both know that is rarely if ever the case. Why is that? No one ever tells a pastor he'd be better off single .... they only say it to older singles who are struggling with their singleness. I even once heard a pastor literally say that marriage has distractions and responsibilities that single people should be thankful not to have ... and he then went on to list "doing dishes" and "taking out the trash." THOSE were his examples of how marriage is "distracting." Of course he would never say that the love and affection and comfort and sexual intimacy he shares with his wife was "a distraction from serving God completely." No, he would never say that. He would just tell the lonely, affection-deprived, sexually frustrated virgin who has prayed for years upon years for a godly spouse that "marriage is a distraction from serving God." I once heard a pastor who was married at 25 say "the Bible says marriage is a gift but that singleness is even better." Honestly, it all wreaks of hypocritical sophistry. Do not mistake me. I am not questioning God. I am not saying that we should not be content in whatever situation God has placed us. But I am calling people to recognize the reality of how much of a trial truly prolonged singleness can become. Can it be a "gift?" Certainly it can. Can it further the kingdom of God? Certainly it can. But as it is often the case when serving God in obedience, there is pain and self-denial. Even the gracious, merciful, loving, and amazing gift of salvation came at the price of sacrifice and suffering in the form of Christ on the cross. So also does the "gift" of singleness carry with it a heavy price, make no mistake. And that price is demonstrated in all the things a single person is unquestionably missing in their life. To suggest that a person who has been blessed with a God-ordained spouse with whom they can share affection, commitment, companionship, children, family, trials, and sexual intimacy somehow has "nothing better or greater" than the person who goes to bed alone every night, devoid of the emotional affection of a loving spouse, who has no family of their own, and who must fight a seemingly endless battle for sexual purity from which there is no escape, no avenue of expression, and no satisfaction that is not sinful, is absurd. The assertion that the single person "lacks nothing" or is "missing nothing" in comparison to the married person is a difficult statement to comport to reality. I applaud the certitude and grace with which you claim that there is assuredly a glorious banquet table for singles. If there is, however, it must not be of this world for I have not found it. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that God is good and sovereign and desires what is best for His children. But C.S. Lewis said it best when he wrote, "we are not necessarily doubting that God will do what is best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." And for anyone dealing with truly prolonged, unwanted singleness, it is like picking up a bloody cross and following Christ. Yet He did, after all, say that true discipleship would be like that ....

[@JSK95]

​@@Arcanon10 Hello! :) Coming across your post and comments 2 years later, and quite blown away by your eloquence and reasoning, which God has truly blessed you with abundance. Not sure how things have changed in the past 2 years for you, but wanted to stop by and commend you for keeping strong with your faith in Christ despite the struggles. I can somewhat relate to your pain as a 33 year old man who has never had a relationship most of my life and have been waiting to find a godly woman, but being career oriented which I have been struggling to find, the pain of singleness hasn't hit me hard just yet, and perhaps I still have another 4 years to possibly feel the gravity of that loneliness. I know you've probably heard this from many people and are obviously aware based on how knowledgeable you are with the Scriptures, but I hope you find peace in knowing that God sees your tears, hears your pain, and understands the torment of singleness like no one else can, and that whether you find a loving spouse or not in this life, He will perhaps bless you with even greater treasures in Heaven for carrying your cross with the pains you went through of singleness and still keeping the faith. Few years ago, it did begin to dawn on me the possibility of never finding a spouse, and as depressing as that seemed, I also started to wonder if God has a different purpose for me than I had imagined. And while the loneliness has hit me time to time, I continue to count my blessings and focus on the relationship I have with Christ, and that truly does help rid of any depressing thoughts and fill me with peace. I wish you the best brother! Let's finish the race strong!

[@mjmamat4058]

Thank you Pastor John for the principals to help with the battle against lust. We live in such a dark time where sex and skin is so liberally flaunted all about us, even if we aren’t deliberately searching out images or videos. Lust/porn is a personal struggle of mine and I often feel like I’ll never have victory over it and any time I start to feel proud that I haven’t looked at porn for x-amount of weeks/months, something small like the things mentioned in the original question pop up and I just feel like a little mouse caught in a trap. I’ve written down these points mentioned and will mediate on the verses and keep the notes close by to go through for when the temptations come.

[@mr.c2485]

M J Mamat Sexual desire is God given. Are you calling him evil? The only thing that makes anything evil is our tendency to identify with the object of our desire to the extent that we become captivated by it. Sexual desire is neither “bad” nor evil. Identifying with it as a source of fulfillment and power IS.

[@BobDole-]

@@mr.c2485 they never said sexual desire was evil?.. they were talking about how the culture they live in today puts these things in their face and that it causes them to struggle. Maybe try to listen and love your brother instead of coming at him with a spirit of correction? Idk maybe im wrong!

[@mr.c2485]

Noah May If they understood my comment there would be no struggle. The battle is not against flesh and blood. We need to discover the principalities and spirits in high places that condemn us of things that are not supposed to be condemnable. The only power that Satan possesses is the power of condemnation, so why accept it? Ever!

[@alfaisaac024]

@M J Mamat Me too. I've been coming out of this in 4 months and I feel renewed like a kid again, innocent because I don't get random urges anymore The main thing is Abundance Mindset. See when we feel like the beauty of femininity is a black hole to us, we have to realize that the entire world is constructed off of yins and yangs. When you pull away from lust for a time in faith, not only do you allow your brain release from the compartmentalized heavy delusion to the light holistic feeling of being free coursing through every aspect of living because you hide nothing, but you also simultaneously come to truly cherish masculinity. You can truly deny the Flesh and value women rightly when you value yourself rightly and that is through the perspective of semen retention. You no longer look at it as desperately trying to get free, but in the masculine spirit, you respect your seed your life essence from whence men and women come. And you transmute your sexual urges into your passions and purposes that are ultimately more meaningful. And your urges will turn to surges. God designed us so graciously that energy for long term gratification is in us men, we just were never showed the way in keeping it. When you stop lieing to your brain and short circuiting your biological mechanisms your body realizes it needs to kick it into high gear and make you more of a man. Something the culture doesnt promote these days. And porn is just the biggest part of the plan. But there really is a bit of truth to out of sight out of mind if you hold on long enough to let your brain find that. Were made in His Image but our minds can either can either be our worst enemy or our best ally. The choice is ours!

[@montsemajanmartinez9824]

No One Who Goes to Her Returns -a sermon by Matthew Henry Free audio online Only 7 minutes long. Strong medicine if you are unafraid to listen to a venerable puritan speaking on this subject. (it will scare the hell out of you) Best wishes & Merry Christmas

[@Descriptor_]

So blessed by the life ministry of John Piper. The unknown full impact of his faithfulness has to be in the millions of people. Praise God for creating such a faithful child of God.

[@iamboybeats]

It's so funny that this video came up. The past few weeks I've been taking the women's magazines in our breakroom at work and flipping them over when I go on break. I haven't been particularly drawn to them but just what they're promoting by selling sex to attract readers grates against my spirit, and I don't want to open myself up to temptation unnecessarily. Even last night at work, I was in our office and was waiting for my manager to count money and when I looked over at the table there was another magazine with a female celebrity on the cover. The Holy Spirit has really been blessing me with these new automatic reactions to these things. As soon as I saw the cover I immediately turned away. If the the male eye is a magnet to excessive female skin, then the Holy Spirit has flipped the polarity, 😄🙌 Don't get me wrong, temptation still rears it's ugly head around, but the spiritual resolve is getting stronger and stronger, and I love it! Also as a word of encouragement, when you are feeling tempted, just begin to BOLDY praise God. Thank Him that He has made you His child! Thank Him that He sent His son Jesus to die for you! Give Him all the glory and honor for the victory in your life! Submit to God and that temptation will disintegrate!

[@PMA65537]

en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Gregory 5v8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house

[@quattron-1126]

Something that has helped me a lot, from a Pastor here in KZbin: I thank you oh Lord for the beautiful looks of that woman I am so tempted to look at. I thank you Lord that you have made you a man and I would love to look at her. But… something would be off Lord because I would look at her with eyes of lust and I would sin against you. So, rather … let me just say that if you were the one who created such a beautiful woman, How much more unsurpassed beauty and perfection has your heart that you created the Kingdom of Heaven and I would rather fix my eyes looking up and fix my gaze in inspiration where the longing of my treasure is. Because you said it one day Lord. Where my treasure is my heart is also…

[@ugommaokorie1660]

This is amazing! Thank you Pst John. I needed this.

[@BloodLegaZ]

Thank you for this. The battle is so hard when you are alone, thank you for your words of encouragement.

[@kengy1991]

Great video. It is so important to make specific rules for yourself. One that I have is that I don’t get on my computer after 10:30 PM because my wife is sleeping by then and I don’t want that avenue of temptation to be accessible.

[@christiancersine225]

I need lots of prayer right now. I’m struggling with sin and have more guilt than I can handle. I know God is with me but I feel so broken right now

[@wojak91]

I got you in prayer brother. I feel the same lately. We have to turn our eyes away from ourselves and our performance, and look to Christ. We have to cast our guilt to the cross and lean ever so hard on Jesus.

[@HansKillius]

You don't battle, you navigate.

[@GabarAhmath]

ALL PRAISES TO THE MOST HIGH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS..

[@loganpage1706]

I struggle with temptation and lust, but I thank you Lord that you have not given me a spirit of temptation and lust, but of power, love, and sound mind. I know without the shadow of a doubt that the Holy Spirit resides within me because even when I’m engaging in those acts, I can feel His guiding hand leading me away from that situation and down the right path. All I have to do is listen to Him

[@roccorubino6288]

Excellent counsel. This could be a teaching series of several sermons. Scriptural, practical, and compassionate.

[@sevenprob]

“Depersonalized female skin is a worthless thing. But, women as person are of infinite worth in relation to God.”

[@ezekielbello2555]

This is an awesome teaching! Thank you so much for this, I really appreciated. God bless your ministry!

[@Derek_Baumgartner]

Reminders - thankfully like videos like this - are very important. If you do not make a habit of reminding yourself throughout the day even generally about God you're very likely missing out on a lot of good that He has planned for you. Our minds wander and think of their own accord: without a focus or a call-back to what we should be doing, it can be easy to drift. Good message! "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov 23:7a) - be very vigilant about your mind!

[@coleycannon1219]

Thank you Pastor John. Your teachings are such a blessing. God bless you.

[@AP777-JC]

Great. I love these series ❤

[@matthewdisalvatore3380]

Thank you Jesus for John Piper and this very timely word.

[@joelyons8238]

Galatians 5:16 "THIS I SAY THEN, WALK IN THE SPIRIT, & YOU SHALL NOT FULFILL THE LUST OF THE FLESH." Amen. We Have To Be In The Spirit Of God, At All Times, & Let The Holy Spirit Of God; Have Complete Control. Amen.

[@atomicsamurai8967]

I've turned away, but the devil definitely tries hard to rope me back into it. I just continue to stay as hostile to it as much as i possibly can.

[@dularundasa6793]

I am so blessed if it. It's a timely massage for me too. God bless you and your ministry 🙏

[@Izthefaithful]

Have courage my brother God loves you and wants your victory over this !

[@jackjones3657]

If an alcoholic or drug addict has certain "triggers" then surely a person who struggles with lust daily encounters an ever abundant number of sexually suggestive exposures. A God fearing man has to sometimes remove themselves from certain environments where self respecting modesty is absent. Just go to the local gym for a workout! It can feel like a battle.

[@JBEMurphy]

This is perfect timing for me

[@stephenperry67]

Thank you, Pastor John

[@kennethwilson3664]

Please pray for me. I found god, learned about the truth, felt some warmth in my heart and spirit, but turned back to my old addictive sins of which lust and pornography is at the top. I struggle to break free from them and as a result, I feel empty inside now. I feel the holy spirit has left me. I'm not being convicted of my sins so I end up getting sucked in and keep doing them. I feel little guilt about this continued sinning and even though I do experience Gods consequences in my body and mind of sinning willfully or doing something wrong, I still go back for more and don't change my ways. I feel like I'm getting enough warnings through these negative consequences yet I ignore them and take the suffering. I pray for forgiveness and repent but I don't feel like my prayer is being heard. Maybe God feels I'm not being genuine and it's just empty words. I read about ongoing willful sins and how the more you do it the more distant god becomes to the point he might not come back into your life. I even went to church and felt as though I didn't belong there. I feel very little love in my heart. Almost soulless at times. I'm concerned that my heart might be too hardened. I have prayed and prayed and prayed and yet things seem to get worse. I heard that God doesn't listen to the prayers of someone who lives in sin. When I pray things get worse and when I sin things get worse. Feel I can't win. Needless to say, my faith is all over the place. I genuinely feel lost and disconnected from God but also from people around me. Every time I get given an opportunity to do the right thing, I choose to say no as it's the easier option for me in the moment. Its like I'm being pulled to say no and not do the right thing. However I then feel the negative consequences of these actions. You reap what you sow and my sowing never seems to be great. Not sure how I can turn this all around . As I say I feel lost and empty.

[@purefreedom1527]

I'm sorry Kennith Eilson I really am, i can relate i too was struggling sexual immorality it was not porn though, it had gotten to the point I too felt empty and lost. I became desperate and to the point I would even hace suicidal thoughts nothing around me was right. One day i told a sister in my church what I was really goinfg through I cried on the phone to her, as i texted her what was really happening. Honestly it is only because I told her and poured out my heart to God ( Balled my eyes out, in shame to him) I am finally doing great. The truth is God is listening and the fact you wrote this and said you were trully concerned shows that you really care and u not just saying words, in the eyes of God. A luke warm man would not think he is luke warm, I know u probably beat yourself up but please remeber not to drown yourself in your sin. Try please try to find an Accountability partner because trully ot was when i actually confessed my sins my actual sin un sugercoded that I finallyfelt better as if I now have a reason to not sin. Rn im trying to laeve my body for my husband i remained untouched and I intended on keeping it that way through Gods grace struggling with such an sin like that has shoen me how weak myglesh is. And that their is ni way i can do it on my own.

[@FlyinDagga]

Psalm 139:7-8: Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. My brother - ignore the lies of the enemy. God *is with you*. Make the choice to want Him more than you want your sin. Make the choice to take up your sword and fight it. There will always be a choice - and it's the choice to fight that makes you a child of God. Remember: we were helpless in our sin and shame; every victory belongs to Jesus. And for Christ to enter you with His Holy Spirit means that He's marked you with his promise of salvation. That's a promise He'll never go back on. Just remember: you can grieve the Holy Spirit, so be genuine in your prayers and truly turn away from those things that - as Paul says - "so easily defile". Garbage-in, garbage-out; if you feel empty, it's because you're not being filed. Bring to God your broken spirit and contrite heart, because this is what God draws nearest to. Pray that He turns the heart of stone into a heart of flesh, per His promises. The journey of a Warrior of Christ is writ in the fact that we choose to fight it, and we choose to value its eternal weight. You will have wins, and you will have learnings -- but thanks be to Jesus, you have no more loses. Take up your sword, brother. There's a battle to be fought and a God walking every step with us. Jesus help us. Love you, man. Prayers for your battle.

[@kennethwilson3664]

@@purefreedom1527 Thank you for your long reply and advice. I can relate to a lot of what you say. I have been drowning myself in sin and it consumes u if u give in to it in even the slightest way. I need to avoid completely and in times of tempation turn to God. I will win. I just need to keep my faith strong. Belief in what is possible is sonetimes difficult when u have lived life in largely sinful way. Changing my ways is also difficult but if I fill my spirit with good thru what I watch listen to and think then I will overcome. I have been letting sin into my spirit through watching and listening to things I shouldn't be going anywhere near. If u open the door slightly that's too much and lets the bad in. I will keep reading and listening to the word of God and praying and my faith and belief will grow stronger the more I do it. I need to consume my spirit with God instead of sin. God bless.

[@kennethwilson3664]

@@FlyinDagga Simba Greer Simba Greer thank you for your prayers and advice. I need to fight more. I have been too weak and have given in too easily. I have believed the lies of the enemy. I have now picked up my sword and put on the armour of God and am fighting back. With God on my side I feel stronger already. Your right. I need to want God more than my sin. It has been the opposite so its true that it has been 'garbage in garbage out'. I have felt that. Cant wait to feel the opposite by putting in the good. I have lived a life of sin so it's been an addiction that has been hard to break. I have been defiled and left empty but I will turn it around and fill my heart and soul with Christ. I will regain my connection with God and feel warmth and love in my heart again. My wavering faith has cost me I feel. My faith will be strong from now on. I will succeed. Thank you and God bless.

[@purefreedom1527]

@@kennethwilson3664 no problem man I definitely understand what it feels like. Stay strong my brother and God bless you aswell on tour journey

[@soblsd224]

I've worn a dress to church that is a turtle neck and it extends pass my knees but its form fitting, the conviction that came over me was serious. I may have been a distraction to others and may have caused another believer to stumble and fall.

[@pauls.915]

So true. I hope churches would require proper attire when going to church. One that would make one really unattractive, and put on some fake pimples, not fake lashes. 😁

[@soblsd224]

paul s. Woah now😊 that may be a bit excessive. As Christians we should honor our Godly convictions, it’s a reason why God places convictions on us.

Gods ways are pretty painless, he didn’t openly humiliate you just convicted you to wear attire that puts the light on him and in that also turns ones gaze to reverence of Almighty God instead of getting you tidbits of worth through fleshy glances, I appreciate your openness xxx

[@mbulelogumede6903]

I think as Christians both men and women, should adopt to be modest at all times whether going to nor outside of church. Our bodies doesn't know whether we're in church or not, thus can lust anytime seeing something it desires.

[@soblsd224]

mbulelo gumede that’s true.

[@johnbeasley7654]

I struggle with this at my place of employment. I work at a major airport and female customers seem to love to travel in extremely tight clothing. Thanks for this video! I hope we all pray for each other to have complete and lasting victory over these more "subtle" temptations!

[@shivadizayin]

What I’ve experienced is that when I start to sin and continue to sin, it becomes habit. Then it leads to other sins … eg lust …pride…vanity…greed…

[@2ndPigeon]

If you don't sin then Jesus would have died for nothing, so keep up the good work.

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

Walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Anytime i gave into subtle temptations was because i forgot God gives grace and strength for every temptation when we ASK for help, and so many times i never ASKED . I allowed the voice of the flesh to dictate over Gods spirit . Temptations are allowed by God so we learn to depend on him fully. Thank God for his grace and mercy every day and rejoice brethren that your desire for holiness and sensitivity to sin is a mark of his holiness in you.

[@theapplepapple9420]

Amen!

[@andykwhy9368]

Great one !! God bless you!

[@jeffreyahrndt9619]

Great strategies. Thank you Pastor John.

[@Jules-qz7es]

The human mind is like a computer that you can program. Jesus understood that well and that is why he taught us to fast and pray. I disciplined myself very carefully and learned complete control over my body. Unless you can discipline your body with fasting and prayer you will be weak to the temptations of lust. Do not let your body rule over you through ego, vanity, sexual desire or any of these satanic pitfalls. Rule over your body and keep it under complete control through fasting and prayer, you are made in the image of God and you are not an animal. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

[@danaadelo1597]

Thank you for sharing this truth and help others to be free. This steps that you mentioned are powerful and some may not fully be aware of it. Thank you and blessings in your journey, spiritual battle and self control as this is amazing way to win the war. In the name of God 🙏

[@kathleenwharton2139]

Jesus Said.."Sufficient Unto the Day is the evil Thereof.". We are all children of God..with natural desires..needed for Suvival! This is Gods Way of letting us Know How much we Need HIM! Live one day at a time. Forgive Yesterday and Do Better ToDay!

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

kathleen Wharton Amen!

[@seanmick3093]

I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit since I gave my life to the Lord on February 16, 1996, but I still struggle with sin in the flesh including various forms of lusts.

[@FOTWC]

Man I threw out everything that could trigger lust in me.

[@wushupants]

The title should read "How do I battle subtle temptations in SEXUAL lust?" Lust comes in many forms, hence why we have words such as wanderlust, bloodlust, etc. We can lust after food, cars, movies, hobbies, cultures, drugs, alcohol, etc. Etc. because "lust" in its simplest definition is "a passionate craving for something". This is also the reason why John separates the lust of the flesh from the lust of the eyes... we have different lusts... but _our flesh _*_only_*_ knows how to _*_lust_* , hence why must walk in the spirit to not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Other than that, awesome advice. Be blessed 👍

[@MichaelKristin]

I had temporary victory over porn a number of times. It was always the seemingly innocent or small lures that caused me to go back in. That is when Instagram had to go, but even in news feeds you will show you articles like person xyz looks great in xyz. With me in this sin I could not even give an inch otherwise I knew it might send me back into full blown porn viewing. You cannot give in, but if you do, repent and turn quick before it is too late and you are back into the sin.

[@vlringa4569]

Wow, this is my big Question thanks,plz pray for me

[@iristerhorst598]

Wow…. Fight like a dead man. That one hit me hard. It’s so true!!

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

Very good council. Amen to this.

[@born2win259]

GOD and scripture is the key. BUT you MUST eliminate anything that can cause you to look at anything lustful. Say bye to Facebook, IG, Twitter, and even Pinterest. Completely eliminate all of that trash. Focus on God and God only and he will give you the strength to overcome. I guarantee this.

[@seanbrunson6509]

Born 2 Win, could you please pray for me? I am addicted to images on Facebook and even naughty videos on KZbin.

[@born2win259]

Sean Brunson brother, of course. I recommend that you delete Facebook and any other forms of social media. The end times will bring much evil on those platforms. I also recommend that you start a new KZbin account and when you do, KZbin will ask for your suggestions on the material you’d like to see. Click on productive things. Keep your mind meditating in God. Listen to preachings from Paul Washer, John Piper or John MacArthur. Make it a goal to read the scripture atleast a hour a day. Slowly but surely, the grasp of the devil will not stand against our Lord. But you have to do YOUR part. I was once indulged in this same habit. I HAD to change my routine.

[@ryanehlis426]

Bible says it is better to mary than to burn, so find yourself a husband or wife. That is biblical answer.

[@noahgarrett9555]

Yeah I wish just getting married was the answer.

[@ryanehlis426]

Noah Garrett according to the Bible it is

[@ryanehlis426]

123456 789 being born again does not take away our sex drive. Most people are calling to have a wife or husband that is biblical

[@amsterdamG2G]

@@ryanehlis426 according to your understanding of the verse it might be. why are married people still battling lust and even cheat

[@ryanehlis426]

R.G. Stentje well I won’t try to turn this into marriage council but obviously lot of married people have problems. Being unequal yoked is one of them.

[@woodshed_moments]

Good advice

[@amazinggrace4924]

Thank you Pastor John. Question...why do not churches address this issue more particularly the way even Christian women dress. Women at our church wear very inappropriate clothing but after 2 years of attending this church I have yet to hear any teaching on this topic.

[@Tina-fi2wy]

That should be addressed by the pastor. Have you talked to him about your concerns?

[@kathleenwharton2139]

+HEAVEN BOUND.. GODS LAW..Lust Not! In this case womens dress is provoking Lust. But since you cannot control another..the burden is upon you..to forgive and Control your own Lust. You do not need a church. You Need Jesus! Jesus Helps You Overcome your Lust.

[@born2win259]

I think you should bring it up to your Pastor but you should still pray for Self Control because in this world we'll be surrounded by that in the grocery store, mall, the gym, and even in your case the church. RESIST Temptation in God's Name.

[@kmoneyyyy1994]

@@kathleenwharton2139 women are also called to be modest in scripture. If we love our brothers in Christ we shouldn’t be dressing immodestly

[@kathleenwharton2139]

@@kmoneyyyy1994 Totally Agree! It really bothers Me..and I am a woman..to see woman’s body parts hanging out or accentuated. I am very modest by Nature. I think Jesus has been in me all my Life!

[@justinchamberlain3443]

4:47 *”for it is better that you loose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell”* (Matt5:28-30). So he’s saying this is a salvation issue very clearly. If you don’t overcome this by the grace of God etc then you’re going to hell. That’s what he’s teaching but he puts it so nicely I don’t think most get that point.

[@dz7a756]

Remember when you read that scripture in reference to salvation, there is a difference between struggling (and overcoming throught God's grace) and wilful sinning because you don't need the Lord's salvation and they way you are living (in sin) is OK. Be well and be at peace.

[@vasileportarescu8116]

Thank you Pastor John

[@sonofode902]

My own version of that "fight like a dead man" is, when it (temptation) came I sang my own rendetion of "Oh Carol" mostly on the reff part, "I will surely die..." But here is the full song of "my dead man singing" rendetion of "Oh Carol"... "Oh! Hashem, I am but a fool Darling, I love you though I treat you cruel I hurt you, and I made you sad But if you leave me, I will surely die Darling, there will never be another (breaking promise/covenant) 'Cause I love you so Don't ever leave me Say you'll never go I will always want you for my sweetheart No matter what I do Oh! Hashem, I'm so in love with you Oh! Hashem Darling" Gin,

[@markboard1966]

We all need blinkers like horses wear . It’s a hard world to live in . Temptations everywhere . Walking in a sin city , driving the roads . I try not to get to involved with it because it can lead you astray or make you crash . Work colleagues want to show you stuff on there mobiles , they chase you to get you to look . You can’t make a big deal about it . Way of the world . Try your best to not fill you mind with rubbish . Play audio bible as much as possible you learn bit by bit .

[@chrismaxie2864]

Wow very powerful thankyou

[@lanepywell1390]

Great episode!

[@znelson32]

Women are so extremely attractive it’s practically impossible to see one and not immediately feel something. Maybe it’s better to be blind after all.

[@jerryjamify]

The devil wants to discourage us the more we see the day approaching.

[@2ndPigeon]

Do you have an example of the devil doing anything? How can you tell that he discourages anybody for instance?

[@jerryjamify]

​@2ndPigeon Satan is the God of this world, this world encourages every sin, just take your pick.

[@2ndPigeon]

@@jerryjamify How can you tell if Satan is the god of this world or God is the God of this world? All you have is a book. Just like the Muslims and the Hindu's do.

[@jerryjamify]

@2ndPigeon oh god!! I had no idea I talking to an atheist! Why are you preaching athiesm to Christians lol

[@2ndPigeon]

@@jerryjamify I'm just asking questions. Is that preaching? You can also just answer. I'd love to know how you can tell if what you're saying it correct. I'd believe it as well then. Exciting.

[@ambassadorsoflight2655]

Whenever a thought with a slightest bit of lust Pops in my mind I literally rebuke it saying CATH FIRE AND BURN...it works always if it tries to do a comeback Rebuke it again.

[@2ndPigeon]

That must cause some awkward situations with the ladies/boys.

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

I really need help with this but I know God will help me and deliver me from this sin.

[@danielmoses5357]

Pray to the one and only true Living God (Jesus Christ) with this verse Psalm 141:4 - " let not my heart be drawn to what is evil "

[@HG51_]

Thank you

[@Faithful1]

I don't watch porn as much as I used to or not at all now but masturbation is something I find impossible to avoid been doing it since I was 16 I'm now 27 I do feel guilty that I've been doing it so long and not stopped shame on me!

[@amaree9732]

If your temptation for lust is subtle... you're not doing it right.

[@johnbostic4063]

Thank you 4 this video🤗

[@Theonegov]

By obtaining proper avenues to full fill your desires -

[@davidcrane6593]

ask for forgiveness, pray for help and resist the temptation-->[Jas 4:7 KJV] 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

[@jasonaus3551]

Just accept it. Take that lustful thought and become it

[@bean7496]

Troll?

[@kandam5517]

that is synonymous with saying accept sin and become sin… to avoid sin???

[@heinmolenaar6750]

Your right.

[@Lucas-un9mu]

Please pray for me🙏 i've been battling lust for a long time especially on social media, i fall again into masturbationd and pornogaphy. Forgive me, Lord Jesus✝️🛐😭

[@cillwonforti2903]

Delete the apps. Remove the potential for it. Replace it with Christ!

[@Lucas-un9mu]

@@cillwonforti2903 amen, i just deleted instagram from my phone

[@2ndPigeon]

Lust all you want, but don't cheat or hurt anybody.

[@cillwonforti2903]

@@2ndPigeon Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

[@2ndPigeon]

@@cillwonforti2903 Your heart will pump blood regardless of symbolic adultery. You still haven't cheated or hurt anybody by looking at a woman lustfully.

[@icdeceivingdeception600]

Is it possible to have received the holy spirit but not know God fully?

[@TheThunderkatana]

I C Deceiving Deception In my understanding, we will spend an eternity knowing God more deeply. Yes it is possible to receive the Holy Spirit but not know God fully. However, I will address that one should acknowledge the essentials of salvation and comprehend what it means to be saved and the person of Christ.

[@mbulelogumede6903]

As a matter of fact we cannot ever know God fully as you can know a grain of sand or anything else but the Holy Spirit reveals everything that God would like us to know of Him in Scripture. Our mind cannot really comprehend nor grasp the great God we praise fully, even the things we know about him we don't truly know them in full capacity.

[@PortCanon]

God is infinite. We are not.

[@mr.c2485]

I C Deceiving Deception Ask him.

[@Parks179-h]

This question errors in assuming God can be fully understood.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

The Only One Who Can Help You..is JESUS.. By Renewing your Mind and Resetting your Values.

[@2ndPigeon]

I rather seek help from living people. It's much more effective.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

+Vincent Kierkels.. It is ok..You will Learn..People Have No Power to Give you any Strength from Within..People are merely a crutch.

[@2ndPigeon]

@@kathleenwharton2139 Well I went through a divorce and the church kicked me out. And did jesus come to my rescue? No, my current girlfriend did.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

+Vincent Kierkels.. This is a temporary Fix. People are Gods Resources. But Obeying GODS LAWS and Seeking HIM For Your Righteousness..Will Help You Choose the Right Person..in the First Place..so you don't need to be divorced. you don't need to be in a church in the First Place. Seeking Jesus..Obeying GODS LAWS..will Help You Do Right and Choose Right..in the First Place.

[@angeladay1534]

I watch Christian sermons on KZbin and streaming Supermarket Sweep and Cooking shows, Leave it to Beaver and old shows, also older game shows. The commercials that pop up are very inappropriate. Kissing, touching, fondling etc. This is why I don't watch the local news anymore. It advertises movies and TV series that are filled with sex, cussing, killing and witchcraft. Then I have nightmares! Being a single non-dating Christian is rough. Waiting on GOD for my husband. I do not use dating sites. No dating at all for me. The Holy Bible says, He that findeth a wife, finds a good thing. So, women are not supposed to go looking for one. Neither date, a non-faithful Christian or unbeliver.

[@2ndPigeon]

And there is the harm of Christianity. You're going to die alone.

[@DairangerSentai7]

How do I know the difference between an attack and just my subconscious dreaming?

[@bornforburning777]

I'm not a trained pastor or theologian, just a guy with experience. So take this with a grain of salt. But I suspect they are one and the same. God wants to shape your subconscious to fit within Biblical morality. If your subconscious desires aren't in line with that, that is absolutely something that you need to CONSCIOUSLY deal with, through prayer and meditation. It sounds impossible, but speaking from experience, it isn't. You can take control of your dreams. (Through Christ, obviously :) )

[@kar3n35]

im woman that is part of the very low % of women that are aroused visually like men. I KNOW what u guys are talking about. Is happen to me to be aroused about cologne ads where men are shirtless. Or sports games whete men are shirtless. And it arouses me. And the way i deal is I LOOK AWAY.

[@TheTruthIsAbsolute]

Dont underestimate the compassion of Christ!!! "Jesus wept" John 11:35 One of the shortest, if not THE shortest verse in the bible. When Jesus learned of the death of a good friend Lazarus He was actually HAPPY that he passed because this meant Lazarus is now in heaven. Yet He did not know the pain of losing someone here on Earth. His tears are a sign that compassion is one of the hardest learned traits of any living thing and should not be taken lightly or dismissed so easily. If God had to work on His compassion to understand our moral struggle then that mean we probably should too. Which is not without saying that we have to love Him as much as He loves us!! I mean we were created in His image!! We owe Him that gratitude and His creations a love and respect. He had to learn passion because He cant WAIT till we are together once again. I mean He is the Great I Am who literally has a family reunion each time we meet Him!!! Now He obviously wants us to carry out our purpose and to live life to its fullest potential because the way we were able to come about existing. There is no reason you are reading this today other than to profess His Truth!!! As you can see by my name, (if you have noticed by now take your time to look now lol), I have made it a point to not be lied to or to allow someone to take advantage of me. As you can imagine this has made me stubborn. So stubborn, in fact, that I lost my faith. I became an atheist who took every path and avenue to prove His absence. However , He never left my side. Imagine me saying "why did i ever believe in God? I'm not going to hell for these trivial choices I make. Theres no way he exists" and God was like "wanna bet?" Lol 😂 I've died twice. One was a close call, the other one was warning where my heart actually stopped. Yet by His grace I am writing this story. Don't worry about what God thinks of your behavior if you truly love Him. I still cry almost daily because I feel sometimes I dont deserve his grace because I still battle with a darkness left in the world by the Devils Legion. Or as i like to call him Loserfur. But if you are willing to die beside Jesus, trust that you will be given blessings beyond what you can possibly IMAGINE. Now remember theres a difference between a blessing and a desire. Science says things "tend to take the path of least resistance". You are not a thing, you are not just His creation, you are His children!!! Now to anyone who might click on my channel to do some digging, I must warn that I am what you would call a "spiritual hail mary" if you know football terms lol. Basically the man asking the question in this video is a lot more spiritually matured. But I assure you my faith is so strong that if God has a military, I'm a marine 💪 I hope everyone who's made it this far and everyone else will have a blessed day. Chin up, shoulders back, stare straight into the eyes of darkness, and tell him "I won" 💯🙏❤

[@mr.c2485]

Rob The Truth This guy teaches behavior modification. You don’t. I would venture to say that you are miles ahead of him.

[@TheTruthIsAbsolute]

@@mr.c2485 how so?

[@kingofwii]

@Mr. C interesting, you may be on to something

[@TheTruthIsAbsolute]

Dont leave me behind yall ahaha but in all honesty I dont know how I'd be miles ahead of anyone

[@mr.c2485]

Rob The Truth We mature in reverse. Remember...unless you become as a little child you will in no wise enter the kingdom. Childlikeness is the most admirable of traits for anyone who desires Godly wisdom. You are doing well...never grow up in your judgements. Mature in spiritual stature only.

[@AChristian316]

Accountability app emailing screenshots to my wife has really helped me. Covenant Eyes or Trustablee are both good. Malachi 2:15 Guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. Proverbs 5:8 ESV - Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,

[@Arcanon10]

Serious question here. Does having a wife with whom you can share God-ordained and God-blessed sexual intimacy have no bearing whatsoever on your ability to avoid sinful sexual behavior? I do not mean this critically. It is of course true that married people must guard against sinful lust just like single people must. We do this to honor the Lord through obedience. I am not asking for details about your sex life. But rather, as a matter of principle, I am asking if the ability to actually have sex with a loving spouse means nothing in the battle for sexual purity?

[@AChristian316]

@@Arcanon10 It does have some bearing. 1 Corinthians 7:5 ESV - Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

[@Arcanon10]

@@AChristian316 Indeed so, yes. Eating every so often helps with hunger, I'm sure. Now what does one do when one is never blessed with a marriage banquet ....

[@AChristian316]

@@Arcanon10 Enjoy Christ through prayer, Gods word, etc. The battle is super hard either way. It doesnt get easier with marriage. You are free to pursue a wife though if you want to. 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 ESV - If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry-it is no sin. But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

[@Arcanon10]

@@AChristian316 Does it truly not get easier with marriage? Getting to have sex does not satisfy sexual desires?

[@methosv2654]

I understand the covanent part. But i tried that at one point in my battles. I failed. I failed so miserably. Idk, maybe it'd be different now, but I know then that I was just lying to God. And im cautious of doing it again. However back then, I will say, i wasn't right with God, as my only reason to claim Christianity, or read the Bible. was to avoid hell. and a relationship with Jesus was a tool, and glorifying God was maybe not even considered. I've since repented but still, the idea of making a covalent with God that I probably cant keep disuades me from trying.

[@ebbycondra4853]

happy holiday season he the reason for it

[@gottafigureitout3566]

Because I'm asexual or sex repulsed I don't face any temptation. I have no desire to have sex or to masturbate and I face absolutely no temptation to have sex with anyone. Some people are eunuchs and we face no desire for sex that other people struggle with. All advice I can give Christians is to fast and pray before Jesus Christ for sexual purity. Sexual purity is such a powerful act of worship.

[@fishywishy4145]

These subtle things are in a lot of media and entertainment. I find myself not even looking for it and it shows up. I find myself lingering for a few moments but stop or not indulge. I have been set free from porn addiction many years ago. Are these moments 1-2 mins) set backs? Thoughts?

[@mr.c2485]

The battle isn’t against flesh and blood. So...what are the spirits and principalities associated with our sexuality? Therein lies the power and wisdom of any temptation. Attempting to stop temptation is impossible. Capturing the thoughts that accompany temptation is not only possible but necessary if we are to learn how to love god and our neighbor. This guy teaches avoidance and compliance to law. Powerful people don’t run from anything. They capture, possess, and are rewarded. What this guy teaches is called legalism...a worthless endeavor that says,”I need to control myself”. Impossible!!

[@moreblessingmlambo6835]

I don’t usually comment, but I just have to declare this for anyone else and myself included. It is true what you say: we cannot stop it. If we try to stop by not thinking , this is us trying to fighting CARNALLY. The Bible says for us not to fight temptations ( which are spiritual) with our strength BUT TO TRUST IN JESUS. Remember He was temperature by Satan in every way possible, and yet still didn’t sin. And that Same Jesus lives with in us. So we are able to conquer the temptations THROUGH JESUS ALONE, “Not by strength , not by might, not by power but by the spirit of the Lord”. This is how I have been having victory of temptations in various ways. If you try to do it yourself it will lead to an endless cycle of sinning, guilt confession and so on. Please, if you are struggle read more scriptures surrounding on lust. There is even an app called shut up devil that gives you Bible scriptures for each specific type of temptations. God bless everyone x

[@kathleenwharton2139]

+Mr. C.. I am starting to understand you better. I agree. Also..We are Not the originator of our thoughts. Thoughts Come To Us..from Nether Regions! We Cannot Stop Them! And sometimes..the harder we try..the worse they become. Being Still.. Letting thoughts just go through or Replacement thinking Works pretty Good..And with Jesus Help..we Get Stronger..until we Can Conquer! But the stupid thoughts wilups till pop up. The key is..Know you are Not the originator. They are temptation from Nether Regions!

[@mbgrafix]

If it is impossible, then God is a liar, for 1st Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Your sin nature is not from your "flesh and blood", that is to say...it is not your body, but rather it is your soul...your conscious thought. As such, we are commanded to practice discipline and aim for perfection...our sanctification. Look at it this way...if you seek to become a master in archery...you KNOW that you will not hit the bullseye with every shot. So, what then should you conclude? Stop aiming for the bullseye? Of course not! You still aim for the bullseye each and every time! Likewise, though we KNOW that we will at times stumble, we NEVER cease to aim for perfection! See Romans 3.

[@mbgrafix]

@@kathleenwharton2139 I disagree. I believe that it is temptation that comes to us from without...however, thoughts have their origin within us. We cannot stop temptation, but we can stop giving in to temptation. That is to say...we can choose to think only those thoughts that agree with Christ. Look at it this way...seed packets may be mailed to you...but they will not germinate and give rise to fruition unless you open the package, plant the seeds and water them. The seeds are only the temptation...the "potential" for sin...but it only becomes sin when we yield to temptation and plant it within our mind then water it with our imagination. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Corinthians10:3-5&version=KJV

[@mr.c2485]

Mike Bennett James 1:13-15 Describes the process of the sinful nature perfectly. Temptation...conception...maturation. You are correct in your assessment of temptation...it is controllable...but not by avoidance or substitution. I find no reason why temptation should be allowed to conceive and mature. That’s why I have no problem saying that sinlessness and perfection are not only possible but necessary if one is to achieve the power of a sound mind....the very thing that Christ came and taught for 33.5 years. I’m willing to bet that you don’t advocate for any of these things.

[@JayGahiton]

Thank you pastor John

[@jake_carrillo]

What is the difference between lust and the desire to have a woman(your wife lets say)? How would you distinguish God given sexual desire and lust? In order for us to be fruitful and multiply we need the desire for intercourse and how can you have the desire for intercourse without the thought of wanting to have sex with your wife. Genuine question here.

[@Arcanon10]

It is merely a difference of context. The act of sex, along with all its accompanying passions and desires and excitements, is purposed by God to be directed towards one's spouse. The raging fire of physical and emotional desire is not, in of itself, sinful in the slightest. It is dependent upon the person towards whom it is directed as well as the time when it is released. God has made it clear that the only lawful expression of sexuality is between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage. Thus sexual desire towards another woman who is not your wife is sinful lust. Sexual desire towards your wife, however, is a blessed and holy passion. Similarly, sexual desire towards the woman to whom you are engaged is an example of that desire being directed at the right person but being released wrong time, since you are not yet married. Ultimately, as with all things that are physical, the context as it relates to God's divine law is the determining factor. Having a consuming, overwhelming, passionate, sexual attraction towards one's spouse is not sinful. It is exactly what God has planned for those who He has blessed with marriage.

[@deanalexander7]

How are we to look lust/sin through the lens of our own hormones. I mean when we are young, a baby, you don't have lust and when your old perhaps not either?

[@mr.c2485]

Dean Alexander It’s about desire. Babies and perhaps the elderly have no desire to pursue that which is of no interest to them. Hormones do play a part in desire but are limited to the physical. Spiritual desire goes much deeper.

[@mbgrafix]

If you are cold, then you can build a fire in your house to keep warm. Question: Where do you build the fire? On the couch? Or the chair? Or perhaps on the carpet in the middle of the living room? OF COURSE NOT! For if you build the fire in those places you will destroy your house! So, you instead build the fire in the place in which the designers and builders of the house created for you to safely have fire in your house...in the fireplace. Likewise, God has designed and built for us a safe place for sexual thought and activity...marriage. So, just as you would not build a fire on your couch, do not stir your "hormonal" passions with lustful thoughts. Reserve such thoughts for your spouse through marriage.

[@DairangerSentai7]

@@mbgrafix could you use one more scenario to help me understand this analogy, please?

[@mbgrafix]

@@DairangerSentai7 Honestly, I cannot think of a thing to say to make what I said any clearer!

[@jessemaldonado7971]

Be holy cause I am holy

[@MiniVanMTB]

What was the verse reference for number 2 - urgency in warfare?

[@jackm3692]

Kevin Horne can’t remember the exact verse, but it’s matthew 5:27-31

[@TboneWTF]

"Jacket-Off"

[@kaboom9081]

As a married man our sex life is non-existant but I finally gave up on porn with God's help years ago BUT....since I was a kid I have a stupid fetish I cannot get rid of. Where does that fall if its not sexual? Stress makes it more attractive. I'm pretty sure its all bad and i hate justifying it but oh my its hard. :((((

[@ramennoodles8774]

I need help and prayer. I'm 13 years old and I've already lost my virginity to another boy and I just keep seeming to fall into sexual temptations. I have a masturbation problem and I keep making promises that I always seem to break. I don't want to live like this anymore but I don't even know where I am really in my walk. I feel hardened towards that sin now. Please I need prayer.

[@2ndPigeon]

Would you like to talk about it? Perhaps I could help :)

[@DaniDiesel654]

LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE. WE ARE IN FULL CONTROL OF OUR SIN.

[@jamescolbert1]

I battle this when going to the gym. There are a lot of tight clothes and shapely bodies there...

[@ralphowen3367]

Temptation is not to be resisted. Neither is evil to be resisted--Math. 5:39. Only sin and the devil is to be resisted, and that by the Spirit of God. When the Spirit is received, the flesh is crucified so that the Christian cannot sin anymore.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

And how you receive the holy spirit? Get baptized? It's a meaningless ritual.

[@ralphowen3367]

@@heinmolenaar6750 God gives His Spirit to those that obey His commandments to Love God, and your neighbor as yourself. But He must love us first.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

@@ralphowen3367 no, the commandments are man made . The lord himself will fight for you, and you, you shall be silent. Only the silent mind can receive the holy spirit. When your mind is absolutely silent and empty, then the holy spirit will connect with your mind. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Poor in spirit means that your mind is silent and empty. Empty from all accumulated knowledge from experiences. All memories, empty of you. Free from the self, the ego.

[@ralphowen3367]

@@heinmolenaar6750 I can agree with some of what you said, but you started out wrong by saying the commandments are man made. The Bible says the O.T. commands were given by the ministration of angels and that every word of God is given by inspiration of the Spirit.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

@@ralphowen3367 no, the bible is not God's word, but man made. Gods don't write books. And the bible is falsified and mistranslated countless times. Texts were deleted and new texts added. This is a historical fact. If the bible was inspired by the holy spirit, then it was the holy spirit that falsified and mistranslated countless times the bible. And it was the holy spirit that deleted and mistranslated the bible countless times. Many stories from the bible never really happened, and are complete unbelievable and make no sense at all. The stories are myths. It's mythology. Do you believe in talking snakes and talking bramble bush? Does it make sense to you that JESUS rose from the dead after he lay 3 days dead in the grave? And was born to a virgin? Bread falling from the sky. And jonah can live for 3 days without any problems in the belly of a whale? And JESUS was launched to heaven like a rocket on ascension day. If you believe all that nonsense really happened then you have the mind of a 10 years old child. All priests and pastors take everything in the bible literally. Their religious authority is absurd. Their religious ideas belong to the dark ages.

[@3345646]

At 9min 30 seconds “it’s ok to see them while she’s here. Can Married people weigh in on this?

[@the_undersea_astronauts]

John A i think he said “not like its okay to see them when she’s here” like i think he is saying, when she is there he may not specifically “make a covenant” not to read them. but just because his wife is at home doesnt give complete license to read thru the magazines. but he was laughing during that portion so its hard to hear exactly what he is saying but i assume he would not advocate for looking thru the magazines regardless of if your spouse is home or not. i think he just means that he is more intentional when she isnt home to make that covenant

[@3345646]

Reply to Dennis: Thanks for clarification.

[@pmp450]

Love God first...w/all heart and soul. Then neighbor as self...this will urge you to just say NO to sin because if you love God you would search the Bible to find out how to be an obedient child of His, and do the best you can to walk in the light of Christ as a Christian. lf l slept with my neighbor I would cause them commit fornication or sin putting their life in danger of hell, how could I if loved God or my neighbors? It takes guts to be a Christian and love for God most of all. l can just hear Satan just laughing at us now! and all for a little bit of sex ... God told more than one person to gird up their loins and act like a man... l know it wasn't for this context, but the principal is the same.

[@charlesvandenburgh5295]

The obvious solution spoken by Jesus himself: If your eye offends you, pluck it out! Problem solved. Do you really want to enter hell with both eyes wide open? Your choice.

[@2ndPigeon]

How would you even have eyes after you're dead? Eyes are biological.