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Question |
Consideration |
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Does this practice enslave me? |
Can I stop any time I want (1 Cor. 6:12)? Counselors state
that once started it is very hard to stop and many times
it becomes compulsive. |
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Does masturbation bring glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31)? |
The issue is more than just hurting your testimony or
hindering God’s witness in the world. Are we positively
bringing God glory by our life and actions? David said
that he would walk with integrity even in his house when
no one could see him (Ps. 101:2). |
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Would Christ do this? |
1 John 2:6 indicates that we are to walk even as He walked.
Remember that He too was tempted as we are, yet was without
sin. |
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Will it keep you free from lust? |
2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to flee youthful lusts, which
means that we are to stay away from that which causes
us to fall into sexual temptation and other related sins.
While many have argued that this is the best reason for
the practice of masturbation, most who have practiced
masturbation actually have a stronger lust drive. |
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If you believe that masturbation is a sin, here are some suggestions to help you stop.
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Some Suggestions |
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1. |
Confess the habit as a sin (1 John 1:9). Honestly admit
it to God! |
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2. |
Make a clear decision that you no longer want to be controlled
by it and ask God for help. Daily ask the Holy Spirit
to take control of your life and to take away the habit
(Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18) and bathe yourself in God’s
Word (Col. 3:16). They go together! |
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3. |
Realize that God is able to give you both the desire and
the ability to stop and then believe Him (1 Cor. 10:13;
Phil. 3:13). Ask Him to do that. |
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4. |
Guard your eyes and mind against the temptation by avoiding
day dreaming, explicit materials, videos and television
programs. |
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5. |
Serve Jesus Christ in ministry to others. |
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6. |
Spend time with Him daily in the Word and prayer. |
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7. |
Become accountable to someone. |
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Conclusion:It is important to remember that Jesus loves us and forgives.
He also desires that we flee sin. Here are a few important verses
to remember.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. (NASB) Prov. 8:13.
And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.
(NASB) Prov. 16:6
But most of all - He forgives our sins . . .
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed
our transgressions from us. (NASB) Ps. 103:12
You may also want to see another question and answer entitled "Is masturbation a sin in marriage?" |
