The Dangers Of Pornography: A Biblical Perspective

1. Guarding Our Hearts:

Proverbs 4:23 states, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Engaging in pornography exposes our hearts to impurity and corrupts our thought life, leading to destructive behaviors and attitudes.

2. Sexual Purity:

Hebrews 13:4 emphasizes, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." God designed sexual intimacy to be experienced within the bounds of marriage. Consuming pornography distorts this divine plan and promotes sexual immorality.

3. Sanctification:

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 encourages us, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour." Viewing pornography contradicts the call to live a sanctified life, tarnishing the vessel God has entrusted to us.

4. The Eye Gate:

Matthew 6:22-23 warns, "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness." Pornography corrupts the eye gate, filling our minds and souls with darkness, impeding our spiritual growth and discernment.

5. Thought Life:

Philippians 4:8 instructs, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Pornography hijacks our thought life, leading us away from thoughts that are pure, noble, and pleasing to God.

6. Lust and Adultery:

Matthew 5:28 declares, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Consuming pornography fuels lustful desires and contributes to the sin of adultery, even if only in the heart. It desensitizes us to the gravity of our thoughts and actions.

7. Mental and Emotional Bondage:

2 Peter 2:19 cautions, "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." Pornography deceives with the allure of freedom, but instead, it enslaves our minds and emotions, leading to guilt, shame, and addiction.

8. Honoring Others:

Romans 14:13 reminds us, "Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." Our involvement in pornography can lead others astray and hinder their faith, as well as damage our relationships, trust, and respect for one another.

9. Renewal of Mind:

Romans 12:2 advises, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Engaging in pornography hinders the process of renewing our minds in Christ and obstructs our ability to discern and live according to God's perfect will.

10. Redemption and Restoration:

Psalm 51:10 expresses the prayer of a repentant heart, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Although pornography may have ensnared us, we can find forgiveness, healing, and restoration through Christ's redeeming work. With sincere repentance and God's grace, we can overcome its grip on our lives.

Conclusion:

Let us recognize the dangers of pornography and its detrimental effects on our lives as believers. May we guard our hearts, pursue sexual purity, and renew our minds, relying on God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us. Remember, God's grace is sufficient, and He stands ready to restore and transform us. Let us encourage one another and offer support to those struggling in this area, extending the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.