Introduction

Welcome, dear family of God, to this gathering of saints, a sanctuary where we seek to understand the Word and will of our Heavenly Father. We stand together on the solid rock of our faith, united in our common love for Christ and our shared desire to live in accordance with His teachings.

In the warmth of this fellowship, let us turn our attention to a topic that is unfortunately all too relevant in our modern world. It is a topic that is often shied away from, yet its impact is so pervasive, so profound, that we cannot afford to ignore it. We are here to address the problem of pornography, its impact on Christian homes and churches, and the practical steps we can take towards purity.

Before we proceed, let us be reminded of what the Scriptures say. In 1 John 2:16, we read, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we are warned, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." In 2 Peter 2:19, we are told, "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." And in Matthew 5:28, Jesus Himself cautions us, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

These passages serve as a stark reminder of the struggle we face against the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. But we are not alone in this struggle. We have the Word of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the support of our Christian community.

Pervasive Problem of Pornography

In the world we live in today, there's a certain issue that has crept into our homes, our lives, and even our churches. It's an issue that's as subtle as it is destructive, as enticing as it is enslaving. It's an issue that's often cloaked in the guise of harmless entertainment, yet its effects are anything but harmless. It's an issue that's so widespread, so pervasive, that it's become almost normalized in our society. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. We are called to resist the temptations that the world throws at us, and to live in accordance with God's Word and will.

This issue, my dear brothers and sisters, is the issue of explicit content that is designed to arouse lustful desires. It's a form of media that's so easily accessible, so readily available, that it's become a major stumbling block for many Christians. It’s so addictive, so captivating, that it's become a form of bondage for many people. It's a form of media that's so destructive, so corrosive, that it's tearing apart marriages, families, and even churches.

Now, let's turn our attention to the first aspect of this issue. The Scripture warns us in 1 John 2:16, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." This verse is a clear indictment of the kind of content we're discussing. It appeals to the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes, enticing us with images and scenarios that are designed to arouse lustful thoughts and feelings. It's a form of media that's not from the Father, but from the world.

The second aspect of this issue is the addictive nature of this content. As we read in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." This verse reminds us that while we have the freedom to do many things, not all things are beneficial for us. And this form of media is certainly not beneficial. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's a form of media that can easily dominate us, control us, and enslave us.

Next is the destructive impact of this content. In 2 Peter 2:19, we are told, "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." This verse paints a vivid picture of the false promise of this content. It promises freedom, pleasure, and satisfaction, yet it only leads to corruption, destruction, and enslavement.

The fourth and final aspect of this issue is the moral implications of this content. In Matthew 5:28, Jesus Himself cautions us, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse reminds us that lustful thoughts and desires are not just harmless fantasies. They are, in fact, a form of adultery, a violation of the sacred bond of marriage.

Profound Impact on Christian Homes and Churches

We are now drawn to the heart of the matter, the very core of the issue ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO