Dealing with sexual thoughts?

[(WDGL)]

I been having this problem for quite some time. Any tips on how to stop it?

 

[Ttery]

When the thoughts come up do you entertain them or do you quickly dismiss them? It is good that you are aware of your sin, but as God's children we should turn from our sin.

One idea of how to stop these thoughts is to stop thinking of it quickly when they occur.

If you watch pron, it's time to quit.

 

[sk8brdkd]

I been having this problem for quite some time. Any tips on how to stop it?

i've dealt w/ this issue for years -- n sometimes still struggle w/ it

Not sure of your age, but, have you tried speaking w/ a pastor, youth pastor, a trusted teacher or professor or possibly a counselor or someone else that is older then you that you trust?? Try talking to someone older then you that you trust. Tell them the issues you are having and if they are a christian, ask them to pray for you over this issue -- Ask that person, or, possibly a few people to be your accountability partner over this issue.

For example, lets say you start thinking sexual thoughts or have a desire to look at porn or what not, instead of giving in to those impulses, call your accountability partner and ask them to pray for you over the phone.

My high school teacher always told me, when i'm tempted to do something or look at something that i know is wrong and is a sin, i should run from it. So, for a period of time, i gave up going on the internet completely. And funny enough, my impulses to do the sexual stuff i had done online every night, quickly disappeared bc i got my mind into doing other things, healthier things, so, sexual issues weren't the main thing on my mind. So, if what you do is on the computer, give your computer up for a period of time --- or, if you can't give your computer up, don't be alone w/ your computer -- sit in the middle of a room w/ several people, go to the library or internet cafe or something -- anywhere there are people around to take your mind off sexual desires

It's what i had to do several times too when i actually needed to use the computer and it works.

It took me many many years and talking w/ my high school teacher and having him pray for me w/ this issue until finally, i was released and free of it. Now, once in awhile, i still get impulses for sexual stuff, but, i've learned how to avoid them and not give into them online -- it may take you awhile to break free from this too, but, if you try some of the things i suggested, you may just break free sooner then you think.

Whenever you get tempted, you have to just run away from those sinful desires -- go somewhere, do something fun to just get your mind off of it.

Good Luck!

 

[AWorkInProgress]

Much like any other temptation, the Lord has to train us on how to overcome it. It's never easy, but worth it in the long run. I was addicted to porn for over 13 years, and today all my computers are completely clean from that garbage thanks be to Jesus!

I totally agree with the others in seeking out help and prayer. Remember you are far from being alone in this type of struggle. Also I will throw in some my insights.


The Lord lead me to the perception and fact my body is not my own.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NIV)
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Now remember God created sex, but it was meant for marriage. With that fact, my body is not my own but my wife's. I am not made to be self gratifying myself, but to give myself(sacrifice) to my wife and God.


During my struggles, one of the hardest things to learn and accept is Jesus in the middle of my sexual thoughts. For a long time I was way too embarrassed to put the two together.

Later I found I could relate to Paul. He wasn't perfect at all, and he too had to struggle with his sin. One of things he wrote perplexed me.

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Finally the Lord lead me to the revelation that I need his strength to overcome the temptations of the 'sinful nature'. There is no shame in call on the name of Jesus when you recognize the attack.

Now know there is a part of you, the 'sinful nature' or 'left hand'(by Jesus/Solomon) that will lead you into sin. Our heart can be easily influenced by words and especially by pictures. (which is why advertisements are all over the place, to persuade you to buy a product or service) Same thing with sin.

Jesus made it clear what to do.

Matthew 5:27-30 (NIV)
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[a] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Not literally removing our body parts, but things in our lives that influence us to sin. I had to toss out my computer out more than once. There are many placings I can't go into. I can't look at women with revealing features. Whatever is used against you, needs to be removed or avoided.


Now this is from personal experience. I learned that whenever an image or a term/phrase or a memory from my many years of garbage. I can rebuke them in the name of Jesus and the Lord can destroy the images/thoughts that come against me. Takes lot persistence and prayer, but once you discover that God can 'delete' things you see during your day that needs to be destroyed. It will be a powerful weapon in staying out of temptation.

Remember the Devil can remind you of something you shouldn't have saw and use it as ammunition. Best to destroy any evil images before it comes back to haunt you.

Sorry for the lengthiness. I pray what I shared with you will help you and others grow strong in the Lord in this area.

 

[briareos]

I been having this problem for quite some time. Any tips on how to stop it?

Well sexuality is natural but you have to control your sexuality, thoughts and actions so it doesn't become lust and sin.

The most success I have had in this area has been from me simply asking God to come and change me, that he would simply come and change my desires and my priorities my passions as I spend time with him and I stay in presence or with him on my mind or in my heart throughout my day it is much easier to keep my mind pure and when urges come I begin to pray and invite him to come make a difference in my mind and heart.

I was thinking about this just a few minutes ago actually, that it is far more helpful for me to get in a place of intimacy with God and ask for his help than it is to resist it on my own. God can change your heart and your desires if you spend enough time alone with him.

I think that is most important, then just avoid obvious hazards like places or people or pictures. Keep God in your heart and stay close to him and hell purify you. Be aware of your tendencies such as before you fall asleep or when you wake up in the morning plan accordingly fall asleep loving the Lord, wake up to worship or prayer and God don't let your body get the best of you.

 

[briareos]

and remember that you have an advocate with the father, if you confess your sins he will forgive you of those sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

 

[Johnnz]

Of course there are many sexual thoughts that aren't sin.

John
NZ

 

[Eurasia]

Prayer, lots of prayer !