How to stop sinning

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2PhiloVoid

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Hi I realy want to stop sinning the only sin where I'm struggling whit is mastrubation... I want to stop sinning to come closer to God.
But if I try to stop whit mastrubation I stop for 2 days or sometimes 1 and then I fail over and over... Everytime I say to my self this time I realy gonna stop but I fail again.. Someone have tips to stop sinning?

Tips? I don't have any tips, but I might have a couple of suggestions:

1) If and when you feel the 'urge,' see if you can take care of it without any resort to inappropriate contentography, because if not, then it really is the inappropriate contentography and not the masturbation that is the problem here. Besides, neither you nor I, nor anyone else on God's Green Earth (one filled with women, too, mind you), will ever be able to just shut off the hormonal functions that God has made a part of our very biological structure. So, think about that.

2) Maybe start realizing the 'who' that is behind the making of all that slick and appealing media (inappropriate content), and ask yourself, "Self, are these folks in any kind of way or sense of the word, Christian?" If you can answer "no" to this question, then you, like Luke Skywalker, will have "just taken your first step into a larger world." ;)
 
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AvisG

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You might read what Dr. Dobson said on the subject:

Dr. Dobson’s initial letter regarding masturbation:

Bingo, Dr. Dobson! As far as I can tell, he's saying pretty much exactly what I said above (and more and better, of course). I listen to him regularly, and he is a fount of wisdom and common sense.

The biblical condemnations against fornication, homosexuality and adultery are grounded in much deeper soil than God being disgusted by lust. The reasons for those prohibitions really don't apply at all to occasional masturbation by a single, 21-year-old guy.

If we could see inside the heads of the "saintliest" church congregation on the planet, or the "saintliest" cast of 100 forum participants you could assemble, in the course of a week we'd see enough lust to fill a rather juicy reel (or several rather juicy reels) of inappropriate contentography. That's just the human reality. To pretend otherwise is just pious nonsense.

I've reached the point where I'm almost completely cynical about Christian discussions of sexual matters. The track record of evangelical pastors and televangelists is scarcely any better than Catholic priests. Fornication and divorce are now simply par for the course in evangelical communities, yet homosexuality ("queers," huh?) is the Greatest Threat to Civilization As We Know It. I actually heard a host on American Family Radio say that fornication and adultery are lesser concerns because "at least they involve normal sex!"

The real issue, OP, if you're sincere (which most people who raise this topic on Christian sites aren't), is that you're allowing what should be a very minor concern to loom far too large in your life and relationship with God. If you really think masturbation is the only sin you're struggling with, you have much bigger problems than occasional masturbation.

In sexual matters, extreme attempts at repression only exacerbate the problem. This is why, when priests, pastors and televangelists stumble, they do so in jaw-dropping, headline-making ways. In your case it would be far healthier to accept occasional masturbation as a hormonal fact of life at this stage of your life and get on with the rest of your Christian walk - unless, as I suggested above, the masturbation involves an unhealthy obsession with inappropriate contentography or seriously dangerous or deviant practices.
 
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Swan7

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The simplest answer is to run to God and not to lean on your own strength. This has been a hard lesson for me because for most of my life I've gone on my own strength since I had a twisted view of God. I had to sincerely come to God in repentance and to accept Him into my life for me to overcome any sin in my life. We can't afford to lean on ourselves, we have God to run to to help us. :yellowheart:
 
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Maria Billingsley

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Hi I realy want to stop sinning the only sin where I'm struggling whit is mastrubation... I want to stop sinning to come closer to God.
But if I try to stop whit mastrubation I stop for 2 days or sometimes 1 and then I fail over and over... Everytime I say to my self this time I realy gonna stop but I fail again.. Someone have tips to stop sinning?
It has become a habit. The more you do it the more you want to do it. So stop trying and ask the Lord to take it away. Honestly take it away. This is obviously causing you grief so lean on the Holy Spirit to give you the power you need to make yourself clean in front of your God. This is the only way my dear friend.
Stop quenching the Holy Spirit, He is there to help you.
Blessings
 
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Daniel C

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Ya, habitual masturbation has nothing to do with marriage as the solution. It is just another form of self medicating.


Well I'm glad you're here to correct me on that. I thought men had a thingy for the purposes of a marriage. Apparently not!
 
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Toro

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Stop "trying" so hard. The harder you try... the more it is on your mind. The more its on your mind, the more you will be confronted with the temptation/desire to "give in" and do what the flesh desires.

However, IF you instead focus on the Lord and keep your eyes on Him the less you will think of that which you want to not do... because you are too busy focusing on the Lord.

Flesh can not overcome itself... flesh wants what it wants.... even if it is harmful and not good for it. Yes, we can demy our flesh... but if the desire is there.... it will remain a constant battle that will power can only fight so long.

The way to overcome sin is through prayer and absolute dependency on the Lord. For man being free from sin on his own strength is impossible , but for God ALL things are possible.

John 8:34-36

I "overcame" an addiction to cigarettes years ago, but I did so by my own will power and my own strength. Because it was my strength it taught me what it was to be "free" by my own strength and will power. I went from a 2-2.5 pack a day habit to none.

It was the giant I "conquered".. yet still to this day... it is a fight to not light up. I truly believe that God is pleased to allow this "victory" to remind me of the "freedom" I earn VS the freedom He offers.

Does that mean that focusing on the Lord and NOT focusing on what youd like to quit doing is going to be ALL the Lords responsibility and easy? No. He will do the work... but you, must remain praying, meditating and focusing on Him to free you til one day.. you ARE free. For example, if you think of a woman... break the thought cycle that the flesh wants you to continue on and think instead of the Lord and the Word of the Lord.... the flesh will not want to do this... that is were prayer for the strength to do that is needed as well as prayer to be free from it comes in.

When HE sets you free, you will still be capable of doing what it is you once did, but when you look at where He has brought you, that thing you became free from... will not be looked at in fondness... but of weakness where you are greatful He brought you out of it.... unlike the "victory" of flesh... over flesh that is found in will power... but is not true freedom... overcoming means that which torments and enslaves you holds no power over you.... IF its a battle of will power over desire.. that constantly shows up to continue to torment and enslave..... is that truly freedom?

Dead men can torment and enslave no one.... IF anything, sin, money... etc... if that thing enslaves or torments... is it dead... if it is still alive... is there truly a victory over it?
 
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Christopher0121

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When I was younger 17, I had the same problem (even after that until about my early to mid 30's). I was a 17 year old boy vehemently condemned and severely warned by a 58 year old pastor who said I'd become "reprobate" if I didn't cease to touch. I was terrified, broken, shattered. I felt rejected and even hated by God. This really damaged my faith as a young man. So, I gave up trying to be a Christian, joined the Army, and lived as a heathen for several years.

Today, I'm going on 44 years old. Those once young and raging hormones are far more tame. It could give me the illusion that I'm just more self-controlled, but that's a self-righteous illusion that only feeds my ego. The truth is, I'm just not a "young" man any more. Looking back I contemplate how my 58 year old pastor made me feel and I realize that the judgment leveled against me is a failure to understand basic biology. Evidently, my pastor thought that we're all equal and that his hormones and my hormones were functioning at the same level and in the same way. Well... we all know that false. He was mistaken. And he wounded my soul for decades. I even abandoned the faith and joined the military, putting my own life at risk, and lived like a heathen because I felt that God just couldn't love me because I was a reprobate. My goodness, I've often thought of what could have happened to me. I've thought of the dumb decisions I've made and deeper more painful things I've endured.. and it all goes back to that first very serious and terrifying condemnation in that pastor's office when I confided in him and confessed my struggles. What would have happened if he would have dealt with me more tenderly? How would my life be today? Would I have missed all those years of spiritual development? Would I be further along and perhaps more solid in my walk with Christ today? Those questions could drive you crazy. But I know this, I wouldn't have carried the inner pain and sense of rejection when it came to even thinking about God.

So, here we are.

I'm almost 44. I've been there done that, or better put... "endured that". Hormones (the flesh) is a monster. Let me tell you. I know from experience. And as I've gotten older, it's become far more tame. I think your perfectly normal. So, don't beat yourself up.

Is masturbation a sin? If coupled with "lust", it is. But what is "lust"? The actual desire for the forbidden or that which you cannot lawfully have. Is lust the same as "fantasy"? Yes. I can fantasize about being a bank robber and even write a book about being the world's most sophisticated bank robber. But I don't lust after being a bank robber. Nor do I lust after that kind of money. It's just a fantasy. So, don't beat yourself up over fantasies. But they are a great tool for personal development. Why? Because your fantasies can reveal inner spiritual work that needs to be done. Do you fantasize about sinful practices and behaviors? Then guard your heart and redirect your fantasies to something Godly and holy. Imagine an evening with... your future wife. You can control fantasies. Don't go crazy or you'll start wanting to fulfill those fantasies instead of seeking that future wife you should be imagining.

What about inappropriate content? It's evil. It's evil because it's so easy and accessible. Women never say no. They never want to talk first. You don't have to hold them afterwards. You don't have to maintain a relationship. It's a cheap substitute for real intimacy. It can warp the mind into not realizing that there is so much more depth and personality in a woman. The women depicted are not like real women. And most women won't do half of what you might see in those pictures or videos. God forbid you get caught up in "needing" a certain act only to find that most real women detest it. You could end up crossed up and frustrated with your future mate all because inappropriate content warped your sense of what women are really like.

Not to mention so many in inappropriate content are there because they have become hooked on drugs and they are working to sustain their fix. These women are mothers, daughters, and sisters. They have souls. And this industry is using their addiction to exploit and dehumanize them for profit. When you think about it... remember none of these women grew up saying, "Mommy, I wanna do inappropriate content when I'm older." No. They are trapped. They are in bondage. They are being robbed and exploited, their bodies used over and over again like they are mere objects to be used... and thrown away. Then there is the human trafficking. Yes, many are being human trafficked.

When you get deep into understanding what inappropriate content is... you won't look at it them same. Or at least, you shouldn't.

So flee from the filth. It's not healthy. It's vile and sinful. It's exploitative.

You can't live a Spirit filled life of loving your neighbor if you indulge in such exploitation.

So, I'd say just don't focus on it. If it happens it happens. Take it to God when it does. In fact, invite Him in. Ask Him to bless your private time and to guide you. You'll find that this will work miracles. Just don't lock Him out of it. He's already seen everything you could possibly do, have done, and even worse. So, don't be embarrassed. You'll find that God's very presence can often tame the savage beast.

Just remember that you're loved by God. He died for you. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. And God will never cast you out. However, guilt, shame, and condemnation can cause you to cast yourself out. Don't ever do that. You'll regret it, I know personally from personal experience. He has already atoned for every sin you could possibly commit. Now focus on areas such as kindness, patience, and master anger, rage, pride, and sinful desire. Key point here... it's not sinful to desire a wife. Adam was lonely and desired a wife long before man ever sinned. So stop beating yourself up.

No matter how you manage this, or how badly it gets the best of you... keep a steady and reliable schedule of prayer, Bible reading, worship, prayer, study, service, prayer, witnessing, prayer, and charity. And oh... did I mention "prayer"? Make time to pray at least three times a day. And by prayer I mean talking to God about your life, your needs, the needs of others, healing, provision, etc. Don't just pray about this issue. Frankly, when it comes to prayer, also take time to meditate and allow God to speak to you.

I have to go. God bless and keep you and yours.
 
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Phil W

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Thats not how I meant it
I said strive to get it right and don't leave it ie. Give it up
Good to read.
God will always help us forsake sin.

Paul himself wrote
1 Timothy 1:15, ESV: "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."
Even as a christian you're still a human who can make mistakes.
1 John 1 vs 5 to 10 speaks of this and walking right or In the light which includes repentance
Is it an excuse to willingly sin because you can just say sorry? No
Romans 6
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
As Christians we are to strive for perfection and The Holy Spirit will help us like you said.
But if we do mess up we need make it right with God
We are at odds about some of the above, but I feel a response will derail the thread.
 
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Phil W

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I think the body your mind because I realy don't want to mastrubate but it fees like my body want it and I just can't hold it anymore.. I realy don't want to mastrubate
Your body can't do anything unGodly without your mind's permission, accommodation, support, etc.
You are in charge of your actions and will be held accountable on the last day.
This applies to all sin, not just your particular one.
 
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joshua 1 9

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Someone have tips to stop
Stop doing whatever it is that is getting you excited. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24) We die to self so we can live for God.
 
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RaymondG

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Hi I realy want to stop sinning the only sin where I'm struggling whit is mastrubation... I want to stop sinning to come closer to God.
But if I try to stop whit mastrubation I stop for 2 days or sometimes 1 and then I fail over and over... Everytime I say to my self this time I realy gonna stop but I fail again.. Someone have tips to stop sinning?
To stop sinning, you must stop trying to stop sinning. Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added. Get sinning, off your mind and put the thought of righteousness there.

Once the inside is clean, the outside will eventually follow......it is folly to try and do it in the opposite direction...
 
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Zhen

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Before one can stop sinning, I think it would be good to understand well what sin really means. I have understood sin means that person rejects God, or lives apart from God. I believe so because of these:

He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.
1 John 3:7-10

Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith.
Galatians 3:11

But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 10:38

Sin is the opposite of righteous. And righteous lives, because he is faithful/loyal to God. that is why I believe sin is unfaithfulness to God, or that person rejects God. And this means, no matter what happens, don’t reject God and you don’t have sin. If you reject God because of masturbation for example, then it has become sin for you. But obviously, this doesn’t tell is it good or bad. Good or bad can depend on many matters. I don’t think Bible says it is wrong, but I think this basic rule is good for many unclear matters:

”All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are profitable. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things build up."
1 Corinthians 10:23

I think it is not good if for example the desire rules you and becomes greater than God for you.

And in any case, I think it can be forgiven. And one way to show that you remain faithful to God is that you ask forgiveness, if you have done something wrongly. I believe being righteous doesn’t mean that person is perfect, it means person is loyal to God and when loyal person has done wrongly, he asks forgiveness like in this example:

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18:10-14

But then, how to stop sinning, how to not reject God? I believe that happens when you learn to know God and love Him. When you love Him, you don’t want to reject Him.

what should i do now? i replaced Jesus with a guy and ended up sinning badly.
 
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Zhen

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Stop doing whatever it is that is getting you excited. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24) We die to self so we can live for God.

um i don’t really understand the dying to self so as to live for God :/ why is the self opposed to God?
 
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Zhen

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Thats not how I meant it
I said strive to get it right and don't leave it ie. Give it up

Paul himself wrote
1 Timothy 1:15, ESV: "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."

Even as a christian you're still a human who can make mistakes.
1 John 1 vs 5 to 10 speaks of this and walking right or In the light which includes repentance

Is it an excuse to willingly sin because you can just say sorry? No

Romans 6
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

As Christians we are to strive for perfection and The Holy Spirit will help us like you said.
But if we do mess up we need make it right with God

how do we make it right with God?
 
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ViaCrucis

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Well I'm glad you're here to correct me on that. I thought men had a thingy for the purposes of a marriage. Apparently not!

It's called a penis, and it is used in sexual intercourse.

Perhaps the reason why so many people in the Church are completely confused about sex is that we're talking about sex like we're all eight years old and are afraid the grownups are going to find us giggling about genitals.

-CryptoLutheran
 
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