And what if I can't repent of my sins?

[Nord Christian]

I'm having major trouble with a couple of sin problems. One is lust. I've been addicted to porn since I was 16 years old. The other is gluttony. Once I
go into the supermarket, I can't seem to stop myself from buying junk
food.

My whole shopping order doesn't consist of chocolate and chips, but
I know I buy too much of it. And when I get home, I can have to big
bags of chips and a bag of M&M's gone in two days!:o

In the past, I've had much better luck with cutting back on the junk food, than with my addiction to fantasy and porn clips/or vids.

What if, even though I believe I'm saved, I just can't stop myself from
giving in? I win some battles here and there. I also lose most of them however.

 

[andy b]

I'm having major trouble with a couple of sin problems. One is lust. I've been addicted to porn since I was 16 years old. The other is gluttony. Once I
go into the supermarket, I can't seem to stop myself from buying junk
food.

My whole shopping order doesn't consist of chocolate and chips, but
I know I buy too much of it. And when I get home, I can have to big
bags of chips and a bag of M&M's gone in two days!:o

In the past, I've had much better luck with cutting back on the junk food, than with my addiction to fantasy and porn clips/or vids.

What if, even though I believe I'm saved, I just can't stop myself from
giving in? I win some battles here and there. I also lose most of them however.

without the figures i would take a guess that 100% of the men in the western world have pigged out and watched porn.Your far from alone, my advice is limit your time on line and shop for food on line as you tend to buy just what you need.It has its faults the web ( easy access to porn) but it has its benefits ...maybe join a gym i eat a lot but train a lot as well

 

[Nord Christian]

You know, I grew up knowing very little about Christianity. My parent's were both Catholic, but got out of the church when they were in their teens.

I knew some of the ten commandments, but that was pretty much it.

Recently, I had prayed to Lord Jesus, and meant every word when I had said that I wish I had never seen porn. Never went to the store to buy Hustler and some other porn mags, when I was 15. Just soon after I was lying about my age to rent censored XXX tapes. From there, on to DVD's. With the invention of the net, porn clips.

It had started off as fulfilling a desire. Knew nothing about lust back then.
I had been told by my Dad "it will warp your mind". I shrugged it off, but he
ended up being right. Sinning for short term pleasure and fantasy.

Today, I'm still caught in that trap, never knowing if I can get out of it. I'm single at 41, going on 42 next month. This addiction probably cost me love and marriage as well. What could have been.

"maybe join a gym i eat a lot but train a lot"

In a sense I'm kind of lucky right now. I'm not horribly obese. I'm around 5'10 and approximately 225LBS.
Not good I know. Have seen some people way heavier than I am out there though.

 

[Bluelion]

Its a battle you can not win but Jesus can, you have to pray about it. you need to understand you can not change your heart only God can do that. I think many men struggle with lust, I know i do. Keep praying and read the Bible, you will find peace in His word, also you need to put Good stuff into your mind because you are putting in junk with porn. Make a rule if you give in to porn for an hour pray and read the Bible for two, this does not make it ok, but it does fight back.

keep praying.

prayed for you.

 

[Nord Christian]

Its a battle you can not win but Jesus can, you have to pray about it. you need to understand you can not change your heart only God can do that. I think many men struggle with lust, I know i do. Keep praying and read the Bible, you will find peace in His word, also you need to put Good stuff into your mind because you are putting in junk with porn. Make a rule if you give in to porn for an hour pray and read the Bible for two, this does not make it ok, but it does fight back.

keep praying.

prayed for you.

Thanks so much for your advice, BlueLion! I will take your advice,
and read the Bible for a couple hours after I give in. Would likely have
to be later that same day, as I'm usually giving in early in the morning.
Or, sometimes very late at night. On occasion I tend to give in in the daytime. Although, it's almost always either very late at night, or in
the wee hours of the morning.

Would think women also lust as well? Have heard they are not turned on by visual stimulation as much we guys are. Still believe they also lust.

Thanks also for your prayer! I very much appreciate it!

 

[JesusFo11ower]

Get prayer from church and get closer to God. The closer to God you get the more you will want to obey him.

 

[lismore]

Recently, I had prayed to Lord Jesus, and meant every word when I had said that I wish I had never seen porn.

It sounds like you have a repentant and broken heart. You're not alone in this, you are struggling from things that are common to man- to all of us.

We can't change the past, we can only move forward into the future. We can make a conscious decision to live for God today, tomorrow and from now on. Tomorrow is a new day.

IMO a sense of urgency is a key. The Lord comes soon, there is so much work to be done for him. Therefore we should use our time wisely.

To make a small positive step, junk food is addictive. Cut it out for a while, you'll go cold turkey and then loose the craving. As for x movies, instead watch a bible study on TV. There's a good channel called revelation that does homely programmes. In a while you'll be used to that and loose the desire for x movies.

God Bless

 

[least]

The proliferation of porn is one of the great tragedies of America! Once addicted, we are so vulnerable for the rest of our lives, regardless of whether we receive Christ or not. The reason for this is that we struggle against the flesh, that is, our own corrupted nature. Sexuality was, and is, a wonderful gift of God; however, sin has caused a horrible perversion of it. We could say the same thing about all of our natural appetites or desires, such as food or even success.

As Christians, we come to know and understand that our fleshly desires are contrary to what God desires for us. For example, when we watch pornography we cannot please God. First of all, marriage between one man and one woman is the biblical model for successful families. God created Eve (one woman) to be Adam’s wife. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church: “He who loves his wife (singular) loves himself” (Eph. 5:28, Parenthesis mine). Finally, we are warned against the sin of adultery and Jesus went so far as to say, “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28, we’ll come back to this passage). And so we know God’s will for us is one woman for one man, and vice versa.

But before we recognize Christ as our Savior—and often as children—many of us stumble across pornography. Perhaps we did not understand the seriousness of what we were getting ourselves into. If only the words of Solomon would have come to warn of the adulteress: “Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.” (Prov. 7:27). After Christ has found us and we have come to believe in his word and his truth, we begin to realize how far we have fallen! Even Paul had his struggles with sin, saying that even though he knew the good he should do, he often did contrary to what he knew. “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25)

And so, with all that said, let me try to give a biblical approach to our quandary. First, it is imperative to understand that we will never overcome sin by our own strength or power. Who will deliver us from our bodies of death? Only Christ! But let us consider this one thing: God expects us to be holy and do according to his will. Yes, in Christ alone do we find our deliverance, but by God’s power we are to live the abundant lives to which his has called us (John 10:10). So what can we do?

1. Read Colossians 3 and realize there is a battle for your mind! “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:2). See the words (and underline in your Bible) verse 5 where it says, “Put to death…” My dear friends we are in a war; I say, “let us fight!” Nord Christian, I encourage you to study this chapter in depth.

2. Get radical in your approach. Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Matt. 5:29). Shall we take this literal? Perhaps before we pluck out our eyes we should start with our computers/televisions, although some might prefer their eyes before these.

3. Accountability partners. Start with your pastor, I am sure that he will understand the attraction to pornography even if he doesn’t struggle with it. He is, after all, a man. If you are not part of a local church, my advice is to prayerfully consider joining a body of Bible based believers (see Hebrews 10:24-25). Oh how we need each other in our struggles!!

4. And as my dear friend BlueLion has said, “Keep praying.” And if you mess up, ask for forgiveness and get back up and keep moving forward. (1 John 1:9; Philippians 3:12). Remember, God knows everything, including our weaknesses, and he has provided for our salvation in Jesus Christ! We may fail, but let us fail forward!

Well, this is a long response, so I will try to end it here. Please know that you are not alone with this struggle. I am sure much more could be said, but suffice it to say, if we will fill our hearts and minds with God’s word and if we will spend our time serving others, we will find ourselves succumbing to the flesh less often. May God give you wisdom and strength for the battle!
Yours in Christ,
John

 

[Nord Christian]

Thank you so much Linsmore, Jesus Follower and Least, for your help
and information!

I will take down some of what you had posted, Least, for future reference.
I have a Bible here I can go to, to underline what passages I need to remember.

It is a struggle, for sure. And truthfully, most of the time I feel like I hadn't tried hard enough to stop myself from giving in. I'm trying to limit myself
with regards to pleasuring myself through porn, and I'm more successful
at it than I was before I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.

There are days, more than twice a week though, that I go on to the net,
get those illicit thoughts in my head, and give in. I then feel bad afterwards. Haven't come to tears, but came close on a couple of occasions.

And I always pray for forgiveness afterward.

What started off looking at a couple of porn magazines my Uncle had,
with my Cousin, at about age 12, turned into a full blown obsession
with porn three years later.

Oh, and one more thing, Least. I watch In Touch with Dr. Stanley on the weekends. If once we are saved, and the Holy spirit comes into us, sealing us forever as a child of God, why would we have to worry about being sent to hell? I know some debate salvation. However, what saves us is what Jesus did at the cross . Our acknowledgement and accepting him as personal Lord and Savior (the one who saves us from hell)
should be enough, is it not? I know we should all pray for forgiveness when we sin, and try to repent
from them. If we cannot, that doesn't mean we could lose our salvation? Would not Matthew 5:29 only apply to unbelievers?

 

[Bluelion]

Thanks so much for your advice, BlueLion! I will take your advice,
and read the Bible for a couple hours after I give in. Would likely have
to be later that same day, as I'm usually giving in early in the morning.
Or, sometimes very late at night. On occasion I tend to give in in the daytime. Although, it's almost always either very late at night, or in
the wee hours of the morning.

Would think women also lust as well? Have heard they are not turned on by visual stimulation as much we guys are. Still believe they also lust.

Thanks also for your prayer! I very much appreciate it!

Women have a greater burden then us as far as lust goes. Women may not be tempted by sex but they are tempted to get the attention of men by sex. They are constantly pushed to become tempter of men. That is very grave indeed God said it better you be thrown in the ocean with a mill stone around your next then you cause one of Gods little ones to stumble. Who are God's little ones all who are saved. God said again what sorrow away for those who do the tempting of God's children.

So as you can see it is a greater sin to tempt and more severe punishment.

In case you think porn does not hurt anyone. think of this. You are leading those women down the path of temptation and hell. If you are saved and you stumble by one of those women, they have a grave punishment. That will suffer greatly for it. That is not loving everyone as our self as Jesus commanded. If we love them as our self we would do are best not to look, protect them from tempting us and leading to a great sin.

The world pushes women to tempt men from books, to music, to tv to, movies and video games, and clothes. Evil has launch the entire world system to recruiter women to sin, recruiter women temptress. We as men need to be men and look out for our sisters and all women. It is our job to protect them, for Christ protect the church, and if we as husbands are to love our wives as Christ loves the church that means protecting them.

I don't think women should be full covered and even face, but as the bible says they should be modest. If men did not want women as a sex symbol women would not do it.

 

[Nord Christian]

Women have a greater burden then us as far as lust goes. Women may not be tempted by sex but they are tempted to get the attention of men by sex. They are constantly pushed to become tempter of men. That is very grave indeed God said it better you be thrown in the ocean with a mill stone around your next then you cause one of Gods little ones to stumble. Who are God's little ones all who are saved. God said again what sorrow away for those who do the tempting of God's children.

So as you can see it is a greater sin to tempt and more severe punishment.

In case you think porn does not hurt anyone. think of this. You are leading those women down the path of temptation and hell. If you are saved and you stumble by one of those women, they have a grave punishment. That will suffer greatly for it. That is not loving everyone as our self as Jesus commanded. If we love them as our self we would do are best not to look, protect them from tempting us and leading to a great sin.

The world pushes women to tempt men from books, to music, to tv to, movies and video games, and clothes. Evil has launch the entire world system to recruiter women to sin, recruiter women temptress. We as men need to be men and look out for our sisters and all women. It is our job to protect them, for Christ protect the church, and if we as husbands are to love our wives as Christ loves the church that means protecting them.

I don't think women should be full covered and even face, but as the bible says they should be modest. If men did not want women as a sex symbol women would not do it.

You make some very interesting points, Bluelion!

I didn't know one sin was greater than another. I thought all sin was sin. That all sin was equal, unless it was the unforgivable sin of unbelief.

I didn't think of porn the way you explained it. Interesting for sure. I mean I could say "well, if I don't give in, then someone else will". "If that woman isn't saved and is tempting me, then only God can save her". Still, that's not the right way to go about it, I know. Jesus commanded us to love each other, and it would be an awful thing for me to lust over someone, and quite possibly sending them to hell, over my selfish lustful desires.

There are multitudes upon multitudes of men, and some women giving in to porn, each and every day. It's a multi-billion dollar business! And the majority of them will likely think that It's ok, and be unsaved just like I was.

 

[lismore]

AN interesting article here:

You Can Overcome Sin!

We can overcome sin! If we fall, repent, pray and move on again. Never give up. AT the right time we will reap a harvest.

 

[Bluelion]

You make some very interesting points, Bluelion!

I didn't know one sin was greater than another. I thought all sin was sin. That all sin was equal, unless it was the unforgivable sin of unbelief.

I didn't think of porn the way you explained it. Interesting for sure. I mean I could say "well, if I don't give in, then someone else will". "If that woman isn't saved and is tempting me, then only God can save her". Still, that's not the right way to go about it, I know. Jesus commanded us to love each other, and it would be an awful thing for me to lust over someone, and quite possibly sending them to hell, over my selfish lustful desires.

There are multitudes upon multitudes of men, and some women giving in to porn, each and every day. It's a multi-billion dollar business! And the majority of them will likely think that It's ok, and be unsaved just like I was.

God see sin as sin, but the punishment is the same for all sin and not the same for all sin. punishment for sin is death, we will all die, those saved will not be cut off from God though. Jesus spoke of causing a person to sin woe unto them. It suggest there is a greater sin, like compare fornication, that is bad and destroys the soul, but it is not unnatural like gay sex is and Paul makes note to say they pay a great plenty in them selves for this.

No doubt people will argue and say sin is sin and they are right and wrong. We do not have the same punishment for every crime in the world so why would a just God have the same punishment for every sin, again he does and doesn't.

Don't think about it to much it is meat, and that is to say advanced.

No sin is ok lets be clear, you can not say oh well it was a little sin. Doesn't work that way.

Pray every night make a habit, I got to where I can not sleep unless i Pray. Also pray for other it will help, but when you pray for others pray like you are in there position and ask for the things for them that you would want. Then you will be praying for them as for your self, or loving them as your self.

Read the Bible as much as you can mediate on it. Also i would recommend finding a good christian radio station and some good christian movies. Remember you are putting junk in with porn, repent fast from it, if you stumble repent as soon as you regret ask for forgiveness, as soon as you mean it ask for forgiveness. Even if its only been a min sense the sin don't think God does not want to hear from you He is waiting to forgive you, He wants you to ask for forgiveness so Jesus blood can cover it. Never feel God will not forgive you. He tell us to forgive a person as may times as they repent, and God would not ask us to do something he would not do or is not doing. So He will forgive you as many times as you repent.

Don't let the world tell you not to feel guilty, guilt is good if you repent from the sin, but never feel guilty for a sin you have been forgiven, it is no longer there.

As soon as you repent and ask for forgiveness your sin is gone you are clean again. Do not try to abuse this, Its not a license to sin and you will pay the price if you treat it that way. But when you stumble repent get back up and try again. keep repenting and getting back up as many times as it takes. Jesus said "We Must Never Give Up".

I got something cool for you to know. If you Love God in your heart, You really hate watching porn, you might think you love it, but you will see one day that is not the New you, that is not you at all. You will learn God has been making you in His image, and that means like God, We as His children Hate sin. But the enemy Loves to tell us we love it and that is who we are, but it is all lies.

Remember porn brings darkness to you, repent fast, and know your bringing about hell on your self by doing it. fill your life with God to protect your self. Your free but you stumble, one day you won't stumble any more.

Peace and Love
blu

 

[least]

I certainly agree with Dr. Stanley, God's gift of salvation is permanent. But consider what the Lord is teaching about in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7): sin goes beyond what we do and is revealed in us by our attitudes and thoughts. He is not teaching, per say, about salvation, but about the seriousness of our sin problem. We must deal radically with our sin and be proactive in what God is doing in our lives to change us. So, as with the eye, if our arm causes us to sin, let us remove its influence on our life. Better to lose that and gain the freedom and joy that God has for us. Easy? As easy as plucking out your eye! Therefore, what causes us to stumble? The internet? But the internet is not all bad; it has many productive uses. But does it cause me to continue to dishonor God and bring shame to my life? Cut it off and cast it away. It is better to go through life without the internet and be obedient to God. This does not guarantee no more temptations, but it does remove one. When this has been done we can then find other areas that cause us hindrance. I believe that is what our Master was saying, not contradicting the eternal security we have in Christ. I hope this clarifies my point.
I am yours in Christ!
John

 

[GraceTruthLove]

Hon,

We overcome sin through Christ, not our own effort. ""I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5.

So know the Word, and trust God to do as His Word says and help you overcome this.

 

[Nord Christian]

Again, thanks everyone for their help! I've saved this page for future reference, if I need to come back and look it over again. No rebuttals
here!

You all have provided me with some very knowledgeable and valid
pointers from God's book, and I will try my hardest to apply them
to my own life.

Much appreciated! Thanks again, everyone!

Oh, and will check out the link you provided, Lismore. For some reason
the page won't load on my FF.

 

[Messy]

Reckon Yourself      Dead.... - Home

 

[OzSpen]

You make some very interesting points, Bluelion!

I didn't know one sin was greater than another. I thought all sin was sin. That all sin was equal, unless it was the unforgivable sin of unbelief.

I didn't think of porn the way you explained it. Interesting for sure. I mean I could say "well, if I don't give in, then someone else will". "If that woman isn't saved and is tempting me, then only God can save her". Still, that's not the right way to go about it, I know. Jesus commanded us to love each other, and it would be an awful thing for me to lust over someone, and quite possibly sending them to hell, over my selfish lustful desires.

There are multitudes upon multitudes of men, and some women giving in to porn, each and every day. It's a multi-billion dollar business! And the majority of them will likely think that It's ok, and be unsaved just like I was.

I'd recommend contacting a Christian counsellor who can help you with dealing with these issues. Is there such a possibility in your community?

Oz

 

[Emmy]

Dear Nord Christian. You had good advice, may I give you one more?
In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells a Lawyer: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself." Jesus also tells us: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and all the Prophets."
God is Love, and Love is very important to God. Matthew 7: 7-10: tells us:
ask and ye shall receive, then thank God and share all Love and Joy with your neighbour: all you know and all you meet, friends and not friends. God will see your sincere efforts, and God will Bless you.
The Bible tells us to "Repent" and to " Be Born Again." Change from being selfish and unloving, to become Loving and Caring. Love is very catching, and
God wants us to love and care freely, and NO TAGS ATTACHED. Jesus will help and guide us, JESUS IS THE WAY. Remember, keep asking for Love and Joy, then thank God and share all with your neighbour. You may stumble and forget at times, but then ask God to forgive you and carry on Loving and Caring. It is what God wants from us, and Love is very catching. You will find that gradually you will change from thinking all about yourself, and become loving and caring. People around you will treat you the same as you
treat people, and life will be filled with joy. I say this with love, Nord Christian.
Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[Nord Christian]

I'd recommend contacting a Christian counsellor who can help you with dealing with these issues. Is there such a possibility in your community?

Oz

I think there should be, Oz. There's a Baptist church I attend, near my home on Sunday mornings. I could ask.

Also want to get baptized. Haven't gotten around to getting it done yet.
Really want to get it done, and real soon!