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Saved, but still struggling with lust

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guitardude93

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This is something that I have struggled with for years. I first got into pornography/masturbation when I was 14 (I'm now 20), and even though I did enjoy it, I always felt bad about it later. Growing up in church, I knew it was wrong, but no matter what I did I couldn't break free. Recently, I became truly saved and repented of all of my sins and felt like I was finally free. However, within a few days I fell back into internet pornography. I honestly hate doing it and everytime I give in, I feel lost again. I immediately pray for God to forgive me but it feels like im just talking to myself. Is this a sign that I'm still unsaved or am I just struggling with breaking my addiction? Please help.
 
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All us men go through the same thing. We are bombarded every minute on TV, movies, billboards, ads, etc, with half naked women and hints of sex, if not even straight out sex scenes. Add to that that 90% of the internet is porn for the clicking, and you have a culture that has taught us to pursue sex and sexual interests. Even pastors and priests struggle with porn addiction. We have to retrain our brains. I would highly suggest reading "Every Mans Battle". It is about our culture and men's battles with porn, lust and temptation. You will learn you are not alone, and in the majority of most men. Even men who don't battle porn addiction don't realize that they are lusting after the jogger with the big chest bouncing down the sidewalk as they drive by, looking her up and down. It will help you learn why you have this battle, what to do about it, and what God thinks and says about it. If you are struggling, like me, I would read it.
 
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Eyesee

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You "felt" as though you were finally free and now you don't "feel" as though God is not hearing your pleas for forgiveness. Your problem is based in unbelief; relying on feelings is definitely going to lead you down the wrong path, although I understand your desire to feel forgiven.

I have battled pornography for many years and believe me when I say God's love for us does not waver with our feelings. That said we MUST make correct decisions; God will not make them for us (and I wish He would...). I would be concerned if you did not care, but you do and that is a very good thing. What you don't want is a callous heart towards sin, where you do not feel guilt or remorse... that's not good.

The bottom line is you have to come to the place where you believe (not mentally agree with...there IS a difference), but really believe that this addiction will destroy you left unchecked and really believe that you WILL give an account to God when your life is over for the things you do in this life (good and bad). You will either hang your head in shame or look your Savior in the eyes knowing that you made every effort to die to yourself so that He could live through you.

Ask God to show you what's fueling this addiction to porn. I guarantee you one aspect of it is going to be rejection. Ask him to help you to see this garbage for what it is. You know what the LORD once told me when I was looking at porn?

"Do you know you are communing with demons when you look at these things?"

Sobering words. We would be horrified if we truly understood what we were partaking of when we look at such things. It takes God to open our eyes so that we may see, brother.

God bless and keep you.
 
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Purge187

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Welcome to the club.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkI0jgW2ISk

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.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! (Romans 7)
 
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Cardiffgurl21

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The only thing that worked for was reading the bible daily especially at times where I was usually tempted. Things like accountability partners and online course like setting captives free only reminded me of what I was tempted about and really didn't work. Reading the bible and distraction helped a lot things that keep your hands busy like organizing books and clothes. If you feel tempted try and stay away from TV and computers for a little while.
 
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