Results of Study
A study in 2024 found that the majority of professing Christians, including “pastors,” admit to viewing sexually suggestive materials, and a large share say they are comfortable with the habit.*
54% of “Christians” reported viewing indecent materials at least occasionally (75% of “Christian” men and 40% of “Christian” women). Of practicing “Christians” who use p**n, nearly half, 49%, said they were comfortable with their level of use.
One of our grandsons said, of young men at a discussion in a camp conducted by New Testament Christians, all but one confessed having had a problem with such materials.
Bible Teaching
Hebrews 13:4 – The sexual union is undefiled when restricted to Scriptural marriage.
Matthew 5:27,28 – Lusting outside marriage is adultery in the heart.
Mark 7:21-23 – Licentiousness/lasciviousness comes from the heart and defiles a person. Definitions include: “arousing or exciting sexual desire,” “causing or intended to cause sexual excitement or lust.”
Sexually suggestive materials must be avoided because it tempts to sin.
(Proverbs 4:23; 6:27; Philippians 4:8; Romans 13:13,14; Matthew 5:8; 6:13; 18:6-9; Genesis 39:7-12; Proverbs chapters 5-7; 6:25; Job 31:1)
What to Do about the Problem
Commit yourself to Christ
1 John 5:3; 4:19,9 – For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. We love Him because He first loved us. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Study the Bible
Psalm 119:11 – Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Verse 17 – This includes the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Verse 16 – Also the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (faith comes from God’s word – Romans 10:17).
(Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 3:5,6; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Repent of Sin
2 Corinthians 7:10 – For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation…
Proverbs 28:13 – He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Do not cover up your sin, deny it, excuse it, or blame someone else. Admit the error and be truly sorry. (Acts 8:22)
Pray regularly
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Acts 8:22)
Matthew 6:13 – Ask God to “deliver us from evil.”
Seek help from other Christians
James 5:16 – Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another. (Galatians 6:2)
Overcoming enslaving habits often requires help from one or two counselors to talk with regularly. They can encourage us, offer help, and pray for us.
Avoid temptation
Proverbs 22:3 – A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself.
Matthew 6:13 – We should pray, “lead us not into temptation.”
Romans 13:14 – But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Most indecent materials come over the Internet. Software is available to restrict access. This usually requires help from a friend who keeps the passwords.
Conclusion
Romans 6:17-19 – But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. … For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
God provides the means we need to overcome enslaving habits. You and I must determine to learn and follow His will. He provides the tools. We must use them.
Have you dedicated your life to God’s service? Are you making the changes He requires?
* Leonardo Blair, October 22, 2024, https://washingtonstand.com/news/majority-of-practicing-christians-admit-to-viewing-porn-many-comfortable-with-the-habit-study
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2025; gospelway.com
