Walking Closer with God

Practical Helps Against Sexual Sin

Helps Against Sexual Sin blog post feature image

In our Colossians series this week we discussed the battle for sexual purity. It is a battle that is often a part of the Christian life. So much so, the Apostle Paul addresses it head on in several passages (1 Cor. 5:1-5, 6:12-20; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; 1 Thess. 4:1-8). In Colossians 3:5-11 we found a vivid description of the supply lines for lust. We are called to destroy these supply lines by resetting our minds (Col. 3:2) and recalling our union with Christ (Col. 3:3). If we are going to cut them off, we need to know how to locate them. Paul gives a helpful schematic in Col. 3:5. As we explored his description we found that some of these supply lines are "above ground" while others are "below ground".

Killing Sin part 2.001The "above ground" supply lines are external provisions for lust. "Immorality" is the term "pornea" and can refer to any kind of sexual relationship outside of a one man, one woman, life-long covenant of marriage. 

Supply lines "below ground" are internal; they reside within us. For example the next term "impurity" carries the idea of ungodly motives, thoughts or intentions. Other below ground supply lines include things listed like "evil desires and greed" (Col. 3:5).

As we further explored this rich passage we found the number one provision from God for the believer against sexual sin is "union with Christ" (Col. 3:1-4). If you'd like, you can hear these messages here.

Because of the limits of time, I said I would post some practical helps and resources for the battle for sexual purity. Below are some key helps organized using the 'above ground' and 'below ground' or external and internal categories.

 Here are some helps for cutting off external supply lines for sexual sin:

  • Covenant Eyes - an online accountability service. Set up accountability partners. Works on many handheld devices including: iPhones, iPads, Pixel and other Android phones.

  • Open DNS - a service that blocks pornographic content at the DNS server. They have both free and subscription based services.

  • Jonathan McKee - is an expert on teens and social media and shows parents how to be involved in the social media choices of their kids. You can find helpful materials here at the "Focus on the Family" website.

Here are some helps for cutting off internal supply lines for sexual sin. Aside from the Bible itself, these are some of the most helpful materials we have used in counseling men and women through this issue.

I hope this brief summary of resources will be a help to you. My brother or sister, if you are wrestling through this battle, be sure to remember the Lord's grace (Eph. 2:1-10). If you have fallen, run to Him in prayer and confession (1 John 1:9). He is eager to receive you, to cleanse you and to set you back on the path of walking hand in hand with Him. Turn away from the lie, turn to Him, trust Him. The grace that saves you (Titus 2:11), is the grace that instructs and enables you to grow in Him (Titus 2:12).

As you continue to fight to put sin to death in your life, remember the commands we talked about on Sunday from Colossians 3: Reset your mind, Recall your union and Slay your sin.

Also, be sure to join us this weekend for The Gospel Coalition East Bay Pre-conference on Sexuality. It will be an encouraging and informative evening focused on this very topic. We hope to see you there.

 

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