5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 NKJV
God's Grace is greater. God's love is stronger, deeper and never failing. God is faithful even when we are unfaithful. These are Gospel truths rooted in the Grace of God and the Finished Work of Christ.
These truths need to be firmly established in our hearts. Especially when dealing with sinful, destructive habits. We are beginning a series on finding freedom from pornography. And if you are free from this terrible habit, then apply these truths to any area of life the enemy is trying to convince you that you're not an overcomer.
This habit is wreaking havoc in the Church, the Body of Christ, today. Stats show that 47% of families in America say it's a problem in their home. Another shows 56% of divorces involve one party's obsession with pornography. Still, another says 68% of church-going men and 50% of Pastors view pornography on a regular basis. The most staggering statistic from this source reveals only 7% of pastors say their church has a program to help those struggling with pornography.
So we can see people are not walking in freedom. Too often, ministers don't want to talk about this issue in the Church. Unless of course, they want to preach at people and put condemnation on others.
"Christians look at porn! Pastors the night before they preach look at porn! Oh, look at all these sinners in Church. We need a revival!"
Wonder how many men and even women deal with the same habit in these churches but are too ashamed to admit it? Wonder how many are too fearful to seek help, lest they are called worthless sinners who don't really love Jesus enough? Instead of condemning these believers why not pray for them? Why not take a step back and see how they see themselves? Feelings of unworthiness, feelings of hopelessness, feeling like God is fed up with them?
Let's establish some truths to find lasting freedom. Is pornography sin? I know with some counterfeit-grace groups they redefine sin based on what secular lost society deems right or wrong. Reject all forms of counterfeit-grace. Jesus when He walked on Earth, detailed the commandments. He didn't give a higher standard under Grace. He revealed that this was always the standard, but religion diluted it.
Paul, under Grace, showed us that the Love of God within wouldn't lead us to walk in immorality. He lists the moral aspects of the Ten Commandments and reveals when we love others we won't steal, won't lie, and won't cheat them. He also speaks of the adultery command. As we mentioned, Jesus detailed what adultery is, it's not just a physical act, it's a lustful thought. Pornography is a lustful activity. Thus, it is in fact sin, it violates God's Love and demeans human sexuality and the marriage covenant.
We've established it's sin. Now we must also establish another truth. Even when we sin, we are still the Righteousness of God in Christ. If we don't walk in this revelation condemnation and guilt and shame will flood your thoughts.
Jesus made us Righteous. Not by our efforts or by our obedience, or our performance. This is His Righteousness, not our own. Therefore we are just as Righteous as Jesus. This Righteousness is irrevocable. Our Righteousness in Christ doesn't fluctuate based on our performance or our behavior.
Another truth we must establish within is the truth that we are forever forgiven. Jesus' Blood washed away all our sins. Not just the ones we committed before we received Jesus, but all of our sins. Paul and John affirm our complete and total forgiveness, past present and future.
Finally, one major truth we must also establish is the truth that those in Christ are in fact eternally secure. Eternal security is not light on sin, just big on Jesus and His Finished Work. To find freedom from sinful habits, you must know you're still Righteous, forever forgiven and eternally secure. If you know God is never going to disregard or disown you, you have confident hope that He is with you no matter what. He is there with you in the muck and mire leading you out to full freedom. God isn't finished with you, what He began in you, He will complete it.
Jesus affirms our eternal security;
24 “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24 MEV
In summation, I want to reaffirm who you are in Christ to begin your journey of freedom. Knowing who you are in Him, now, right this moment, no matter your behavior, will compel you to see there's hope. Addiction and habits try to eliminate hope. Sin likes to keep us hopeless. God says He isn't fed up or finished with you. His plans and purposes are irrevocable, unchanging! He's not done with you, He's just getting started! It's not over! There is hope! Jesus is the waymaker! Our freedom!
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