Lie #4: I’ll Never Be Able to Break Free From Porn Addiction
Have you ever given up hope of finding freedom because you believe the lie that true freedom isn’t actually possible? Perhaps this thought has crossed your mind, especially if any of the first three lies covered in this series have resonated with you. Many people who struggle with addiction feel like they’ve had unanswered prayers and that freedom is unattainable. However, addressing the root causes of addiction and understanding the power of Christ’s death and resurrection can lead to true freedom.
Romans 6:10-11 says,
“The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
And in John 8:34-36, Jesus tells us,
“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Breaking Free From Addiction to Porn Provides a Unique Opportunity
It’s a lie to believe we can’t break free, and helping people break free from addiction provides a unique opportunity to deposit God’s truth deep into their hearts and minds.
Don’t miss the truth in Romans 6:10-11: the power of sin has been broken and it is no longer our master. But it’s not enough just to believe it intellectually. Paul says we need to consider this done, once and for all. Jesus broke the power of sin through His death and resurrection, one time for all people. It’s not enough to know this promise but we must claim it as our own. We must ‘consider’ it done. Shame keeps us from believing God’s love and truth so we need to recognize the voice of truth and the voice of shame that lies to us.
There’s a Condition to the Promise
Jesus gave a condition for his promise in John 8:32-34—If you abide in my word, you will KNOW the truth and the truth will make you free. Paul says we must believe the truth. Jesus reminds us that we must know it before we can believe it. When we believe the lie that freedom isn’t possible we are not abiding in the truth and we won’t walk in freedom. Another way to fight against this lie is to listen to others who have shared their freedom story. Their stories remind us of the truth.
Throughout scripture, the devil is referred to as “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10). Satan, the accuser, brings condemnation and shame through his accusations. His goal is to make us believe that we’re worthless, that God is done with us, and that we’ll never be free from our addiction.
You Have to Get Past Self-Condemnation
Our enemy piles on the self-condemnation of toxic shame when we are stuck in a porn addiction. But for those in Christ we must remember, Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
The accuser wants you to believe that you can find freedom because you are defined by your sin but God says…
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Remember Who Began a Good Work In You
The enemy whispers that God is done with you and we can never change but God’s word says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
The idea that you’ll never be able to break free from porn addiction is a lie. The accuser will take your defeats and try to keep you holding onto an identity based in shame. But in order to achieve lasting freedom from porn, you have to address the root causes, claiming the promises of Christ’s victory over sin, and embrace and live your new identity in Him. In the coming weeks we’ll unpack each of these root causes.
Joining Others on the Journey is Key to Breaking Free
The journey can be challenging but it’s not meant to be done alone. If you feel like you’ll never be able to break free, remember, it’s a lie. Freedom is not only possible but also transformative, leading to a life of purpose, joy, and true fulfillment. If you want to take a closer look at what it means to live out an identity in Christ in a sexualized world, I’d encourage you to check out our six session Bible study in Ephesians. It’s a great resource and I pray it will encourage you in moments where you may be tempted to think you’ll never find breakthrough and lasting freedom from addiction to porn.