Overcoming PornSýnishorn

Cultivate a New Vision for Sex, Marriage, and Singleness

Perhaps you learned a distorted view of sex through society, porn, or unhealthy religious teachings. What beliefs or perceptions do you need to change as you move away from addiction and towards healing?

Explore healthy, biblical, and accurate teachings on sex. Jesus taught a sexual ethic that was about human flourishing. He taught that sex was something deeply spiritual and sacred, yet not ultimate. Jesus taught that in marriage, a man and a woman are united in a lifetime relationship (Mark 10:5–9). God’s design for sex was given for procreation (Genesis 1:28), bonding (Genesis 2:24), pleasure (Proverbs 5:18–20), and to foreshadow eternity in heaven, where we will be united in a deeply relational way with Jesus (Matthew 22:30, Ephesians 5:31–32).

Some think marriage should only last as long as romantic feelings last; that’s a recipe for disaster. Love is no mere feeling; it requires action (1 John 3:18). It is choosing to provide for someone’s needs and to protect them from harm. Love is an ongoing choice. A faithful marriage is a beautiful model of God’s love (Hebrews 13:4).

Some argue that monogamy is boring and that having multiple sexual partners brings greater happiness. Still, research shows that those who experience the greatest satisfaction in their sex lives have only one sexual partner for a lifetime. This is consistent with God’s design. Further, sexual activity releases neurochemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. While dopamine gives pleasure, oxytocin deeply bonds people emotionally and relationally. As the two increasingly pursue sexual activity, they experience a greater and more satisfying connection.

In addition, some think that marriage is some kind of ultimate achievement in the Christian life, while singleness is a lesser pathway. Yet the Bible describes marriage and singleness as equal ways of honoring God. One is not better than the other. Jesus was single, Paul was single, and everyone in life will be single–whether for a lifetime, prior to marriage, or after a spouse dies. Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). Our primary purpose in life, whether single or married, is to love God and love others.

God, please help me to rid myself of porn’s lies. Teach me what Your Word says about sex, marriage, singleness, and my purpose in life.

For help, resources on overcoming porn, or details on the statistics cited in this plan, please contact resolutionmovement.org.