Overcome Porn: The 40 Day ChallengeSample

What idols drive our obsession with pornography? In Closing the Window, Dr. Tim Chester identifies promises that the fantasy world of porn often makes to its viewers:

1. Respect. If we feel inadequate or rejected, porn offers the fantasy of respect. God is the one who offers us genuine acceptance through Jesus. The men or women in the fantasy do not know or love you. Christ does! We must anticipate the glory God promises to those who trust him (Jn. 5:44). 

2. Relationship. We desire intimacy, but we don’t want to be vulnerable. Porn offers a parody of love and closeness. We need to see God as sovereign over our relationships. He promises that everything we go through will work for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Knowing this, we can pursue genuine and pure intimacy with others, not run to the fake security of digital sex.  

3. Refuge. In times of stress, porn gives us a fantasy world—an erotic escape where we are never a failure. However, God is our true refuge (Ps. 18:1-3). We should escape into him, casting all our cares on him because he cares for us (1 Pet, 5:6-7).

4. Reward. When we feel like we’ve made great sacrifices, we often want to reward ourselves and “get what we deserve.” But God relates to us as a loving Father (Lk. 15:22-24). When we do not get what we want, we must focus our faith on God, who knows what blessings are best for us in his perfect love and timing.

5. Redemption. If we are feeling guilty, porn is a way to indulge self-pity. In times like these, we need to run to the real promise that God freely forgives us of all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). We won’t find redemption by normalizing our sin or by trying to punish ourselves. 

Reflection

Which false promise describes your experience? Which Gospel truth do you need to cherish?