Day 7: First vs. Second-Order Change

Hebrews 12 verses 1-2 paints the picture of a race where every weight and sin must be cast off so we can run unhindered:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The good news is that lasting freedom from porn and lust is possible. But it requires a specific kind of change—a change that goes deeper than just altering surface behavior.

First-Order vs. Second-Order Change

First-order change focuses on external actions, often through sheer willpower and effort. It’s the “try harder” approach.

While first-order change can bring temporary results, it doesn’t address the core issues fueling the behavior. This kind of change is like mowing weeds—it might look good at first, but the roots remain, and the problem will resurface.

Second-order change, on the other hand, happens when core beliefs are transformed, leading to a new mindset and lifestyle.

This type of change builds lasting habits by addressing the underlying roots of addiction. It’s not just about trying harder; it’s about thinking differently, building new relationships, and creating a life that reflects your identity in Christ.

Lasting freedom comes through second-order change, which is why addressing the six roots of addiction—the sexualized society, the addicted brain, isolation, negative emotions, shame, and trauma—is essential.

Timelessness of the Bible

When the apostle Paul addressed sexual sin in the Ephesian church (Ephesians 4:17-27), he didn’t offer clichés like “just quit” or “try harder.” Instead, he provided a clear pathway to freedom through six practical instructions.

What’s incredible is that these six instructions directly address the six roots of a porn or sex addiction. Paul's instructions to the Ephesians are the very solutions we have looked at in the last six days of this plan.

Think about that—2,000 years ago, Paul laid out a path for the Ephesian believers to break free from sexual bondage and live their new life in Christ. That same pathway speaks directly to the roots of today’s struggle with internet pornography.

Isn’t the Word of God both relevant and timeless?

Action Step: Join The Freedom Fight Program

While God can—and sometimes does—grant miraculous deliverance from porn or sex addiction, for most people, freedom isn’t about simply quitting. It’s about outgrowing the addiction by growing and developing in key areas of life that address its roots.

The Freedom Fight provides a holistic, Biblically-rooted approach to recovery. Our flagship program is designed to help you move beyond first-order changes into lasting, second-order transformation. Our program systematically addresses each of these roots of a porn or sex addiction with the solutions that Paul lays out.

You can access The Freedom Fight program by downloading the app and creating an account. Once you do this, you can do the FREE 30-day challenge or decide to jump straight into the main, flagship program.

For the price of $12.12 per month for 6 months or a flat fee of $60, you'll gain access to The Freedom Fight's flagship program, which is a comprehensive course that equips you to uproot the six roots of addiction and experience true transformation.

After you complete the six-month program, you'll have lifetime access to it, which allows you to stay connected to the Freedom Fight community and help others find freedom.

To put this in perspective, this investment is the equivalent of skipping one meal each month.

Think about that…

For the small sacrifice of a dinner out, you can invest in a lifetime of freedom, healing, and restoration. And you can put yourself in a position to start helping others as well.

The race is before you. Lay aside the weight. And take the first step. Download The Freedom Fight app by using one of the links below:

If you have an Apple phone: click this link to download the app (free to download & sign up).

If you have an Android phone: click this link to download the app (free to download & sign up).

If you're on a computer: click this link to access the program on your browser (free to sign up).