Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 9/8/2009

Question
Hello i read some of your answers and it sounds like you can help me with this issue i have with masturbation and its controlling my life. im filled with the holy spirit and i go a few weeks without it and then i give in. i need advice. i want to move on to the next level in my walk but this is holding me back.

god bless

Answer
Hi Drew,

Thanks for this great question.  I am very sorry for my late response.  You are facing a battle that every man faces.  It is not unlike any other battle with sin or addiction.  There are several things you can do to help you get victory for longer and longer between falls.

1.  Read your Bible on a regular basis.

Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Psalm 119:9-11
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2.  Guard what you put in your mind in the first place.  Under no circumstances should you let your eyes continue to look upon something that is unholy.

Job 31:1

I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3.  Fellowship with the saints in church regularly... they will encourage you to keep on doing right.

Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

4.  Find a Christian man that you can trust, and be accountable to him when you fall... call him when you are tempted... help each other much like a sponsor would in AA.

James 5:15-16
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don