Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 4/24/2010

Question
I am a 14yo male who often feels the temptation to masturbate (and frequently gives in), I know that I have an addiction (as is often the case with masturbation and other sexual sins).

I know that the bible doesn't mention the act and I don't view porn when I am masturbating - however I do have a foot fetish and I view images and videos of teenager's feet and this causes me to become sexually aroused, lust and Masturbate. I know that lusting is a sin and that fetishism is often viewed as a form of witchcraft etc.

I have prayed, asked for God's forgiveness and asked him to help me resist when I am tempted by Satan. However I just keep getting the urge to do it - it starts off as an idea that enters my mind and it gets pushed back for a while and then after a few hours I finally give in and do it and then whole thing starts over again.

Could you please offer me some guidance on the matter and how to stop lusting and my addiction to masturbation as described above.

Sorry for the long question, I wanted to describe my situation as clearly as possible.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Calvin,

Thank you for this very personal question.  You are not alone.  Even the Apostle Paul struggled with the power of his flesh.  It is a constant battle.  Sometimes you have victory sometimes you have a set back.  The important thing is that you get back up and fight again.

Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

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

This is a fight that you must fight..... as in any fights sometimes you take a few jabs, but you keep on fighting.

1 Peter 2:11
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

We can use the weapons of the word, prayer and church attendance to help us to capture our thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  
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.

Memorize scripture so that when you are tempted you can stuff out the bad thoughts with good thoughts.

Make sure that you are in church every time the doors are open so that you have good fellowship and encouragement of other believers your age to encourage you to keep fighting the good fight.

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.

I hope that this gives you some help.

In Christ
Pastor Don