Taboo Topics: The Dangers of Pornography

Introduction

The pit of seduction pulling you in.

9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls are exposed to pornography online before the age of 18.

The first exposure to pornography among boys is 12 years old, on average.

71% of teens have done something to hide their online activity from their parents.

28% of 16-17-year-olds have unintentionally been exposed to pornography online.

20% of 16-year-olds and 30% of 17-year-olds have received a sext.

The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality question 31 says,

Q. What is pornography? A. Pornography is a lustful desire of the flesh, activated through the channel of the eye, through the looking upon or distributing of naked images of males and females for the purpose of sexual arousal.

It is Deceptive

A. The Naive Man

B. The Immoral Woman

1. She Captured His Eyes (10)

2. She Quieted His Conscience (14-15)

3. She Convinced His Heart and Promises Nothing But Fulfillment (15-21)

It is Destructive

The Catechism also says in question 32:

Q. Why is pornography so destructive? Because of the use of such images ruins the sexual intimacy intended for marriage, supports idolatry in the worship of the creature, dehumanizes men and women promoting abuse, especially of women, advances other forms of sexual impurity, creates idleness in society to the harm of our neighbors, and degrades the mind into darkness.

A. It Disgraces Another Image Bearer

-One writer said, “So what is the heart problem when it comes to pornography? We view other people as objects of our desire, not subjects in their own right. Pornography is at its core worshipping our own pleasure. It is in complete contradiction to God’s vision for a healthy sex life – one that is full of commitment and giving.”

B. It Devalues God’s Gift of Marriage

The New King James Version Chapter 13

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

-Patrick F. Fagan, senior fellow and director of the conservative Center for Research on Marriage and Religion, pornography is a "quiet family killer." Not only does watching porn contribute to infidelity, but a spouse's porn obsession was a factor in 56 percent of divorces.

C. It Dilutes Drive

-Your drive is not a curse.

D. It Leads to Death

There is Deliverance

A. Saturate Your Mind with The Word (24)

B. Steer Clear of Its Presence (25)

C. Study The Destruction It Has Caused (26-27)

Conclusion

For those who are struggling: Q. 27-28

Q. What Does God call us to do when we fall into sexual sin?

A. When I commit any form of sexual sin- even the slightest desire or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments- I should confess my sins to Him, eagerly turn away for all sexual sin, and seek to walk in the newness of life.

Q. Is God angry with His children who still struggle with their striving to put away sexual immorality?

A. God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness. When we come to God with a broken and contrite heart, confessing and turning away from our sins, God promises to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He has declared, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench.”

For those who are wondering why it matters: Q. 30

Q. Since we have been delivered from all sexual sin, why should we pursue a life of sexual purity?

A. Five reasons:

First, Because our sinful desires do not define us or constitute our identity as those purchased by the blood of Christ.

Second, because sexual purity is the will of God for our sanctification, as we are being renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the image of God’s Son.

Third, by pursuing a life of sexual purity, we show that we are thankful to God for His salvation.

Fourth, we also stand as witnesses, that those living in sexual immorality might see in us the holy purity that God loves.

Fifth, as we battle against our sinful nature, the Holy Spirit strengthens our Christian walk and we give glory to God.

For Those Who Don’t Care: Q. 33

Q. Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their unholy desires and are unrepentant of their sexual ways?

A. By no means. Scripture tells us that no sexually immoral person, no adulterer, no fornicator, no homosexual, no abuser of women, or the like will inherit the kingdom of God.