In every genuinely born-again believer, there is an ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). For many, the Spirit reigns, with only occasional setbacks. But for those still struggling to escape a porn addiction, the flesh is posting wins in this battle far too often.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish (Galatians 5:17).
A BATTLE THAT CANNOT BE WON ALONE
All Christian authors and purity programs that I have reviewed insist that this is a battle that cannot be won alone. If it is to be successful, an accountability partner/group must be part of any recovery program. In support of this position, Scripture passages encouraging the confession of sin to a fellow Christian are often cited (e.g., Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:16), as are the added benefits of building community and stronger churches.
BUT IS THE BELIEVER REALLY IN THIS BATTLE ALONE?
But is the born-again believer really in this battle alone? The Holy Spirit resides within each genuinely born-again believer. And He is ready, willing, and more-than-able to provide a way of escape—and ultimate lasting victory—for all who sincerely desire to overcome a porn addiction (Galatians 5:16).
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE SPIRIT
Healing was a big part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It was by His works (including healing) that He showed Himself to be One with the Father (John 10:37-38). Jesus, of course, no longer walks this earth. But He has left a Helper and Comforter (John 16:7), the Holy Spirit, who continues to testify of Him (John 15:26). Today, it is to the Holy Spirit that believers should be looking for healing and deliverance from their addictions.
It is the Spirit that sets us free from the sins that we cannot get free of on our own (Romans 8:2-4). It is the Spirit that enables us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law (Romans 8:4). Requirements that we could never have fulfilled on our own.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son ... That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:2-4).
HOPE FOR HEALING
As desperate as the porn addict’s case might seem, all is not lost. As described in the Bible nearly 2000 years ago, it is possible to reverse the damage, and have the mind renewed through the transforming ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2). Because God designed our brains to be plastic until death, there is always hope for healing.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers are reminded that born-again believers are never alone in this battle. The Holy Spirit Helper is always alongside, helping believers overcome in their war against the flesh. Readers learn how to step up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
The still-struggling now have another option. The still-struggling now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from temptation and resulting sin (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
