November 22nd
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NIV
One of the challenges recovering sex addicts may face is the temptation to rely too heavily on their own efforts to break free instead of relying on God as the primary power source. When we put our trust in our own strength to walk in purity, we will run into trouble. Jesus told the disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:38).
The key to getting our bodies strong is to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. He literally gives us life and power to put the sinful deeds of our bodies to death. We keep in step with the Spirit by obeying his promptings and staying in fellowship with the Lord daily (prayer, worship, Bible study). As we work with the Holy Spirit in a heavenly “partnership,” we will be regenerated, renewed and resurrected to live as a new creation in Christ.
Paul wrote: “But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:10-11 NIV
It is not you who will be able to erase the porn images you have filled your mind with. The Holy Spirit will work in your life, heal your mind, erase those images, enable you to resist the devil, wash off the decay and dirt of sin from your soul, mind and spirit and walk with you in your new life in righteousness.
Questions for further thought:
How is faith our critical link to the power of the Holy Spirit for breaking addiction? (Mark 9:23; Mark 16:16)
Too often people think they can earn their way to heaven. What is the correct reason for doing good works for God?
How was the power of the Holy Spirit ultimately demonstrated in Jesus? (Romans 8:10-11)
Prayer:
“Father in Heaven, Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me. Just as you raised Jesus from the dead, so raise me from my dead condition caused by my sin. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and was resurrected from the dead. Please fill me afresh with your life and power so that I may walk in purity and be completely free from the sin that has held me. Please wash me, renew me and heal me. I apply the blood of Jesus to every sinful thought I have savored in my mind. Please unite my heart to fear you and serve you with unswerving devotion. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”