The word "fornication," in the New Testament of our King James Bible, is a translation of the Greek word porneia. Fornication, or porneia, is an encompassing word that refers to all forms of sexual sin. Porneia also happens to be the root word for our English word "pornography." I believe that pornography is one form of the sin of fornication.
God warns us that sexual sin has no place in the believer's life. Ephesians 5:3 says, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." Jesus called the lustful look a form of "adultery" in the heart (Matthew 5:28).
The good news is that God's word shows us how to have victory over sexual sins! There are four Bible principles you must understand, and by God's grace practice on a daily basis:
"The 4 F's for Victory Over Fornication"
1. Fellowship
You must have a deep, powerful, intimate walk of fellowship with Jesus Christ. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not..." (I John 3:6). "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
2. Fleeing
You must also learn to run from your temptations, and to not allow the conditions (like having unfiltered internet access) that give Satan an opportunity to tempt you to sin. "Flee fornication..." (I Corinthians 6:18). "Flee also youthful lusts..." (II Timothy 2:22). "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14). "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out..." (Mark 9:47).
3. Friends
You need some godly men praying for you and providing the accountability you need. "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" (James 5:16).
4. Finding Others
When God gives you victory over the sin of pornography, you need to find an opportunity to minister to other men who are struggling with the same temptations. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Victory will be maintained as you stay active in the fight against pornography! "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).
One other important consideration is this: Victory can only be won in the present. If you follow these Bible principles today, you will have victory over pornography today. If you stop following these Bible principles tomorrow, you might very well lose your victory tomorrow. Victory is like manna or our morning devotions--it is only good for today. As God gives you victory over pornography, you will notice that the temptation to look at pornography will greatly decrease, but it may never totally go away. You must, then, continue to be vigilant, because "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).
Are you ready to join the fight and begin walking on that path that leads to a lasting victory over the sin of pornography? If so, please click on the link to "Free Devotions." These daily studies will provide the "sword" you need in your fight against the devil. I am excited for you! May God bless you in your desire to "...be...an example of the believers...in purity" (I Timothy 4:12).
