Scripture Reading

2. Scripture Reading

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (ESV) 4 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:that you abstain from sexual immorality;

4. 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

5. Cultural Trends: Graphic Immorality

6. The "Litter" of Pornography • Sexual Purity • 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 • Colossians 3:5 • Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. • Galatians 5:19 • 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

7. How can we deal with the pervasive problem of pornography?

8. Seven Questions…

9. 1. What is lust? • Hebrews 4:15 • For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. • James 1:14-15 • 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

10. 2. What is pornography? • “I know it when I see it.” • Justice Potter Steward (1964) • “Anything you view, read, listen to that stimulates you toward lust.” • ME

11. 3. What does the Bible say about pornography? • Matthew 5:27-29 • 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” • Ephesians 5:3-13

12. 4. What are the effects of porn? • Isaiah 5:20 • Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

13. 5. What if I don't act on my thoughts? • Philippians 4:8-9 • 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. • Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) • For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. • Matthew 12:34b • For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

14. 6. Why is pornography a sin? All about Coveting Exodus 20:17 All about Lust Matthew 5:27-28 All about Idolatry Colossians 3:5 All about Conformity Roman 12:2 All about Contempt 1 Timothy 5:1,2

15. 7. What can we do? • Repent & Confess & Pray • Psalm 51:10 • Create in me a clean heart, O God,    and renew a right spirit within me. • 1 John 1:9 • If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. • Be Counter-Cultural Because of Conviction

16. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)