Question> I just can’t seem to get out of the spin of sin-confess-sin (lust).I’ve seen some growth/victory through confronting the issue over the past 6 months, but how can I be freed from sliding back into acting out physically?
djchuang>> Lust is one of the sins that is common for almost all homo sapien of the male gender (and some of the female gender, but in a different way). It is a part of our humanity to have sexual desire — so one distinction to make in your heart and mind is the difference between holy desire vs. sinful lust. If you’re a single person, it is a matter of self-control and taking the steps that work for you to avoid temptations. But my own opinion is that the strongest help in dealing with this is to develop strong male peer relationships of transparent vulnerability and accountability. And when the time is right in the context of marriage, you can enjoy sexual pleasure and fulfill your desires then.
I know this an old post, but it may help others as it helped me.
I don’t think most know how to change because they have never gained the victory in certain key areas. No matter how you look at it if there is a known sin in your life it has to be dealt with before you can progress in your walk with Christ. If you do not gain the victory over that sin it gains the victory over you and begins to push you back. God wants you to gain the victory, and you have to want to gain that same victory. When we repent (being sorry enough to quit cold turkey) we ask forgiveness accept forgiveness and the clean slate and trust in His strength to keep us there. If we fail (which you cannot think about failing when repenting or you have not repented, repenting is reliance on the power of God to keep you clean and to change your want to’s) we have an intercessor who gives us an opportunity to repent and continue on. I failed years because I repented knowing I was going to do the same sin again. I actually never repented. I never had FAITH (extreme confidence) that God could overcome the sin if I would ask His help every time. Often when I would pray the thoughts would come, but I hated the thoughts so much I would pray anyway. I was tired of being filthy. God did not want me to be that way, he wanted me to trust in Him every time and stop think I could make up my mind to fix the problem “Greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world”. satan cannot win unless we let him. He does not have power over our lives unless we give it. I cannot say that I never have sinful thoughts, but I can say that it no longer dominates my life like it once did. I had to give up TV, Secular Music, and situations that brought on the thoughts. I even turn magazines backwards at the stores if I notice them. I don’t want to go down that road nor do I want anyone else to. I give God all the credit. I know I could and cannot do it. You have to use the Sword ~ The Bible, you have to memorize key verses to quote when you are in the heat of temptation (temptation is not sin, but indulging in the temptation is sin). He will not take away the temptation. You must have the choice in the matter or you would be a spiritual robot.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk {and} live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to {and} controlled {and} guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings {and} desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
Gal 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free {but} are prevented from doing what you desire to do.
Gal 5:18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.
You need to be connected to a caring church. You cannot win as quickly alone. You need an army of many not one.
Gal 6:1 BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct {or} sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right {and} restore {and} reinstate him, without any sense of superiority {and} with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.
Gal 6:2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens {and} troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill {and} observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) {and} complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].
Gal 6:3 For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives {and} deludes {and} cheats himself.
Gal 6:4 But let every person carefully scrutinize {and} examine {and} test his own conduct {and} his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction {and} joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.
Gal 6:5 For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults].
Gal 6:6 Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support].
You will win. If God is for you who can stand against you. I kept repenting hating myself and over the process I shared with you. I gained the victory. I still have battles in other areas. I hope there is something here you can use.