How can I fight sexual temptation?

Luke 16:10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

James 1:14-15Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Sexual temptation rarely goes from zero to one hundred all at once. Usually, it starts small as we make crass jokes or dwell on inappropriate images in our minds. Over time, it may grow into pornography use, masturbation, or some other expression of lust. Feeding lust only causes it to demand more. If we want to resist sexual temptation, we need to stop feeding it—no matter how small those concessions may seem.

Philippians 4:8Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Trying not to think about something is self-defeating. Instead of gritting our teeth and trying not to lust, we should turn our minds instead to things that are good and profitable. Lust often comes when we are feeling depressed, tired, lonely, or isolated. Calling a family member, reading a book, working on a hobby project, or spending time with friends are ways we can steer our minds away from the lust that arises when we are feeling down or alone.

Luke 22:40He [Jesus] told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”

1 Corinthians 10:13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Lust is a natural temptation, but we serve a supernatural God. He promises that no temptation will be beyond what we can bear, and he offers us his help. Pray that God will strengthen you against temptation, and when it comes, remember that giving in isn’t the only way out.

James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

We should ask others to pray for us in our struggles. Not only will their prayers strengthen us, but confessing our sin to someone is a powerful way to hold ourselves accountable. It may be the extra push we need to break a lustful habit once and for all. We will find freedom by being courageous and vulnerable in admitting where we struggle.