Is Masturbation better Than Pornography?

please dont get disgusted by my thread, but it's a struggle that all single man deal with.

I was told by a youth leader that it was not as bad to masturbate unless you were watching Porn while doing the act. I'm not justifying it by any means. I understand it's a sin because it's flesh and carnality.

sometimes i have power over it sometimes i fall and feel horrible. Do you brothers feel it's something i must conquer in my life once in for all?

it is a tough struggle, but God promises that sin will not have dominion over you, keep fighting the good fight of faith,trust upon GOD for his prosmise of sanctifiction.. beware of your thought life, and if you must get rid of your TV. do it...and ifyou fall into condemnation , look to Christ,
love
andy
praying now for you

In the past, threads on this subject have been locked, so no doubt, this one will be too.

As it is, it is an unclean practice, and whatever we do God sees.

Be conscious of God watching you, and that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor 6v19, and that God does not want us to defile the temple.

Also, fasting is a good practice to make the body the servant, rather than the master.

God bless.

Check out this thread

[url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=22749&forum=36]The Normal Christian Life[/url]

You have been careful not to be graphic. Bless you! You share an issue that affects countless - either directly or indirectly. This is important for us all!

Sins all have the same root. When the root dies, then there can be victory over many sins. This is the hope of the Gospel!

While we are living in the flesh, it is pointless to try to catagorize varying degrees of sin, and then try to justify ourselves by taking the path of “lesser evil”. This is a common problem among all who are still in the “trying” mode. We are still trying to justify ourselves. That is our core rebellion against the Lord.

THink about eating: It is also God-given survival instinct that easily goes overboard. They say that diets never work. Why? Well, the more you try to stop eating what you shouldn’t the more you think about food; and then the more you think about it, the more you want it. In other words, trying hard to stop sometimes has a reverse effect. You set your mind up for temptations.

The entire Bible is much about victory over sin. Thus, there is no lack of help from there. It points to the source of hope: Christ himself. However, we will receive his help only when we are willing to recognize our utter inability to free ourselves from sin. We are spiritually bankrupt.

From your post, sir, I'm not convinced that you have come to that point yet. Certainly your youth leader has not! He is like the blind leading the blind.

The big question regarding any struggle with sin is this: Do I want to continue being a self-justified, self-focused person, a clean "empty cup" or do I want Christ to fill my life with himself and let his love radiate to the world around me though me.

Your answer will determine what course your life takes.

"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Gal. 5:16

Brother tom is on point.

May I also suggest that you visit Steve Gallaghers web site He deals with men and women that struggle with this issue. Also here on SI the Moderators have posted Great messages by Mr Gallagher that would be a blessing to you.

http://www.purelifeministries.org/

Also I posted an article from steve Gallagher on SI called Killing the serpent of Porn. I have attached it to this post so all can read it

https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=24205&forum=34&2

I don't know of anything in the Bible that forbids let alone mentions masturbation. I believe that is up to one's conscience.

The Onan mention in Genesis concerning the "spilling of seed" that most people think of as referring to masturbation actually refers to coitus interruptus ('pulling out'-- form of natural contraception).

Jordan

Lets, not make our brother feel worse than he might be right now!

As a youth chaplain, I once showed a video related to these youth issues, and I thought it was fabulous. So did the other adults. But a youth said to me, ‘That’s dated! (from the 80’s). It probably won’t make people change what they are already doing.”

Well, that got me thinking.

I do believe that we need to keep our culture in mind. Our youth – when in the vim and vigor of life, when their bodies are in the prime – ready to do what God designed them to do: be fruitful and multiply, are not in the situation where that is possible. Maturation is happening at an earlier age than in any other time in history. Marriage later (if at all). Add to that the fact that our youth are not burning off their extra hormonal energies working in the fields, doing manual work. Add to that the fact that our culture is totally sex crazed – and images and suggestions are everywhere. Add to that the fact that self control is not a high ideal in culture, lacking in upbringing. It's hard to develop that easily and quickly if it has been weak. Consider our youth's struggle with uncertainties re their future, bleak outlook, etc.

Add to that the fact that sharing struggles with temptations is just not cool in our social circles, even among Christians.

Yes, empathy is needed. The apostle Paul had it ,and I see that I could use a good dose of it!

"Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?" 2 Cor.11:29

Diane

We understand that the topics being discussed here are a thorn in the flesh for many a young man (and woman), and there are many sermons and ministries that deal effectively with this sort of thing. The nature, however, of this thread is a highly personal one and offensive to many. For others it can be a stumbling block and an enticement to conjure up images in the minds of believers already battling with such things. This is a co-ed forum, with brothers and sisters discussing such topics openly and amongst themselves...and this is not wise at all.

Please pray before initating any thread dealing with sex. Treat it as you would standing before a group of diverse people in an open sanctuary. Not all discussions are expedient in all cases; handle such with the wisdom and discernement of the Holy Spirit. Get with your pastor, or a Christian person of the same sex you can confide in, in whom you sense the Spirit of the Lord dwelling and who can mentor you and pray with you.

This thread will be locked. For the nature of this subject, I believe Zac Poonen and Watchman Nee have some fantastic teaching.

God bless you.