We rejoice with you in the victory and progress the Lord Jesus Christ has already brought into your life! The fact that you recognize the need for lasting change and are crying out to God is evidence of His work in your heart. The struggles you mention—pornography, masturbation, flirting, and sexual sin—are battles many face, but they are not insurmountable through Christ. We stand with you in prayer, believing that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
First, let us address these sins with the truth of Scripture. Sexual immorality, including pornography and lustful thoughts, is clearly condemned in God’s Word. Jesus Himself said, *"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart"* (Matthew 5:27-28). These sins not only defile the body but also grieve the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Flirting with the opposite sex outside the bounds of godly courtship can also lead to temptation and emotional entanglements that dishonor the Lord. We must guard our hearts diligently, for *"the heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt"* (Jeremiah 17:9). Yet, we serve a God who is greater than our hearts and who offers forgiveness and transformation through the blood of Jesus Christ.
We must also emphasize that true deliverance comes not by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot overcome these sins in your own might—no one can. But *"God’s divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness"* (2 Peter 1:3). The key is to surrender fully to Christ, allowing Him to renew your mind and transform your desires. This begins with repentance—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. Repentance is not just feeling sorry; it is a change of direction. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). But confession must be accompanied by a willingness to flee from temptation and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:10).
We must also address the practical steps you can take to walk in victory. Flee from every appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This may mean installing accountability software on your devices, avoiding certain places or people that trigger temptation, and filling your mind with Scripture rather than the things of this world. *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things"* (Philippians 4:8). Memorize God’s Word so that when temptation comes, you can wield the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Surround yourself with godly believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable. *"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up"* (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
We must also rebuke the lies of the enemy that may be whispering to you. The devil will try to convince you that you are too far gone, that you will never change, or that God is tired of your failures. But these are lies! *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"* (Romans 8:1). God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). Do not listen to the voice of shame or despair. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, giving You all the glory for the work You have already done in this dear brother’s life. Lord, we thank You for drawing him to Yourself, for convicting his heart, and for the progress he has made. But we know the battle is not yet over, and so we ask You to complete the work You have begun. Father, we pray that You would break every chain of sexual sin in his life. Deliver him from the grip of pornography, masturbation, and lustful thoughts. Cleanse his mind and heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Renew his mind daily, Lord, so that he may be transformed and no longer conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).
Father, we ask that You would fill him with Your wisdom and understanding. Give him discernment to recognize temptation before it takes root and the strength to flee from it. Surround him with godly accountability and fellowship so that he is not left to fight this battle alone. Lord, we pray that You would heal any wounds or brokenness in his heart that may have contributed to these struggles. Restore his soul and make him whole in You.
We also pray that You would guard his eyes, his mind, and his heart. Help him to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let him find his satisfaction and joy in You alone, for You are the only One who can truly fulfill the deepest longings of his heart. Father, we ask that You would speak to him clearly, guiding him each step of the way. Let him hear Your voice above all others, and give him the courage to obey.
Lord, we rebuke the enemy’s lies in the name of Jesus. We declare that this brother is not defined by his past sins but by the blood of Jesus Christ, which has set him free. We pray that You would fill him with Your peace and assurance, reminding him that he is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him (Romans 8:37). Strengthen his faith, Lord, and let him walk in the freedom that is his in Christ.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would use his testimony to bring glory to Your name. Let others see the power of Your transforming love in his life and be drawn to You. We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue pressing into God’s presence daily. Spend time in prayer and in His Word, for *"your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path"* (Psalm 119:105). Do not grow weary in doing what is right, for in due season, you will reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Remember that God is not done with you yet. He is shaping you into the man He created you to be, and every step of this journey is part of His perfect plan. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and He will lead you into lasting victory.