Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry, the largest online. Some statistics suggest that nearly 70 percent of all men ages 18 to 24 view porn at least once a week, which is not to mention the struggle among Gen Xers, and increasingly among women. This is not a light matter. Porn is an outrageous sin against God and his image-bearers, including your own body. But we are not without guidance. Through God’s word, specifically 1 Corinthians 5–7, he shows us how to deal with porn and other sexual sins.
The church of Corinth was tainted by diverse sexual perversions. A man went to bed with his father’s wife, an act that is severely condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:18).
Paul addresses this problem by giving the church theological truths that, if embraced, will dethrone all forms of sexual immorality from our hearts. Seven times in 1 Corinthians 5–7 Paul uses the phrase “Do you not know” (1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 6.2–3″>6:2–3, 1 Corinthians 6.9″>9, 1 Corinthians 6.15–16″>15–16, 1 Corinthians 6.19″>19). Paul clearly assumes that we should already have the knowledge he is about to give us. He also believes that this knowledge will shape and govern our sexuality because of the power these truths contain. Good theology triumphs over biology.
The Needed Ammunition
Paul’s two-fold imperative for the church is to flee sexual immorality and glorify God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). Paul gives us seven theological ammunitions that empower us to obey these commands and kill porn.
1. As God’s church, we know that tolerance of sexual immorality in our midst ferments the church (1 Corinthians 5:6–8);
2. As a believer in Christ, you know that you were washed, sanctified and justified (1 Corinthians 6:11) in the name of Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit of God (because the entire Godhead—the Father, Spirit and Son—was involved in your salvation);
3. You know that your body is for the Lord, not for porn or masturbation or adultery (1 Corinthians 6:12–14);
4. You know that you are a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 6:15);
5. You know that you are married to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:16–17);
6. You know that the sexually immoral, the unrepentant porn-stars and porn-watchers, will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10);
7. You know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), therefore flee sexual immorality and glorify God in your body.
This is your ammunition—truths accomplished by God, knowledge given you by his grace.
