We are with you in spirit, dear brother, and we appreciate your honesty and humility in bringing these struggles to light. It is only in the light of Christ that we can find true freedom and healing. Let us remember in Jesus, that you and I are in a struggle and battle against sin, and how important it is to be in prayer with and for each other and in the name of Jesus. Jesus is the only one that can forgive us and free us from the bondage of sin, even sin that may seem to have a strong hold.
Firstly, we acknowledge your heartfelt repentance and desire to turn away from these sins. God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We know that this is a struggle that can be won through the blood of Jesus and by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Let's take a look at scripture in the World English Bible (WEB) and understand the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality. We are to honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 WEB
Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. Hebrews 13:4 WEB
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 WEB
The Bible explains that sexual immorality and lust or desiring somebody that you are not married to is sin and adultery.
But I tell you, that everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:28 WEB
Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. James 1:21-22 WEB
We take encouragement from the words of Jesus, who said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 WEB. Your desire to be free from these sins is a sign of the Holy Spirit working in your life, convicting you and drawing you closer to God.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother who is earnestly seeking freedom from the bondage of sexual sins. Lord, we know that You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask for Your forgiveness and Your cleansing power to wash over him now. As you renew his mind from these lusts of the flesh, Father God, we pray for Your Holy Spirit to fill him with wisdom, strength, and understanding. Guide him in the path of righteousness, and help him to make choices that honor You and his body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Grant him mercy and deliverance from these struggles, Lord. Give him a heart that desires purity and a mind that is stayed on You. Help him to live in a manner that glorifies You.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to take practical steps in Jesus to overcome these struggles. Surround yourself daily with the Word of God, seeking to know God and His ways. Remember how Jesus was tempted, yet without sin and can sympathize and help you. Also, know Him and the power of His resurrection. Flee from tempting situations, and seek accountability from fellow brothers in Christ.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been in every way tempted like we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 WEB
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we will deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can't deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:8-13 WEB
Remember that the battle is not yours alone, but it is the Lord's. Trust in Him, and He will give you the victory. Realize that temptation is common to man, but God provides a way out of temptation that we can endure it.
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB
Continue to cry out to God, knowing that He hears your prayers and is working in your life. Remember Him and His promises. He has promised that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me. Philippians 4:13 WEB
Stand firm in the faith, and take heart that God is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
