Pornography is a pervasive issue in modern society, but what does the Bible say about it? The scriptures provide clear guidance on sexual purity, thoughts, and actions. Let’s explore the biblical teachings on pornography and how they can help us navigate this challenging topic.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About distractions
What Does The Bible Say About watching porn
Job 31:1
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
This verse highlights the importance of making a personal commitment to avoid looking at inappropriate content with lustful intentions. It emphasizes the need to guard our eyes and minds against the temptations of pornography.
Pornography is a destructive force that can distort our view of relationships, intimacy, and the value of others. Making a covenant with our eyes involves actively choosing to steer clear of pornographic material and instead focusing on purity and self-control.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse goes beyond the physical act of adultery and addresses the issue of lusting after others in our hearts. It teaches us to be mindful of our thoughts and urges us to avoid indulging in lustful desires.
Pornography can lead to the temptation of viewing others in a purely sexual and objectifying way, which goes against the principles of love, respect, and honor that God desires for His children.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse urges believers to actively run away from any form of sexual immorality, including the consumption of pornography. It highlights the severe consequences that engaging in sexual sin can have on an individual’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Recognizing the harmful effects of pornography, we are encouraged to pursue purity and flee from any activity that dishonors God and damages our own bodies.
Proverbs 6:25
“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.”
This verse cautions against allowing ourselves to be captivated by the allure of physical beauty and falling into the trap of lustful desires. It reminds us to guard our hearts and minds against the temptations and dangers of pornography.
Pornography often portrays an artificial and distorted view of beauty, leading to dissatisfaction, objectification, and unhealthy desires. Instead, we are called to appreciate the beauty of others with purity and respect.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
By relying on the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit, we can resist the lure of pornography and overcome the desires of the flesh that seek to control us. This verse encourages us to live in alignment with God’s Spirit, enabling us to overcome the temptation and bondage of pornography.
Rather than satisfying the fleeting desires of the flesh, we are called to pursue spiritual growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse directs our thoughts towards what is honorable, pure, and praiseworthy. It reminds us to focus on things that are worth thinking about and to avoid dwelling on impure or destructive content, such as pornography.
By intentionally fixing our minds on positive and uplifting thoughts, we can guard ourselves against the negative influences of pornographic material.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls us to put to death the sinful desires and behaviors associated with our earthly nature. Sexual immorality, impurity, and lust, including the consumption of pornography, are highlighted as aspects of our earthly nature that we need to resist and eliminate.
By recognizing these destructive tendencies and actively striving to live in accordance with God’s values, we can break free from the bondage of pornography and pursue a life of purity and holiness.
Ephesians 5:3-5
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
This passage emphasizes that as children of God, we are called to live differently and distance ourselves from any form of sexual immorality, including pornography. It warns against engaging in conversations or behaviors that are obscene or degrading.
Instead, we are encouraged to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, focusing on honoring God through our words, actions, and choices. By steering clear of sexual immorality, we can preserve our inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse is a prayer to God, asking Him to redirect our focus away from worthless and destructive things, such as pornography, and towards what is valuable and life-giving – His Word.
By seeking God’s guidance and aligning ourselves with His truth, we can resist the pull of pornography and find true fulfillment and purpose in His divine plan.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
This passage describes the temptation process, highlighting how our own evil desires can lead to sin. It serves as a reminder that indulging in the temptation of pornography can have detrimental consequences, leading us further away from God and causing spiritual death.
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of our own desires and actively resist the allure of pornography, seeking God’s strength to overcome and find life in Him.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse encourages us to flee from the lustful desires associated with youth and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace alongside fellow believers who have pure hearts.
By intentionally surrounding ourselves with a community of like-minded individuals who strive for purity, we can find support, accountability, and encouragement in our journey to break free from the bondage of pornography.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse calls us to resist the conforming pressures of the world, including the normalization and acceptance of pornography, and instead be transformed by renewing our minds according to God’s truth.
As we align our thoughts, beliefs, and actions with God’s will, we can gain a clearer understanding of His purpose for our lives and find the strength to break free from the grip of pornography.
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”
This verse expresses a resolute decision to not look with approval on anything that is morally corrupt or vile. It communicates a strong stance against participating in faithless actions and distancing oneself from the influence of such behaviors, including pornography.
By adopting a similar mindset, we can reinforce our commitment to purity and cultivate a deep aversion to anything that goes against God’s standards.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges young people may face in maintaining purity but provides a solution – by living according to God’s Word.
The Bible serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life, including temptations related to pornography. By immersing ourselves in God’s truth, we can find the guidance, wisdom, and strength to walk the path of purity.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse provides assurance that God remains faithful in times of temptation. It reminds us that any temptation we face, including the lure of pornography, is not unique but common to humanity.
God promises to provide an escape route when we are tempted, allowing us to endure and overcome. We can rely on His strength and guidance to resist the pull of pornography and find victory through Him.
2 Peter 2:9
“If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”
This verse affirms God’s ability to rescue His faithful followers from trials and hold the unrighteous accountable for their actions. It provides comfort and hope, assuring believers that God is aware of the struggles they face, including the temptations of pornography.
As we cling to our faith and seek His intervention, God is faithful to deliver us from the grip of sin and guide us towards purity and righteousness.
Romans 6:14
“For sin shall no longer be your master because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
This verse declares that sin no longer has the power to control or rule over our lives as believers in Christ. Through God’s grace, we are set free from the bondage of sin, including the addiction and influence of pornography.
By embracing Christ and relying on His grace, we can walk in freedom, allowing His power to break the chains of pornography and leading us towards a life of purity and holiness.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
This verse underscores the importance of immersing ourselves in God’s Word and storing His truth within our hearts. By cultivating a deep understanding and remembrance of His Word, we equip ourselves to combat the temptations of sin, including pornography.
When God’s Word becomes our guide and standard, we are empowered to make choices that honor Him and resist the allure of pornography.
Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages believers to identify themselves with Christ and adopt His characteristics and values. It urges us to reject the desires of the flesh, such as those associated with pornography, and instead focus on living a life that reflects the nature of Christ.
By redirecting our thoughts and desires towards Jesus, we can find fulfillment and satisfaction in Him, enabling us to overcome the temptations of pornography.
Psalm 119:34
“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”
This verse expresses a desire for understanding and wisdom in order to obey God’s law wholeheartedly. It acknowledges the need for divine guidance to navigate the challenges of life, including the battle against pornography.
By seeking God’s understanding and aligning ourselves with His commands, we can find the strength and discernment to overcome the allure of pornography and walk in purity.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
This passage highlights God’s will for believers to pursue holiness and avoid sexual immorality. It emphasizes the importance of practicing self-control and treating our bodies as vessels of honor, free from the corrupting influence of pornography.
By aligning our behavior with God’s standards, we can experience sanctification and walk in a manner that honors Him, free from the bondage of sexual sin.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse provides a solution within the context of marriage for fulfilling sexual desires, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sexual purity within the boundaries of a marital relationship.
It serves as a reminder that seeking satisfaction and intimacy within the confines of a committed relationship is the healthy and God-honoring alternative to indulging in pornography.
Mark 9:47
“And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.”
This verse uses strong imagery to emphasize the severity of the consequences of falling into temptation. It encourages us to take radical actions to remove any stumbling blocks, such as pornography, from our lives.
While this verse does not explicitly refer to pornography, its principles urge us to take drastic measures to protect ourselves from the destructive influence of sin and prioritize our eternal relationship with God.
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
This verse assures us that God diligently watches over and supports those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him. It reminds believers that we are not alone in our struggles, including the battle against pornography.
When we commit ourselves wholly to God, He provides the strength and support we need to resist temptation and live a life that glorifies Him.