Breaking the Addiction to Porn

Main Point: Any addiction to pornography is a deep one. However, in God’s infinite love for us, He has provided a way out of temptation if we’re willing to follow.

Discussion Starter: Jimmy Needham on Porn Addiction
Jimmy Needham is an ambassador of Christ disguised as a musician. At least, that’s how he introduces himself. However, Jimmy is also willing to talk about who he used to be: a young man struggling with an addiction to pornography.

In this brief interview for www.freedombeginshere.org, Jimmy talks about how he came into an addiction to porn, and how he escaped it. Listen to what he says to see if there is anything within his words that applies to your situation.

YouTube Clip:

Transitional Statement:
I really liked this interview with Jimmy because he was honest about his struggles. Even though he’s a Christian musician who performs all over the place and sells his music online, he admits to struggling just like any other regular person. For anyone who might be struggling with an addiction to pornography, I hope you heard what he said: he once was an addict, but now, by God’s grace, he’s been set free. That’s good news for us! In God’s infinite love, He’s provided a way out of an addiction to pornography, no matter how deep it is. Let’s spend the next few minutes learning how.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

(Leaders – As you might be able to tell, this is going to be a very personal discussion. You should probably spend a few moments, at the start of your discussion, to ask for students’ respect and confidentiality. Otherwise, honesty won’t be offered.)
1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: As we get started, let’s all take a second to share our names and whether we’ve ever heard Jimmy’s music.
2. ASK A FEW: Jimmy said he didn’t learn about sex from his parents. Do you think it’s a good idea to learn about sex from your parents? Why or why not?
3. ASK A FEW: He talked about being exposed to pornography in the 4th grade as the beginning of his captivity. Why would he call pornography a “captivity”?
4. ASK A FEW: Jimmy admitted that it’s a little weird to talk about porn on a church stage, but he then asks, “Who else is going to, if I don’t”? Who IS talking about pornography in your world, either for it or against it? Is it appropriate for us to talk about it here, in your opinion?
5. ASK A FEW: How big of a problem do you think pornography is today?
6. ASK A FEW: What about you? Has pornography ever reared its ugly head in your life?
7. ASK A FEW: How have you dealt with it?

Read the following passage:

1 Corinthians 10:7-15 (NIV)

7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did– and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did– and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did– and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

8. ASK SOMEONE: When you read this passage, is it “good news” or “bad news”? Why?
9. ASK A FEW: In this passage, Paul is referencing a part of Israel’s past. According to him (and the Old Testament), what happened to everyone who sinned against God in verses 8-10?
10. ASK A FEW: Paul says their death was an example for us. What should we take away from their stories?
11. ASK A FEW: Do you think that pornography is a temptation that is “common”?
12. ASK A FEW: Jimmy also talked about the battle against pornography becoming more difficult AFTER he became a Christian. Why is that?
13. ASK A FEW: What do you think it means that God says He will “not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear”?
14. ASK A FEW: What does God promise to do (in verse 13) when we are tempted?
15. ASK A FEW: Jimmy talked about the importance of having ONE FRIEND who was walking with God in high school. If you’re trying to escape an addiction to pornography, how important is a godly friend?
16. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Very specifically, how will you get help THIS WEEK if you suffer from an addiction to pornography?

Wrap Up
Tonight we’ve invested our time into talking about something that’s a daily dilemma for many teenagers: an addiction to pornography. I don’t need to give you guys the stats on the use of porn; you know how pervasive it is at your schools, in your conversations, in your own homes.

I want you to spend a few moments considering the answers to these questions. Don’t answer out loud; just reflect on these in your heart.

1. Do you look at pornography more than once per week?
2. Do you find yourself thinking about pornography on a regular basis?
3. Have you ever looked at pornography at school or work (if you have a job)?
4. Do you have impure thoughts when you see a member of the opposite sex?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, we need to talk with you…for your own good. We can do it tonight, or you can connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to set up a time to speak privately. We want to help you! Please let us!

Close in Prayer

Written by David R Smith