This is the ninth podcast in a nine part series entitled “False Love: Overcoming Sexual Sin from Pornography to Adultery.” False Love has a complementing seminar entitled “True Betrayal: Overcoming the Betrayal of Your Spouse’s Sexual Sin.” For more information on either seminar, please follow the links provided.
“Delighting in Better Pleasures”
STEWARD all of my life for God’s glory.
“God has shown me great grace; grace greater than my lust. I am learning what it means to live out of my new identity in Christ. That has pushed me to ask the question, ‘How can I be a conduit of God’s grace to others?’ As I have sought God, examined my life, and consulted with fellow believers, I believe this [describe] is what it looks like for me to steward God’s grace now.”
Memorize: Romans 13:8-10 (ESV), “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:
- “Owe no one… except to love” – Sin always places you in a position where you “owe” your secrets.
- “Fulfilled the law” – Your goal in life must be to fulfill the purpose God prescribed for your life in His Word.
- “You shall not” – What you “don’t do” will not please God. God has a purpose for you not just restrictions.
- “Summed up… you shall” – God’s will for your life should always be stated in positive terms—live with a mission.
- “Love does no wrong” – When our love for God is expressed through wholesome love for others, we are sin free.
Teaching Notes
To “steward” something means to use it for God’s intended purpose. It is important to remember that what is being stewarded is your life, not merely the experience of overcoming sexual sin. To think otherwise would be to define yourself by your struggle again.
“I use the word recovery less, and the word healing or transformation more. We don’t go backward and recover; rather, we go forward to heal and be transformed… I have come to believe the Twelve Steps do not emphasize enough the radical spiritual transformation that can only be achieved through a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ (p. 18).” Mark Laaser in Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction
Sin is a parasite that lives off of stolen resources (time, energy, love, etc…) that were intended for other purposes. As we rid ourselves of this vile intruder, those resources upon which sin once indulged become available for God’s design and our true enjoyment. Ultimately, stewardship is the pinnacle where purpose, worship, and joy meet.
“Sex addicts must develop a vision. A vision is a clear idea of God’s calling, plan, and purpose for one’s life (p. 167).” Mark Laaser in Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction
“The fight of faith against lust is the fight to stay satisfied with God (p. 335).” John Piper in Future Grace
Source: False Love: Pursuing Purity after Pornography or Adultery (Podcast Step 9 of 9)
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