A Pornography Case Study
by Bryan Carlson
In the case of a young man struggling with pornography, I will begin by thoroughly reviewing his intake form and, in the first couple sessions, conduct a thorough investigation to discern the nature and extent of his struggles with pornography, exploring his beliefs about sex, others, and God, as well as identifying what needs pornography is meeting for him.
I will address the "put off" and "put on" aspects of dealing with his struggle with pornography. Ephesians 4:22-24 states that we must put off our old selves and put on the new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. Verse 23, as well as Romans 12:2 exhorts us to renew our minds in order to be transformed. Renewing the mind is essential in putting on the new self and dealing with any sin or “addiction.” In this case, renewing his mind involves replacing lies and distortions with the truth of God's Word. He must regularly read and meditate on Scripture, understand God's character and his identity in Christ, and cultivate a deeper relationship with the Lord through prayer and worship, living out the values and principles of God's kingdom. As he focuses on God's truth, he will be transformed from the inside out and empowered to overcome his struggles with pornography. I will specifically counsel him by:
Helping him renew his mind by recognizing the serious impact his choices have on his life both now and in the future, putting off living for the moment and instead putting on living for his earthly future and for eternity (1 Corinthians 3:10-17; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Putting off the belief and practice that sin may not have a consequence and putting on reminders of the high price of salvation (Galatians 6:7-8).
Putting off media and entertainment that may be triggering his addiction and putting on a heart that is learning more about God’s Word (Psalm 119:11).
Putting off the hope that he will be able to survive temptation and teaching him how to put on the armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Identifying practical strategies for avoiding temptation by putting off laziness and putting on times of focusing on the spiritual disciplines and meaningful service in a local church or ministry (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Teaching him to practice regular confession of sin at the earliest stages of sin by putting off concealing sin and putting on repentance (James 5:16).
Helping him view others of the opposite sex as being made in the image of God by putting off the belief that others exist to serve him and putting on the truth that he is here to serve, not use, others (Philippians 2:3-4).
Putting off thinking lustful thoughts about others and putting on praying for those around him (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Specific homework assignments:
Purchase and start using a daily journal. Because of the temptation involving technology, I want this to be a physical, paper journal. All of the following homework will be recorded in this journal.
One goal will be to help him develop a robust prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I’ll have him start a daily prayer journal and find a time that works best and pray and journal each day. I will ask him to show me his journal each week. I will also be praying with and for him.
Have him begin a daily habit of reading and meditating on God's Word (Psalm 1:2-3), identifying every passage in the Bible that discusses lust, sexual sins, and self-control and writing these out in his journal, as well as what he is learning.
Have him find an accountability partner in the church or Christian community whom he can talk to and who can hold him accountable for his actions (James 5:16). Ideally, this would be an older man from his church.
Ask him to install an internet filter on all devices he uses to access the internet and have the emails sent, with permission, to his accountability partner.
Challenge him to work on fleeing the sinful desire. I’ll have him read and journal about how Joseph responded in Genesis 39 when tempted and identify, journal, and avoid triggers that may lead him to view pornography, such as being alone in his room with no plans or spending time alone on social media. I’ll have him keep a log of all the times he felt tempted and what he did to avoid the temptation. If he failed to flee and viewed pornography, I’ll ask him to write down when he viewed the pornography, what type of pornography he viewed, and for how long. We will review this log, as well as the rest of his journal, each week.
