Masturbation
If there was ever a controversial subject, this is one of them. It is because of questions and prayer requests sent in that we even put this on the web. Not many people like hearing or using this term. But I could not find another word that could replace it to where any one would know what I was referring to. There is only one scripture that could even be thought of as referring to this;
Lev 15:16-18
'If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall wash all his body in water, and be unclean until evening. 17 And any garment
and any leather on which there is semen, it shall be washed with water, and be unclean until evening. 18 Also, when a woman lies
with a man, and there is an emission of semen, they shall bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.
NKJV
Masturbation is a term that the church has typically included in the category
of sexual immorality even though there is no scripture to back that up. This can
be a difficult, and, as with many other topics, a controversial topic. Please read on.
We can all agree that there is sin in the world. One of the greatest sins is sexual sin. Sex for many
can become an
addiction.
When sex is not readily available people will often turn to masturbation. I know that to be true because of the many
support groups that I have sat in on and heard the testimonies.
God gives us things for our good. When we are in control of those things, they benefit us. When they control us, it becomes
an addiction. An addiction is not necessarily "immoral" by it self, but there are factors that should be looked at that
could cause it to be immoral.
People learn about sex in different ways. Through marriage, casual relationship, experimenting. On the negative side, being molested or even rape. The first time someone experiences a sexual relationship (when not on the negative way), they might find it to be "good". Along with sex, people learn about masturbation the same way. And before you know it, this good thing can easily entangle us, as sin does, and becomes an addiction.
1 Cor 6:12-13
Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me-but I will not be
mastered by anything. 13 Food for the stomach and the stomach for food-but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant
for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
NIV
The big problem is that Satan likes to take what God made, and defiles it. We find that we like sex. And in our culture, sex is OK to have with anyone you want as long as it is consensual. And some people will take that and decide that they cannot get enough. Now there is a problem. When sex is not available, people will turn to masturbation. And to help themselves in that, they will turn to lustful thoughts, pornography or anything that will help them satisfy their desire.
Gal 5:16-21
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what
is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that
you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are
obvious: sexual immorality, . . . selfish ambition, . . . drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that
those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
NIV
Hormones are something that I don't totally understand. But hormones are part of our DNA that God put in us for a reason. Just look
at any teenager.
We can desire to live a sinless, Godly life. And in our effort to live a Godly life you might jump into the shower and start
feeling aroused while bathing. That does not make you a sinner.
If we go out and start lusting after another person and it causes us to want to masturbate, THAT is a problem. If we are into
pornography and masturbate, THAT is a problem.
For married couples, there is scripture on how to deal with our sexual needs.
1 Cor 7:4-5
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his
own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting
and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
NKJV
The bible does talk about self control of our bodies. I know that there are more circumstances than I am
aware of to start judging people. Spouses, you need to pray about that!
So what about the single person? Are you a bad person because there are times your body feels aroused? NO!
Are you in sin because you masturbate when you feel aroused? IN MY OPINION, NO!
Is there something wrong because you masturbate just to masturbate!
In my OPINION, There is something wrong. Now it is an addiction that needs to be dealt with. Sexual addiction is just as serious
as a drug or alcohol addiction.
It does not mean that you are a bad person. Just someone with an issue that needs to be dealt with.
So how do we deal with an issue like this. I don't feel that you have to confess it to your congregation. And I would urge caution
about who you do talk to. But there are support groups that can help you deal with sexual issues including masturbation, if you feel up
to that route.
Another scripture for thought;
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
NKJV
I believe that ANY addiction can be over come by prayer and petitioning God. And any believer who is led by the Holy Spirit and wants to please God, will cry out to him. And he will hear their prayers and bring deliverance. Maybe it will be overnight, maybe it will take some time.
Ps 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart--
These, O God, You will not despise.
NKJV
When you cry out to God for healing, he will not turn his back on you. And there will be not only healing, but forgiveness as well.
Phil 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
NKJV