False Intimacy: Sexual Addiction

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, September 8, 2014

Today's Scripture
"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away." (James 1:14 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Sexual addiction affects countless families. Sadly, Christians are far from exempt. Here are a few statistics from Prodigals International.

• Approximately 40 million people in the United States are sexually involved with the Internet
• Sex is the number 1 topic searched on the Internet
• 47% of families said pornography is a problem in their home
• 53% of "promise keeper" men admitted viewing pornography in past week
• 5 out of every 10 men in the church are struggling with some issue concerning pornography
• 34% of churchgoing women said they have intentionally visited porn websites online

Are you struggling with a sexual addiction?  We are all responsible for our choices when we follow our lusts, and these choices can lead to the circle of guilt and shame known as the "sin system." In this cycle, we feel increasingly alienated from God, those we love, and ourselves. To fill the emptiness left by the break, many people try to find comfort by acting out sexually, hoping to find meaningful relationships - only to experience what is called false intimacy. If you are experiencing that cycle, God wants to set you free.

Consider this …

Sexual addictions involve more than the simple desire for more sex. Dr. Harry W. Schaumburg in his book False Intimacy makes a clear case for the idea that what is really being sought in illicit relationships or through pornography is intimacy. Men (and women) are seeking an intimate relationship.

This week we will have a look at intimacy—both false . . . and real.

Prayer

Father, you know I have had lustful thoughts and have even searched in some wrong places for satisfaction. Please forgive me. Help me understand the difference between false intimacy and the kind of intimacy you have designed for marriage. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Crossroads: Choosing the Road to Sexual Purity by David E. Longacre. Crossroads deals with choosing the road to sexual purity and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.

• Describes the sexual addiction process
• Shows how the sin of proximity often precedes sexual sins
• Shows the way out of sexual addiction
• Presents biblical insights to help a person break free and stay free
• Gives practical actions for renewing the mind
• Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then pointing them to Christ

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