Masturbation

<<stimulation of the genitals for pleasure>>

Sexual self-gratification to alleviate sexual energy and desires is often practiced from puberty by single people, both male and female, and may continue for a considerable period. Once this was considered a perverse action with serious consequences.

Although masturbation is not mentioned in the Bible, God’s principles for sexuality would indicate it is wrong in His eyes. One of God’s purposes for sex was to help prevent man’s ‘aloneness’ and so sex was clearly meant for two people (Gen 2:18). In this sex-crazed world, fueled by pornography, people often create impure mental sexual fantasies, By addressing these root causes and having greater intimacy with Jesus, recognizing His Lordship as we worship Him, rather than serving our sensual pleasures, masturbation will be much less an issue and temptation. Energies should be channeled into constructive, non-sexual pastimes, and taking disciplined control of one’s sexual thought life for Jesus said mental adultery is also sin (Mt 5:28; 2 Cor 10:5). “How can a [person] keep their way pure? By living according to your Word…I have hidden your Word in my heart that I may not sin against you” (Ps 119:9,11). The Bible counsels, instead of engaging in ungodly behaviour, to “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ [be wholly devoted to Him], and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Rom 13:13,14; Gal 5:16). This self-degrading habit is a lust of the flesh, so is not of God (1 Jn 2:16).

Imagining illicit sex is a rehearsal of selfish sex, and is a poor emotional substitute for healthy wholesome (non-sexual) relationships with others. “He who chases fantasies lacks judgement” (Prov 12:11). It may have a detrimental effect on your future marriage as mature love is outwardly focused, being directed to the other person, not self-centered. Work hard at developing wholesome relationships so you socialize rather than fantasize.

Our genitals and sexual feelings are created by God, but need to be used according to the maker’s instructions and be under our control at all times. What is the motivation for masturbating – feeling lonely, depressed or afraid to mix socially? If so, work on these areas so they are not a weakness

Among you there must not be any kind of impurity – Ephesians 5:3

whereby Satan can trip you up. Solve the problem, don’t compound it. Guard your mind from anything that would enflame sexual fantasies and deal with impure thoughts.

Paul said, “I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Cor 6:12). Wrong habits can become bondages that prevent us being the whole, free people we can be in Jesus.