Pure Freedom

Sunday I opened up another controversial sermon series concerning sexuality in America and the church. Pornography is growing at an alarming rate in the world. Many people would prefer to keep this dirty little secret in the dark. But the Bible says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverb 28:13). Here are some of the facts:

o Porn revenue is larger than all the revenues for ABC, NBC, and CBS combined.

o 90% of 8 – 16 year olds have viewed porn online.

o 33% of visitors to porn web sites are women.

o Adult bookstores outnumber McDonald’s restaurants in the US by at least 3 to 1.

There are so many people who are struggling with pornography addictions and other sexual sins. They want to be free, but cannot seem to shake the habit. They have prayed and prayed to God. They have confessed their sins more times than they care to remember. And confession is the key, but it has to be the right kind of confession. You see, 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is great. It’s one of the bible’s most beautiful promises.

Confession to God = Forgiveness and Purity

But there is more that we need to be actually healed of our sexual addiction. There is another confession that is needed. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Notice what this confession brings.

Confession to one another = Healing

Here we see that God’s word promotes a built-in accountability system through confession to one another. While it is great (and necessary) to confess our sins to God for forgiveness, it is also required that we confess to one another for healing. When we confess to one another, we make ourselves accountable to a living, breathing person with a face. This accountability will bring the healing we need to be truly changed.

What do you think about this topic in church?