Introduction
   Our lives on this earth of recent years has seen great advancements, which would have been considered impossible less than a century before. This speaks of prophecies concerning Daniel at the end of the age (Dan. 12:4b). Along with advancements at the end of the age comes a degradation of society to the depths talked about in Noah’s generation. Often quoted are the Messiah’s comments:
   For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be, Matthew 24:37-39. New American Standard Bible used throughout.
   But there is more to that generation than some may think. The people also had their minds on wickedness continually (Gen. 6:5, 12) and the world was full of violence (Gen. 6:11). One only needs to turn on the news to see how today is comparable to that time.
   The Messiah also mentioned in Luke 17:28, as in “...the days of Lot...” We all know they were sexually immoral even to the extent of demanding their own way with others. Something similar is happening today with homosexual agendas being pushed upon society within the schools, television, and work place. No longer is it being kept in the proverbial closet. Sodom and Gomorrah are gaining ground around the world like never before, demanding acceptance.

The Physical
   When considering adultery along with fornication and other sexually-oriented type sins, they can be broken down physically and spiritually. Of the physical, more than a few famous personalities have been in the news over the last few years, from government officials to sports professionals having their figurative dirty laundry aired publicly worldwide. The dirty laundry being adultery and other sexual sins, such as posting lewd images to others. Why in the world do people do such things? It only brings suffering upon themselves and others.
   Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her will not go unpunished, Proverbs 6:27-29.
   The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it. Wounds and disgrace he will find, and his reproach will not be blotted out, Proverbs 6:32-33.
   King David suffered such a fate, but it was quite a bit worse, as he was a worshiper of Yahweh and placed as King over Israel. His punishment was not only unrest and a sword not leaving his household, but his shameful deed has been told over and over, again and again, for centuries. This was a man with the Spirit, so don’t think that it can’t happen to you.
   Do not be deceived, Yahweh is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life, Gal. 6:7-8.

The Spiritual
   When we consider the spiritual aspects of sexual sins, we can direct our attention to the topic of pornography and we can ask, “Is it a victimless crime?” The answer is obviously a resounding “No.”
   A distorted view of women and men is taken. As a problem mainly seen with men, this is overflowing more to women than ever before. Lesbianism is now more of an interest for some with numerous sitcoms and movies promoting the homosexual lifestyle. Curiosity searches are easily done on the Internet today.
   Emotional wellbeing, whether realized or not by those involving themselves with such things, is compromised in both men and women.
   Many say there is little harm. But when it comes to sin, whether physical or spiritual, the unrepented end of such things is death. “...The soul who sins will die.” (Ezek. 18:4). “...sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Read our free ministudy, Does The Bible Condone Homosexuality?
   Scripture has various warnings about adulterous immorality. The message is always the same, turn away from such things.

Warning, Run!
   Sometimes the best course of action is to run from it. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against Yahweh?” Genesis 39:7-9.
   The rest of the account gives the details on how he fled, but then he was still accused of doing wrong. In the end, it worked out well for him allowing Yahweh to bless and work out His plan for Israel. This can be a lesson for us, as well.
   When we resist Satan, we are promised he will flee from us. Submit therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil and he will flee from you, James 4:7.
   One thing about temptation, if nothing else is learned, it will pass. If we can keep this in mind, it will be easier to resist, knowing the temptation will flee like Satan. The reward for doing so is great!
   For this you know with certainty, that no im-moral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and Yahweh, Ephesians 5:5.
   With the warnings comes encouragement to overcome.

Encouragement and Hope
   Books for this specific type of sin are available to help. There are clinics and support groups. Most importantly, there is daily continuous prayer and seeking after Yahweh’s righteousness. Looking forward to the coming Kingdom helps us to stop looking at things we shouldn’t. Even Job made a covenant with his eyes, to stay on the righteous path (Job 31:1).
   We also, who are immersed in the Name of Yahshua, have the Spirit of Yahweh helping us realize we’re not alone. It helps us in various ways, from reminding us of Yahweh’s Word to walking in it (John 14:26).
   If we are moved to sorrow when we sin, then it is without regret if it also has moved us to repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-10), but in no way can we continue in sin.

Man’s Perspective
   Others have overcome, and in a book review of Every Man’s Battle, by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker from Amazon.com we read an anonymous post:
   “As a recovering sex/lust addict and a Christian, I found little information in this book that would be useful to a real addict. In the book, the authors describe their concept of a ‘fractional addict.’ This really sounds like someone who has developed a bad habit and needs to come to a full understanding that it is NOT acceptable to [Yahweh] and must be given up. For people like that, I believe that the book’s recommendations (bouncing the eyes, training the mind, etc.) will probably work.
   True addicts know that what they are doing is wrong, they want to stop; they try to stop; but cannot stop. (If I try to stop but can’t stop, and I try to moderate but can’t moderate, then I’m addicted.) This is a good book for those who finally decide to try to stop. Some will be able to stop (most hopefully) by practicing the book’s suggested techniques for a few weeks, but actual sex/lust addicts will not.
   If you try what this book recommends but you still can’t find victory, please look into a 12-Step fellowship such as Sexaholics Anonymous (www.sa.org). Some people may think that a 12-Step program is ‘less Christian’ than the program described in this book, but that is simply not true! The original 12-Step program (AA) was based on the principles of the Oxford Group, a non-denominational Christian group. The 12-Steps are ABSOLUTELY consistent with [Scripture]. In fact, while Every Man’s Battle describes methods to help ME stop certain activities through MY power, the 12-Steps help me to find a real relationship with [Yahweh], so that I can call on Him during temptations and have victory through His power!
   Please check out the book; Impossible Joy, the Good News for Lust and Sex Addicts, and other Sinners (also available at Amazon.com). That book was written by a true addict who found a real relationship with [Yahshua] through working the 12 Steps of S.A. He recently celebrated 30 years of sobriety.”

Woman’s Perspective
   Another anonymous comment from Amazon, on the same book, posted and related the following:
   “I’ll start by saying that I am a female, so here’s an opinion from a woman’s point of view. My husband and I ordered this book to read together — to help him become pure and to help me to understand some of what he goes through. I thought that the principles in this book were very good, especially the chapter on cherishing your wife, and my husband gained some insight that he found really practical & helpful. However, we were both disappointed in the amount of time the authors spent in talking about their various temptations and how deep they got into the world of pornography/lust.
   I understand that they wanted men reading the book to relate and not feel alone, and to dispel some of the stigma surrounding the issue of lust, but I thought the descriptions of what they saw...were just lusting in word form. It seemed to me that the men in this book changed their actions, but never changed their hearts. They may not lust openly anymore, but they still seem to not respect women very much — I felt like a body part while reading the book.
   My husband was disappointed, he said he enjoyed parts of the book, but other parts brought to mind exactly what he’s been trying to get away from.
   I guess reading this book is better than not doing anything, but I recommend Randy Alcorn’s The Purity Principle instead — an amazing little book that helped my husband and I tremendously.”

Appealing to Men and Women
   A large portion of the pornographic material is geared toward, and for, men. Romance novels are geared toward, and for, women as well as romanticizing soap operas.
   Men and women think differently, but even Eve was seduced by what she saw, while reasoning in her mind:
   When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6.
   We are all affected by the eye gate and our own desires.
   Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by Elohim;” for Yahweh cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren, James 1:13–16.
   We need to put forth the effort and not return to commit sins again and again. It is a vicious cycle; a cycle which keeps one in bondage. Sin needs to be put away, period.
   Otherwise, a person’s life can wax worse and worse. It is best to avoid much of what is now shown regularly on media formats today. What would have been considered taboo just 50 years ago is now considered normal by many.
   But what is the end of such things? Ted Bundy, the notorious serial rapist, shared that he had filled his mind with both sexual and murderous images from his youth.
   They were probably not the sole contributing factors, but indeed they most certainly did contribute to his sickness and death; not only his, but the suffering and death of others. It’s been noted that most, if not all, serial rapists and murderers have been involved with pornography.

Overcoming
   So how does one overcome? Various ways, but one can start by turning the eyes away, not lusting in the first place. Job was considered righteous in his generation and made a commitment not to turn away from Yahweh’s will.
   I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? Job 31:1.
   Other ways of overcoming can include thinking about the “Big Picture.” For example, there is a coming Kingdom (Promised Land), and we are sojourners, like Abraham was. As he had a goal, we have a goal.
   We need to keep things in perspective. As already mentioned, temptations come and go. We need to express self-control and resist.
   It may be necessary to confide in a trustworthy member, deacon or elder. While we are to confess to Yahweh our frailties and faults, we can also do so with each other, even being anointed for the help we need by the elders in the faith.
   Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the assembly and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Yahweh; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and Yahweh will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much, James 5:14-16.

Put on the Full Armor
   Do we think about the Armor of Yahweh (Eph. 6:13-17) in our lives? We are in a fight for our lives.
   For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of Elohim, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
   We need the Helmet, which is the hope of salvation. It covers and protects the mind. Our mind is to be focused on the future goal of the Kingdom and our eyes on Messiah Who is leading us there.
   There is the Breastplate, which is righteousness, faith and love. This breastplate covers and protects the heart. Both front and back, as they were made in the 1st century to protect. Similar today is the bullet proof vest.
   The Shield, which is faith, extinguishes the flaming arrows of the evil one. This is not only for defense, but also offensive usage. Shields can be locked together as a united front against an assault. Hence, not forsaking assembling ourselves with others as is the manner of some (Heb. 10:25).
   The Belt, is truth keeping things where they should be. It is foundational and it is where you find the sword for battle.
   The Sword, which is the Word of Yahweh (Heb. 4:12), is a spiritual weapon of defense and offense. It is of the utmost importance to yield it correctly.
   The feet covered (Shoes), which bring peace (bringing Good News) “How lovely are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isa. 52:7). Like Joseph, we can also use these shoes for running. Or, we can keep in mind, as the Apostle Paul expressed in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
   He says further, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and Yahweh is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Put on Messiah
   Yahshua, like the armor, is a tremendous help to us. In fact, the apostle was probably thinking about the armor as putting on Yahshua the Messiah (Gal. 3:27).
   For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the Throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need, Hebrews 4:15-16.
   Finally, be strong in the Master and in the strength of His might! Ephesians 6:10.
   The Messiah Himself tells us, in thinking about hope and overcoming the world and its evils:
   These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world, John 16:33. The message to us, is “We can, too!”
   While there are stern warnings against such things as adulterous immorality, we’ve also noted that there is hope.
   How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You, Psalm 119: 9-11.
   Let’s overcome with the confidence and hope of a great future in which Satan and sin will be no more, even now resisting and not turning back.
   We can be encouraged that there is hope, hope in Messiah Yahshua. Remember Paul’s words when confronted with his own flesh. “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to Elohim through Yahshua Messiah our Master” (Rom. 24-25a).

Conclusion
   At the end of the day, we acknowledge that we are a weak and base people. Without help, we are left to our own devices and our flesh tends to take over to satisfy its own desire. It starts with the eye gate many times, but one’s own heart is more often than not the main problem (Jer. 17:9).
   It’s a good start to understand all of this, because Yahweh lifts up the humble. He is able to work with us and help us, if we are willing to move forward and overcome what may seem like an impossible task in the present.
   The Spirit we are granted along with following the truth of Yahweh’s Word, helps us to achieve what may seem impossible at times. If we take the right steps, we can replace old habits with new ones. Our brains are actually able to create new neural pathways, allowing us to replace old habits with new ones. It takes about 30 to 45 days for this process to be accomplished. But, as many former alcoholics will tell you, sobriety is a lifelong process. One must always be vigilant and taking the steps to overcome.
   We can overcome pornography and be the people Yahweh wants us to be. Be encouraged and do not give up.
   For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of Elohim, you may receive what was promised. FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul, Hebrews 10:36–39.