Pursuing Purity: GCC Men’s Study Tim Keeter timkeeter@gmail.com
Finally Free ( Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace ) I. Grace as the Foundation in the Fight Against Pornography II. Using Sorrow to Fight Pornography III. Using Accountability to Fight Pornography IV. Using Radical Measures to Fight Pornography V. Using Confession to Fight Pornography VI. Using Your Spouse (or Your Singleness) to Fight Pornography VII. Using Humility to Fight Pornography VIII. Using Gratitude to Fight Pornography IX. Using a Dynamic Relationship with Jesus to Fight Pornography
Finally Free ( Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace )
Finally Free “People who are trapped in the deceitful web of pornography do not need more information pp. 12-13 about pornography. This book is about something much better … the amazing power of Jesus Christ to free you from pornography. In this book, I want to share with you the amazing depth and effect of Christ’s power to eradicate pornography from your life. Whether you struggle with pornography yourself or are trying to help someone who struggles, I have good news for you: no matter how intense or long-standing the struggle, it is the work of Jesus Christ to set people free from such sin.”
Finally Free “… Jesus cleanses sinners. Jesus loves to cleanse those who love to look at pornography, pp. 12-13 and he loves to give them power to change. Our sinfulness does not get the final word. Instead, Jesus justifies, washes, and sanctifies us. Our only hope is in a risen Savior who has the power to bring us out of the pit of pornography. This book is a guide to the exciting process Jesus uses to do this work.”
hard path easy path “I should never even want to view pornography or to have sex with someone who is not my spouse (real or imagined ).” You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Ps. 16:11)
Think Lists: What are They? A. Definitions 1. Wayne Mack: A tool to “help [counselees] overcome the problem of sinful, destructive, God-dishonoring thought patterns”
Think Lists: What are They? A. Definitions 2. Jay Adams : “a list of things to think about whenever you find your mind wandering towards areas into which it should not trespass … to help you keep your mind on those things that are profitable ”
Think Lists: What are They? B. Biblical justification 1. Our minds are central to the process of biblical change And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Ro. 12:2 “The renewed mind is one saturated with and controlled by the Word of God.” John MacArthur
Think Lists: What are They? 2. We are directly commanded to control our thinking Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Phil. 4:8
Think Lists: What are They? C. How to use them with this study – Capture thoughts/truths you would like to come to mind during moments of temptation • Identify things in the book, during private meditations on Scripture, and during group discussions • Rewrite them in short, first-person statements that can be easily remembered – Take them with you during the day … review them frequently … rehearse them to yourself … Jesus ’ grace to change me is stronger than pornography’s power to destroy me and my desires to look at pornography.
Think Lists: What are They? I must think more about Jesus and His grace than about myself and my pornography; I must treasure the sweetness of His grace! When I look at pornography, I am never in control. Sin never lets me have control – it is a harsh master, not a submissive servant. It makes me ultimately go farther than I wanted to, stay longer than I intended to, and pay more than I was ever willing to pay. In my thought life, the very moment I become aware of my desire to look at pornography, I must repent (ask forgiveness and for grace to flee and obey), recall and meditate upon Scripture, and contact someone who has agreed to help me with accountability.
Meeting Guidelines A. Facilitator does not need to be the only one prepared. – If you want to make the most of this focused opportunity, then you will make this a daily thing. B. Avoid “oversharing” and explicit details – Ask yourself: • “Would these details edify my brothers?” • “If I share this with the whole group, what are they all going to do with the specific information that they couldn’t do with less detail?” – If you have specific struggles, you are encouraged to go to an elder or 2:2 guy in your group
Suggested Structure of Meetings I. Before (everyone): – Read the next chapter and mark it up – Memorize new verses – Prepare items from the study guide II. During: – (Do NOT “reread” the book to one another) – Pray for God’s help and for one another – Quote memory verses to one another & discuss • Audio on GCC website from Rick Holland & John Street – Share items from each other’s Think List – Go through the rest of the items for that chapter
Suggested Structure of Meetings – Make sure to move from application (“ What do I need to do?”) to implementation (“ How do I do it?”) III. After: – Pray for one another – Follow up with those providing accountability – Review your Think List items from previous chapters • Meeting frequency – Not too little … – Not too much … – Key is to absorb/internalize/practice the material
Pursuing Purity: GCC Men’s Study Tim Keeter timkeeter@gmail.com
Recommend
More recommend
