Struggling with porn? Learn 5 biblical strategies to fight and win the battle for purity. Part 1 of a 2-part guide to lasting freedom in Christ.

Pornography is a ruthless enemy. It distorts our view of sexuality, cheapens human dignity, and wages war against holiness. If you’re in the fight—and so many are—you need real, practical strategies that flow from a heart rooted in Christ and empowered by the Spirit.

Here are five ways you can take decisive action today.

1. Get a Dumb Phone

If your smartphone is a gateway to temptation, cut it off. Consider switching to a basic phone without internet access. Yes, you’ll lose convenience—and yes, people will ask why. That’s an opportunity to share your commitment to purity and the battle against pornography.

You may face criticism—even from fellow Christians—accusing you of being “too extreme” or “legalistic.” That’s okay. Your goal isn’t to impress people. You’re pursuing a life that honors Christ. A dumb phone might feel like a step back in culture, but it could be a giant leap forward in holiness.

“If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” – Matthew 5:30

2. Be Honest with God

God already knows your heart. Nothing is hidden from Him. So why pretend? Honesty before the Lord is where healing begins.

• Before you sit at your computer or reach for your phone, tell God you’re struggling.
• If you fall into sin, cry out for His mercy and strength.
• In the aftermath, confess your doubts and ask Him to renew your love for Christ.

The more you walk in transparency with God, the deeper your relationship will grow—and the more your desire for sin will shrink. Love for God fuels obedience.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” – 1 John 1:9

3. Don’t Joke About Sin

Crude humor isn’t harmless. Sexual jokes—whether you tell them or laugh at them—plant seeds in your mind that will grow later. These moments reinforce sinful patterns, even when you think you’re just being funny.

Think of your addiction like trying to lose weight. If porn is the cake, crude jokes are the extra frosting—they make it harder to recover and only delay progress.

Scripture is clear: unwholesome speech is itself sinful (Ephesians 4:29). Detox your heart and your humor.

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place…” – Ephesians 5:4

4. Build Self-Control to Resist Porn

Many Christians only measure self-control by whether they watched porn today. That’s a narrow view.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and like a muscle, it grows when exercised. Start small:

• Limit soda to a few days a week.
• Skip desserts on weekdays.
• Only watch TV on the weekend.
• Do ten pushups every morning.

Why? Because discipline in one area strengthens discipline in another. As you grow in general self-control, you’ll find it easier to resist temptation when it hits hardest.

Bonus: as your habits grow healthier, your prayer life and time in God’s Word will likely increase too.

5. Create Visual Reminders

Sometimes, all it takes is one verse—right in front of your eyes—to break the fog of temptation.

Post Bible verses on your computer, bathroom mirror, phone lock screen, or fridge. Use Scripture that speaks directly to your struggle and God’s promises:

• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
• Romans 8:39 – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”

These reminders don’t just stop you in a moment—they renew your mind and strengthen your resolve. God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

Final Thought

This is war. But you’re not alone, and you’re not without weapons. God has given you His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Start with these five steps today—and stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore five more strategies to walk in purity and freedom.

“For the grace of God… trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” – Titus 2:11–12

Resources

Sexual Purity: Reasons and Motives for Sexual Purity from 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8

Standing for Purity in an Age of Impurity by Dave Jenkins