Flesh-starving accountability-based purity programs are helping believers overcome their addictions to porn and other sins of the flesh. But only a small percentage of struggling believers are benefiting. Most believers are understandably too ashamed of their sexual sins to go public and seek accountability-based help. One survey reports that a whopping 83% of persons wanting to quit porn are still not enlisting the aid of an accountability partner/group to help them quit [1]. Accountability is working for the 17% who are blasting through their shame to get help. But it is leaving the remaining 83% behind.
In A Way of Escape, readers learn how to escape by feeding the Spirit instead. Readers learn how to escape the lusts of the flesh—not by starving the flesh—but by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). Fresh hope of escape for the 83%!
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
WINNING THE WAR AGAINST THE FLESH—BUT THIS IS JUST THE START!
Exciting news indeed for the 83%. But this is potentially about so much more. Winning the war against the flesh is just the start. Think of all of the many other difficult situations of life where believers might benefit more from the help/comfort provided by our Holy Spirit Helper/Comforter (John 16:7). Situations of life that most believers are currently battling only in their own (or their small group’s) strength. Might our Holy Spirit Helper/Comforter be able to provide never-before-asked-for-or-thought-about (Ephesians 3:20) help/comfort in these areas as well?:
· Other addictions come to mind
· Sooner or later, most must grapple with grief resulting from the loss of a loved one
· Facebook during a pandemic or during election season reveals anger management issues
· Millions also suffer from chronic pain and associated mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20)
Spirit-anointed flesh-diffusing apps are the stars in A Way of Escape. But might Spirit-anointed grief-relieving apps, or Spirit-anointed anger-managing apps, or Spirit-anointed depression-combatting apps star in sequels focusing on a more holistic approach to overall wellness? The same apps would likely star. Only the targeted affliction would change.
THE DOMINO EFFECT AND REVIVAL IN THE CHURCH
If only more in the Church had “ears to hear” Scripture’s clear teaching on wholly Spirit-powered escape from the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Imagine the domino effect as believers, armed with this fresh insight into the inner-working power of the Spirit to do exceedingly abundantly more than they had previously asked or thought (Ephesians 3:20), begin to experience:
· Breakthrough victories over all types of addiction
· Other-worldly comfort through seasons of grief
· A reigning calmness in situations of life where anger and rage once ruled
· An enduring depression-and-anxiety-conquering peace, even in seasons of chronic bodily pain
As these never-before-asked-for-or-thought-about triumphs begin to mount, might revival break out in the Church? A Holy Spirit Revival!
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn how to turn the Spirit loose in their war against the flesh. Readers learn how to escape the lusts of the flesh—not by starving the flesh—but by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
The still-struggling 83% now have another option. The still-struggling 83% now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from sin and temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. A way that could ignite revival in the Church. A Holy Spirit Revival. Potentially, a massive game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
REFERENCES
1. The Porn Phenomenon: The Impact of Pornography in the Digital Age, Barna Group, Ventura, CA, page 112 (83% determined as the average of 79% for Teens & Young Adults and 87% for Adults Age 25 and Older), 2016
