Group Discussion Guide: Here's Help - Struggling with Pornography

Opening Prayer
Begin with prayer, asking God for courage, honesty, and compassion as you discuss this sensitive topic together.

Introduction
This session addresses a struggle that affects millions—including Christians. David Looney reminds us that pornography addiction is not just a men's issue, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Ice Breaker Question:
* What makes it difficult for people to talk openly about struggles like pornography addiction in the church?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. The Reality of Pornography Addiction
* Pornography affects the brain similarly to drug addiction (heroin, cocaine)
* It rewires the brain's reward system through dopamine stimulation
* The brain becomes desensitized, requiring more extreme content for the same effect
* Statistics shared:
* 54% of practicing "Christians" (in the general Christiandom sense) watch pornography
* 75% of "Christian" men and 40% of "Christian" women consume pornography
* 22% of "Christians" view pornography at least weekly

2. Why People Turn to Pornography
* As a release from stress (school, work, life pressures)
* Curiosity that leads to addiction
* Sexual beings created by God, but turning to sinful outlets
* Past trauma or abuse
* Marital difficulties or unmet needs
* The lie that "everyone struggles with this"

3. The Consequences
* Mental health issues: depression, anxiety, lower quality of life
* Impaired judgment and decision-making
* Damaged relationships
* Spiritual separation from God
* Escalation to more dangerous behaviors
* Early exposure leads to risky sexual behavior, STDs, unwanted pregnancies

4. Biblical Truth
Key passages discussed:
* 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God provides a way of escape
* Psalm 1:1-6 - Don't walk, stand, or sit in sin
* James 1:12-15 - Temptation leads to sin, sin leads to death
* James 4:7-8 - Resist the devil; draw near to God
* 1 John 1:9 - Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Problem
1. Why do you think pornography addiction has become so prevalent, even among Christians?
2. Brother Looney mentioned that women struggle with pornography too, contrary to popular belief. Why is it important to acknowledge this reality?
3. How does the comparison between pornography addiction and drug addiction (the brain scans shown) change your perspective on this issue?
4. Discuss the "well-worn path" illustration. How does repeated exposure to pornography create patterns in our brains that are difficult to break?
Biblical Perspective
5. Read Psalm 1:1 together. Discuss the progression: walking → standing → sitting. How does this apply to pornography addiction?
6. James 1:14-15 says we are "drawn away by our own lusts and enticed." Discuss the fishing illustration David used. At what point does curiosity become being "hooked"?
7. First Corinthians 10:13 promises God will provide a "way of escape." What might some of those escape routes look like in practical terms?
8. James 4:7-8 says to "resist the devil" and "draw near to God." Why are both actions necessary? What happens if we only try to resist without drawing near to God?
Personal Application
9. David emphasized that "an idle mind is the devil's workshop." What are healthy activities or habits that can replace the time spent on pornography?
10. Discuss the "3-3-3 mindfulness technique" (3 things you see, hear, smell). How can practicing mindfulness help break the cycle of addiction?
11. What are the barriers that prevent people from establishing a support system? How can we create a church culture where people feel safe to confess and seek help?
12. Looney said, "One of the greatest weapons the enemy is using against us is our lack of accountability." What does biblical accountability look like in this area?

Practical Steps to Overcome Pornography Addiction

The Five Steps Shared:
1. Eliminate Access to Pornography
* Remove apps and websites from devices
* Install accountability software
* Be aware of hidden access points (gaming consoles, etc.)
* Discuss practical steps your group members can take this week
2. Establish a Support System
* Identify a trusted family member, friend, or church leader
* Consider professional Christian counseling
* Join a recovery group (Celebrate Recovery, Pure Desire, etc.)
3. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
* Replace bad habits with good ones
* Exercise, hobbies, service to others
* Practice the 3-3-3 mindfulness technique
* Stay engaged with others; avoid isolation
4. Seek Professional Help
* Counseling is a sign of strength, not weakness
* Find a Christian counselor who specializes in sexual addiction
* Consider both individual and group therapy options
5. Practice Self-Compassion
* Stop beating yourself up
* Remember God's grace and forgiveness
* Surround yourself with compassionate people
* Celebrate small victories

Action Steps for This Week

Individual Commitments:
If struggling with pornography, identify one person you will confide in this week
Install accountability software on your devices (Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, etc.)
Memorize one of the key verses shared (1 Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7-8, or 1 John 1:9)
Replace 30 minutes of screen time with a healthy activity
Practice the 3-3-3 mindfulness technique during a walk this week

Group Commitments:
Commit to confidentiality and creating a safe space for honesty
Check in with one another weekly (via text, call, or in person)
Pray daily for group members struggling with this issue
Research local Christian counselors or recovery groups to recommend

Prayer Prompts
Take time to pray together:
* Confession: For those struggling, confess to God and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
* Strength: Ask God for strength to resist temptation and flee from sin
* Healing: Pray for healing from past trauma, guilt, and shame
* Accountability: Ask God to provide godly accountability partners
* Protection: Pray for protection over marriages, families, and children from pornography
* Church: Pray that the church would be a place of grace, truth, and healing

For helpful resources or if you would like to contact David Looney, send an email to [email protected] and he will put you in touch.

Closing Thoughts

Remember David's words: "Counseling is not a crutch—it's a sign of strength."

Overcoming pornography addiction is possible through:
* The power of God's Word
* The grace of Jesus Christ
* The support of Christian community
* Professional help when needed
* Daily commitment to flee from sin and draw near to God

Closing Prayer: Have someone close in prayer, specifically asking God to give courage to those who need to seek help, wisdom to those who will provide support, and healing to all affected by pornography addiction.

Confidentiality Reminder
What is shared in the group stays in the group. Create a culture of trust, grace, and accountability where people can be honest about their struggles without fear of judgment or gossip.

5-Day Bible Reading Plan: Breaking Free from Sexual Sin

Day 1: The Reality of Temptation
Reading: James 1:12-15

Devotional: James reminds us that temptation doesn't come from God, but from our own desires that entice us like bait on a hook. When we bite, sin conceives and ultimately brings death. This passage reveals the progression of sin—from desire to action to consequence. The good news? God promises a crown of life to those who endure temptation. Recognize that your struggle is real, but so is God's faithfulness. Today, acknowledge the areas where you feel "hooked." Confession is the first step toward freedom. Remember, you're not tempted because you're uniquely weak; you're tempted because you're human. But you serve a God who provides escape routes from every temptation you face.

Reflection Question: What "bait" has hooked you, and what would it look like to recognize it before biting?

Day 2: God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness
Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Devotional: This verse is a lifeline for anyone struggling with addiction. God promises two things: He won't allow temptation beyond what you can bear, and He will always provide a way of escape. The question isn't whether the escape route exists—it's whether we're looking for it. Often we walk toward temptation, stand around it, then sit down in it, as Psalm 1 warns. God's escape routes might look like accountability, removing access to harmful content, or simply walking away from your device. His faithfulness doesn't mean the struggle disappears, but it does mean you're never without hope or help. Today, identify one specific "way of escape" God has provided and commit to taking it next time temptation comes.

Reflection Question: What escape route has God provided that you've been ignoring?

Day 3: Drawing Near to God
Reading: James 4:7-8

Devotional: "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." This isn't a suggestion—it's a promise. But notice the order: draw near to God first, then resist. You cannot fight this battle in your own strength. The more you fill your mind and heart with God's Word, the less room there is for destructive thoughts. What goes into your mind travels to your heart, and what fills your heart determines your actions. This is why simply trying harder fails—you must replace the bad habit with good ones. Spend time in Scripture daily. Memorize verses that speak to purity. Sing songs of praise to God. When you draw near to God, He draws near to you, and the enemy loses his grip.

Reflection Question: What specific practice will you implement this week to draw nearer to God?

Day 4: Confession and Cleansing
Reading: 1 John 1:9

Devotional: Shame keeps us silent. Guilt keeps us hidden. But God's Word promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. All means all. No sin is too dark, too repeated, or too shameful for God's grace. The enemy wants you to believe you're alone, that you're the only one struggling, that if people knew the real you they'd reject you. That's a lie. Confession breaks the power of secrecy. Find someone you trust—a mature Christian, a counselor, an elder—and bring your struggle into the light. The moment you confess, you begin the journey from shame to freedom. God doesn't condemn you; He cleanses you.

Reflection Question: Who is one trustworthy person you can confess your struggle to this week?

Day 5: Renewing Your Mind
Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: Paul urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Pornography rewires the brain, creating well-worn paths that seem impossible to escape. But God specializes in transformation. Renewal doesn't happen overnight—it's a daily choice to fill your mind with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8). Replace destructive habits with life-giving ones: exercise, service, fellowship, Scripture memory, and accountability. Practice the 3-3-3 mindfulness technique when anxious. Celebrate small victories. Be patient with yourself while remaining committed to change. The brain can be rewired through consistent, God-honoring choices. Your past doesn't define your future. With God's help, lasting freedom is possible.

Reflection Question: What one healthy habit will you implement today to begin renewing your mind?

Moving Forward
Remember: Overcoming pornography addiction requires eliminating access, establishing support systems, developing healthy coping mechanisms, seeking professional help when needed, and practicing self-compassion. You are not alone. God's grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in weakness, and His mercies are new every morning. Take the first step today.