Pathways of Grace for Sexual Struggles
Pathways of Grace for Sexual Struggles
Pathways of Grace for Sexual Struggles
On Sunday, our church studied Matthew 5:27–30 and heard Jesus lovingly correct our understanding of lust. Rather than reducing purity to outward behavior, Jesus showed us that true holiness begins in the heart. He also calls us to wisely remove occasions for sin, recognizing that both the environments we place ourselves in and the desires we cultivate shape our walk with him.
For some, this passage brought encouragement. For others, it may have exposed an ongoing battle, stirred up shame, or reminded you of past failures. Wherever you find yourself today, remember that Jesus did not speak these words to drive us into despair, but to draw us into deeper repentance, greater freedom, and closer fellowship with him. The gospel assures us that there is forgiveness for every repentant sinner, grace for every present struggle, and real hope for lasting transformation through the Holy Spirit.
One of Satan’s greatest lies is that sexual sin should either be hidden in shame or managed through sheer willpower. Scripture offers a better way. God invites us into the light, where we learn not only to put sin to death but also to delight in his good design for sexuality, to grow in purity of heart, and to experience the joy of walking with Christ.
Below are a variety of trusted resources (sermons, articles, books, podcasts, and Scripture passages) to help you continue meditating on these truths throughout the week. Whether you are personally struggling, seeking to help a loved one, preparing to disciple your children, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of God’s beautiful design for sex and marriage, we pray these resources will point you to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
Lighthouse Resources:
- ~Pastor Jason’s Sermon: Inside Out (Matthew 5:27-30)~
- ~Counseling Class: Counseling Sexual Struggles~
- ~Heartwork Folder: Lust~
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Journal Articles:
- ~JBC Must Reads: On Sexuality (PDF).~Some highlights include:
- Sex, Truth, and Scripture
- What’s Right About Sex?
- The Apostle Paul: On Sex
- Sexual Sin and the Wider, Deeper Battle
- Exposing the Lies of Pornography
⠀Blogs:
- ~[Desiring God: Sexual Purity](https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/sexual-purity#\_
- ~Biblical Counseling Coalition: Pornography Resources~
- CCEF Blogs:
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Books:
- ~Rescue Plan by Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes~ (wisdom for the struggler)
- ~Rescue Skills by Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes~ (wisdom for the helper)
- ~Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters~ by Tim Keller
- ~Making All things New~ by David Powlison
- ~Finally Free~ by Heath Lambert
- ~Passions of the Heart~ by John Street
- ~You Are Not Alone: Biblical Counsel for Women Struggling with Masturbation~ by Molly Bertles
- ~Holy Sexuality and the Gospel~ by Christopher Yuan
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Podcasts & Videos:
- ~“When Your Sexual Relationship Isn’t Good” (Truth in Love, Podcast)~ (for married couples)
- ~“How specific should a husband be in confessing lust to his wife?” (Powlison, Video)~
- ~“Ask Paul Tripp About Sex”~ (Paul Tripp, Podcast)
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Other Biblical Counseling Trainings:
- ~Understanding the Motivation Behind Pornography Addiction (Deepak Reju)~
- ~Drawing Near When Sexual Impurity Feels More Exciting or Desirable (Ste Casey)~
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Other Passages to Mediate that Complement:
- Genesis 1–2 — God’s good design for sexuality before the fall.
- Song of Songs — the beauty of covenant love.
- Psalm 51 — repentance without despair.
- Romans 6–8 — freedom from sin and life in the Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 — our bodies belong to Christ.
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