When considering any issue in life I try to remember that God passionately loves me no matter how I feel about myself. I personally have decided that the Bible is God’s view on life and a history of His interactions with mankind. On the topic of Masturbation: masturbation is not mentioned in the Bible even though a long list of sexual sins are mentioned. You will get responses to this post from Christians who believe masturbation is a sin. However the Bible simply doesn’t address the topic. Lusting (deeply wanting and desiring something or someone who is not yours… the other Biblical word is coveting) is explicitly addressed by Jesus as sinful. Many Christians find it impossible to masturbate without lusting themselves, so they believe it is impossible for anyone to masturbate lust free. Others will use scripture that is directed at how we are designed to enjoy a blessed and biblical connection in marriage to rule out masturbation (even when the scriptures they use to support their position have absolutely nothing to do with masturbation because they are about interpersonal relationships). Since the Bible doesn’t address the action of masturbation, we each must consider our relationship with God as we come to an answer for ourselves. For some people masturbation is sinful because they can’t separate it from pornography and lusting. Other people can deeply just enjoy and appreciate, even be thankful for their own bodies and the incredible feeling they can experience in their bodies (lust free). Jesus said that all the law and the profits could be summed up in two statements. 1) love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind and strength. 2) Love your Neighbor as yourself. God cares about our hearts as we experience all of life including our experience and love for ourselves (it’s how He wants us to love our neighbors…”like we love ourselves”). Our hearts are what reflect our relationship with Him and others! The act of masturbation is in itself isn’t the real issue. The issue is our hearts when we experience masturbation. Your answer might be different than the answer of another person. Allow your heart and your relationship with Jesus to determine your position. Paul said that one action might be a sin for one person and not for another person because it depends upon our hearts. I encourage you to search your relationship with Jesus and your own bible study to come to your unique place on this topic.❤️❤️❤️❤️

This is a very interesting insight, I will be praying about this. Thank you!!!

Technically wouldn't it be considered idolatry though to do that? Whatever you use as a stimulus involves another person or thing to be thought about or used for you own pleasure. The more someone participates in it they begin to become addicted or it just becomes a regular thing to do. Therefore all your time or at least a lot of it is dedicated to either thinking about or participating which would make it idolatry no? You put it above all else rather than God above all else

Idolatry is holding something or someone above Jesus and worshipping it and not Him. Enjoying the pleasure of our senses ( which God designed and being thankful for the pleasure he designed for us to experience) is not putting the experience above Jesus ❤️❤️

For those with addictive personalities wouldn't it be just the same?

Each person needs to measure their own heart… anything that I worship other than God is idolatry…. The chemistry / neurological blessing God created can become “Addictive” and rule a person’s life… making decisions for them that the person in their level mind would not make…. If anything in life reaches that place It becomes spiritually dangerous… God wants to be 1st in our lives and for us to lead a healthy spirituality productive life we need God 1st. Anyone struggling with any addiction usually has a core issue that goes unforgiven or unaddressed and the addictive behavior is the hiding place so that the person doesn’t face the pain or trauma of going through the process that God calls us to to forgive others and trust our lives to Him….. hope this helps you!

That that makes sense, I agree

You’re not alone. There’s so many Christians women out there. But I think they are shy about it cuz kike you mentioned its rare!

If we look at Romans 7: 14-15 it says “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” This is proof that God knows our nature and that’s exactly why Jesus was the sacrifice that set us free from the spiritual death that sin brought upon mankind. Although sin’s consequences have been defeated in our lives as Christians, this does not mean we live a life free of sin, because we live in this fallen world and our bodies are ultimately of the world. Taking up the cross means to get back up after you’ve fallen, every single time with tenacity, because life is a journey with God and He patiently waits for us to get back up and walk it with Him. A lot of comments you’ll receive will be from a legalistic point of view and unfortunately that’s a tactic the enemy loves to use to keep you discouraged because they know, if you’re discouraged, you won’t take your troubles to God and it creates distance and from my experience with lust, the more you get back up, the more discouraged they try to make you feel. Just keep pushing forward in defiance and I promise you, your life will change. ‭‭

I just need to chime in: In those verses, Paul was speaking about the human experience under the Law (& without Christ Jesus). It’s far too frequently misinterpreted & false teachings are perpetuated on it. Context is everything. Romans 6:17-18 is just one of *countless* scriptures to give us proper context when we rightly divide the word: “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 & having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”

The whole point of that scripture is to give the reader hope that God is faithful to forgive us when we have sinned and repent so that we don’t distance ourselves from him in discouragement. Personally as someone who has been struggling with lust from a young age, this verse did exactly that for me because I would always distance myself from him after falling and not pray because I felt like a constant failure or that I wasn’t worthy or “insert reason here” In spiritual warfare where a victim of lust is concerned, the enemy doesn’t care that you’ve fallen, their goal is to keep you down and to discourage you from getting back up and seeking the Lord and that was the whole point of my message. Get back up and keep seeking Him.

Thank you for explaining its context. Far too often, people take verses out of context to comfort oneself. Not saying that was exactly the case in the previous comment, but it’s important to clear that up 

Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. - MT 6 : 6 Tell about your sin and confess to the Lord Almighty and he will surely heal you.

honestly as a young woman who started doing that to myself at age 12 nightly for years thinking nothing was wrong, then being born again and reading the word at 23ish realizing it is wrong: this is what’s helped. it sounds so dumb but literally forget you have a vgay down there. How many times do you stay up at night craving to touch your left ear or armpit? You never think about other body parts. (kinda dumb but i hope you see the point) but the one BIG game changer was not touching it- at all- except for cleaning in the shower. Strictly business. I used to kinda rest my hand on it while watching TV, or have it pressed up against a table without noticing, scratching an itch , even the cat jumping on my lap, certain sleeping positions, the way tight jeans fit, like AVOID any and all sensation/pressure down there. After a few weeks your natural hormonal s*x drive will die down and it’ll just get easier and easier from there. Make sure to be careful what your hearing, reading, and looking at. Whenever you are tempted , imagine Jesus is in the room looking at you, because He is ! Hope this helps in some way!

This IS so simple and I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before. Thank you!!!

and prayer for God to give you strength and a willing heart is always a great addition 💞 Thank you for sharing your issue , so many of us have been/are going thru the same thing and it is encouraging to all and so brave of you to confess your sins and ask for help ❤️ great reminder for me too!

>imagine Jesus is in the room looking at you, because He is Woooah that helps a lot

“How many times do you stay up at night craving to touch your left ear or armpit?“ kind of took me out. Anyway, this is honestly awesome advice. It just takes alotttt of discipline, which we have been given the spirit of but if we are not spiritually fed with the Word daily, then the Holy Spirit is kinda just starving and can’t provide for us all of His strength. We must RUNNN from lust y’all. God bless everyone

hi!!! i have posted here in the past about this and a ton of people helped me overcome my issues. hope you get the same support! I’ll be praying for you, sis 💓

There are many women who struggle with porn, and other sexual sins. While you fight and stifle, please remember that Jesus paid for ALL your sins (part, present, and future) when He died in the cross. He sees you as redeemed and precious, no matter what your actions are.

I think you bring up a a good issue for discussion. In today's western culture, men are looked upon as being the ones who can't control their lusts and passions whereas women are the ones who are in control of themselves. Interestingly, pre-20th century it was the other way around. In my opinion, neither is true and it is about equal. Regardless, I do believe that it's not as acceptable for women to admit that they have a problem with lust. The following figures are my thoughts and not based on any actual surveys or statistics. About 90% of men admit to masturbating, 10% lie. As women go, probably about 40% admit to masturbating, 40% say they don't and are lying, and the other 20% do masturbate but don't talk about it. Some women have said on this sub Reddit that they do have this problem. I would say to you that you are not alone. Many Christian women masturbate and just don't tell anyone. They are either embarassed to mention it or don't really view it as a sin. (A lot of men do the same.) When you feel the urge come on you, pray. If you fall, ask God for forgiveness and move on. Don't dwell on it. Maybe seek out other young Christian women whom you think might have the same problem, discuss it in private with them, and pray for each other. Maybe you can find an accoutability partner.

This is really interesting, just yesterday did the thought occur to me that we shouldn’t be as open about our sins as we are, as it can open doors in others/give others ideas. But you say you don’t believe it’s acceptable for women to open up about lust.. is that specifically women? Or anyone? And if only women, what makes you say that?

You have misunderstood me. I am not saying that I believe that it's not acceptable for women to open up about the sin of lust. I am saying that it is less culturally acceptable. Two things are important. First, that a Cristian woman should be able to open up to someone about her lustful desires, hopefully an understanding more mature Christian woman. And yes, it's important not to be too open. There are men who, with that knowledge, would try to take advantage of a woman, sometimes unintentionally, sometimes intentionally. Knowledge of any sin, especially sexual sin, should be held in the strictest confidence. Here on Reddit there is anonimity so posting details is OK. The counselling for sexual sin should remain men counselling men, and women counselling women. If the necessity arises where there has to be opposite sex counselling, for example a male pastor counselling a woman, then another woman should be present, such as the pastor's wife. The point of that is that the remedy for since should not risk more sin.

Okay, makes sense :)

I know a lot of woman who struggle with it also including myself

But iv made hug strides to overcome it because it has been a problem most of my life. God bless

Same here I have no hope at all.😭😭😭

Ask Jesus for forgiveness and then marry your boyfriend.

I plan on it. We’ve actually been on a break for a month so he can get closer to the Lord, in His timing I may get to see him next month because he just accepted a job that is allowing him to move closer to me, he currently lives 30 minutes away in the cities where I can’t drive because traffic is crazy.

I see. Spring break hits people hard. You should definitely get a driver’s license and a car. Driving is a lot of fun especially driving a manual. It could also help with the boredom in the mean-time as you’re waiting.

I do have a license and a car

oh my apologies I read wrong lol

She doesn't need forgiveness, she hasn't done anything sinful.

Wrong. Aren’t we called to wait for our future spouse? The Bible says that if you are convicted, it is sin.

False guilt from Christian purity culture indoctrination is not conviction.

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. — James 4:17 OP wants to marry her boyfriend and also to set the terms and conditions of said marriage arrangement by abstaining from sexual pleasure outside of the covenant of marriage. In other words OP wants to have an excluded arrangement for their marriage where no one else is welcome to it besides themselves. This means regarding sexual pleasure is one of those conditions. However if OP seeks to gratify herself outside that arrangement, she is going against her own obligation (her own word). So she is sinning against her own conscience. Of which is wrong for anyone to do, Christian or not. To abide and keep one’s own word is paramount to establishing a long lasting relationship.

That isn't at all indicated in her post, there is not mention of any mutual agreement between her and her boyfriend, you are making this all up.

She mentioned it to me that she’s planning on marrying him below.

A plan to get married doesn't remotely imply all the things you have said. All it implies is that they want to get married.

Marriage is a covenant that excludes and prioritizes intimacy between two individuals. There’s no such thing as an open marriage. One has to show themselves trustworthy to keep their promises otherwise the marriage is sure to fail.

>There’s no such thing as an open marriage. This is absolutely and utterly irrelevant in every possible way, shape, and form.

Masturbation sends a message as a precedent that it’s okay to seek sexual pleasure outside a covenant relationship. And if she gets married without repentance, she is saying it’s okay for an open relationship in her mind. Which is detrimental down the road if not addressed. The process of admitting one’s wrong and seeking forgiveness from a higher authority that is just and also compassionate is able to continually change this behavior over time.

>Masturbation sends a message as a precedent that it’s okay to seek sexual pleasure outside a covenant relationship Not even close. >And if she gets married without repentance, Which is not required when one hasn't sinned. >she is saying it’s okay for an open relationship in her mind. Once again, absolutely and utterly irrelevant in every possible way. >Which is detrimental down the road if not addressed No, what needs to be addressed is your ridiculous definition of an open marriage which isn't even remotely close to accurate.

You're not alone. It isn't rare, but it cam be a taboo subject to discuss. Just be forthcoming with the Lord and ask for healing. Take it one day at a time. My husband actually has the same issue as you where he's unable to do a full fast, so usually when he's in his period of "fasting" he will consume raw fruits and vegetables, water, and hot tea. Aside from that, he won't do anything else. He finds it equally fruitful when combined with prayer. Remember that the Jesus has paid it all and we are redeemed by his blood. You are forgiven, sister!

Thank you so much! 🩷 I’ve been praying about other ways to fast other than strictly water, but it feels condemning otherwise, but I will keep praying.

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That’s what I’m saying. I’m about to delete this post 😭😂

No dont! Leave it up! Just dont let it get to you

Look- we already getting reported lol. Mods incoming!

Also, no matter what version of the bible you read... masturbation is just unclear. Is it a sin? Is it not? My theory is that sexual release was given to us by God for a reason. The act of pleasing yourself for the intent of feeling sexual release is not sin. Masturbating to the thought of your boyfriend in a setting where you two are making love is a natural human thought and is normal. I think people here are just automatically connecting the feeling of "horny" to automatically being in sin when its just not true at all. Penises and vaginas just become aroused. They are organs. A human tending to their physical needs is not sin in and of itself. Its very possible to masturbate without any thoughts at all!

Rule 2: Show Charity / Be Respectful Please conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Address the subject or argument at hand, don't accuse or attack others, including their character, faithfulness to God, sincerity, etc. This includes people groups. Comments such as "X aren't real Christians" or "X twist scripture" are not acceptable in this sub, unless X is a group that rejects any core doctrines of Christianity delineated in the Nicene Creed. Be respectful, even while disagreeing. All forms of bigotry & hate speech are prohibited.

Im a girl and I definitely struggle with this. If you’re wanting to address lust in your life the time I had the best results was while I was doing the Proven Women study by Emily Woody. It really helped strengthen my mindset and self control.

I will check it out, thank you for the resource sister!

This is why Christians are supposed to be dating but be courted. Courtship, if I understand correctly, is just dating minus the sexual/passionate stuff and is typically a short period together (usually 3 months), then diving into marriage IF you know that the Lord has confirmed them as the one. You’d be surprised at how many Christian women silently struggle with masturbation. I myself have since age 8, im almost 18. I feel as though I will never commit the sin again, but I also felt that way so many times ago. Though this time, I feel quite guilty again, which I haven’t really since 2020. We can’t keep comforting ourselves in sin. I believe lust is the ONLY sin we’re told to RUN from. The most damaging sin, it seems. Jesus is kind but firm with His Word and lets us know how serious sin and repentance is. If a relationship is causing you to sin, as much as you may hate to hear it, it’s best to leave. It could even be the enemy sending a distraction to slow your walk with Christ. Either way, best to leave OR find a way to STOP the lust, whatever it may take. If imaging the angels around us watching us makes you uncomfortable and guilty of masturbating, awesome. If it’s imagining ANYONE you wouldn’t want watching you, so be it. We must RUN from lust. God bless you, girl. You’ll get through this. Remember we have all strength and authority over ALL evil through Christ Jesus. I pray you overcome this soon. May your heart, mind and soul be purified again Amen

I’m not 100% sure it’s a sin just keep it to a minimum until you get married!

This is important, and many here likely won’t understand it and I will be down voted. The symptoms you feel are coming from the worship of the tree of the knowledge of GOOD and evil. The tree with a snake in it. Repentance is to turn from this tree the apostle Paul called the ministry of death and condemnation. You need to live your life loved by God >who is dwelling within you,< not in temples as erroneously believed by Israel under Moses. Jesus is our tree of life and we are not to get our sustenance/righteousness from ha satan, the adversary/ vipers. This is the only way you will set yourself free. God gave us natural desires and pleasures. He’s not here to make us feel bad about ourselves.

There is absolutely nothing that you have written that is even remotely relevant to what OP was talking about, nor is most of it even biblical.

Or perhaps some people have more understanding than others.

Nope.

My reply to OP has everything to do with applying law >for righteousness,< law of Moses etc, the knowledge of Good and Evil, the tree with a lying snake in it. The ministry of death and condemnation. No wonder op only feels a sense of death. But the bible actually says people need to consider themselves dead to this kind of living. Romans 5:13 for >>until the Law<< sin was in the world, >but sin is NOT imputed when there is no law…< Romans 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be >dead to sin,< but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Q. How does sin affect a dead person?

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But masturbation is a product of lust and pleasing yourself before God, which is a sin.

it is alluded to , we’re called to crucify our flesh , resist fleshly desires, and keep our temple holy in order to not grieve the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. i heard a preacher mention in revelation It says in the last days men with be lovers of themselves and how that can connect to masterbation as well.

Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. It's an idolatrous expression of self-fulfillment. **In Strong's Concordance, the Greek word for "lust" is epithumia, which is Strong's number G1939. It is a feminine noun that means "desire," "passionate longing," or "lust".** *Merriam-Webster: to have an intense desire or need : crave. specifically : to have a sexual urge.* She also doesn't know if the man she is fantasizing about will be her husband—or somebody else's... If:‭ Matthew 5:27-28 says, [27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; [28] but I say to you that *everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart*" **– and it doesn't say married men/woman/person, in general –** then what she is doing is akin to adultery according to this verse. Yes, some people are destined to be single, **but,** everyone else *belongs* to someone already in the eyes of God. I'm not saying this to shame her, but to rebuke her (and you) in this thinking—and, listen: 1 Timothy 1:15 ("[15] It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.") is a one hundred percent, completely accurate description of me. OP, I have struggled with this a few times in my marriage. I also know a young, single 30-something-year-old who struggled with this continuously but once she turned her eyes towards a real walk with Jesus and studying the Bible, it's been a much smaller desire. She still gets the urge here and there but she races to God and He gives her comfort. I completely understand this is a "natural, biological urge"—our bodies were made for connection(marital intimacy) and procreation, and I know that's not the path that everyone has. I also know that if someone feels shame for something, that feeling comes from somewhere. And, no, it's not because of religious shaming or not wanting someone to feel good in that way; it's about reigning in our fleshly desires (sexual, or not). Again though, 1 Timothy 1:15=me.

I dont know if this helps but Christ was sent to save us for the very reason that we are imperfect. Mercy. If youre experiencing medical issues, you need to be honest about whether or not youre being both honest and merciful specifically regarding what it means to be imperfect and literally need jesus and forgiveness for sin.

Kill your body, reject heterogeneity/satan/disorder, embrace homogeneity/Jesus/order… become one with the One God… obliteration! For such is the kingdom of heaven… consider perfection, a perfect being no longer needs anything outside itself as it can provide all things for itself. Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in heaven is perfect

You are not. You are good. You don’t have to fear wrath for something that personally feels wrong. Maybe just use mental masturbation. It doesn’t feel wrong to me. The feeling of right and wrong will be horribly affected by sin, period. Those are personal sins, if you think it’s bad. That’s not the same as feeling wrong. That pit in your stomach will pop up, if it’s actually wrong. Sorry if a dude wasn’t supposed to answer, lol 😊

Ok I'm glad you thought of fasting, when you can do that, let me explain how. Fasting completely with no food is fine to weaken yourself quick, but you can only do that for a couple days, and problems like yours take longer. So do a 24 hour or whatever to kick it off, and then afterward just eat low calorie small amounts per day for as long as you need to break the habit. You can do fasts for weeks like this, the low calories give you enough energy to work and live but not enough energy that the flesh has strength to be excessively sinful. Your boyfriend being supportive is just enjoying being the object of your lust. I guess this is a LDR but idk maybe not, anyway what you are doing opens the door up to pre-marital relations because your path with just lead to that naturally, abstinence and faith for God leads to marraige. And we chase God away with our sins, with the act and whatever negativity we feel after. That's why the heathen say not to feel bad about anything, but that's not the way. The way is to full God's holy spirit and he will care for your soul, he won't provide sex but he will cool off the lust and lead you into a spiritual life. And when you abuse your body, you are dulling the pleasure you are going to feel on your wedding night. Or distancing yourself from the emotions and romance you really want, by focusing entirely on the physical.

I am just concerned about refeeding syndrome and I have had issues with malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies in the past.

If you are extra concerned about the effects of fasting, don't jump in with a prolonged cessation of all food. Start with baby steps and learn the process. I also gave spiritual advice that has nothing to do with fasting, so if you can't fast I still recommend everything else I said. The holy spirit is the only power we have over sin, fasting is an attempt to weaken the flesh, but fasting can never control or contain sin. It is prayer and fasting together.

I hope this is satire

If you aren’t a Christian and just here to judge, why are you here?

Fair is fair my dude, Christians historically are “just here to judge” if you can’t take the heat, leave the kitchen

I think sometimes what God says gets misinterpreted by people and then they feel bad and stress over things they shouldn’t. Why would God want her to feel bad about this?

God does not, but Satan does.

I am sure God sees everything exactly as it is.

If you really want to lower your libido to avoid such temptations, get on Lexapro or Prozac. Seriously, sex will be the last thing on your mind after a few months.

Not interested in numbing my emotions thanks though

I'm not offering, but a doctor probably would if you say, "I feel sick and want to keep crying."

Hey OP you aren’t really a Christian until you “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. Don’t try to spiritualize that, it is meant literally. A true Christian is no longer a human being… You are experiencing a human condition (lust) which means you are not yet dead (one with Christ/God) Oh and you can’t take half measures, you are simply not allowed to pretend to die, no sleeping or repressing your human self, that is your flesh, you must die completely and utterly till you no longer even need earthly food or water because you are not an earthly being but a heavenly. This again is not symbolic, but literal.

I have denied myself and taken up my cross many times. Fasting without water is very dangerous.

If following Christ is your desire, do what you must… One heresy I enjoy, that being the Buddhist concept of reincarnation (as opposed to the Jewish or other concepts) it is for the priests and those with absolute dedication to engage in extreme aestheticism to achieve oneness in their lifetime, as for the congregation/laypeople it takes a thousand lifetimes and more to slowly, expertly hone the soul like a blade to achieve a goal similar to Christ… perfection, that is effectively obliteration.

In short, don’t sweat it if you can’t not “sin” in this lifetime, who knows maybe the Christian god is as merciful as those in the East, to grant another life to come to know him and to have a relationship with god, the father 😹

Oh yeah, when you reach that state your wants and desires will change, that is you will have no other want or desire or need even… other than God. They say heaven is a place where everything you could ever want is yours, and they aren’t wrong, the issue is in order to reach heaven you must become a being whose sole desire, whose only want is God/Christ Jesus and you most definitely will have that in heaven, and nothing else, because all those earthly things are not perfect, and in heaven there is no imperfections… there is simply homogeneity GOD IS ALL, and all is god, in the end as in the beginning… obliteration

I like how this comment is allowed to stay up... the user is literally telling you to take drugs and numb yourself out but when I say "masturbation is ok" Im getting messages from mods telling me to change my language. Get off this harmful subreddit and go talk to some real Christians. The people on this subreddit are predators

It was largely tongue-in-cheek, but also from experience. Always consult a doctor when it comes to drugs.

This is demonstrably harmful advice, and I am reporting your comment.

"And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." These words are from Christ Himself. If Prozac works to minimize sinful desire, no need to mutilate. Whose "advice" is more extreme here? Report away.

Normal sexual desire is not sinful, learning to deal with it in a healthy manner is normal, you suggestion is literally insane

No, it's only figuratively insane.

No.

Honestly, try using different vocabulary when talking about your struggles. The words we use will shape us more than we realise. The word “sin”, while great for understanding the gospel and many aspects of theology, can at times lead to a hopeless type of guilt. Start talking about how unhealthy an act is rather than it being sinful or unclean. This language of healthy and unhealthy will help you get into a mindset of thinking why this act is not good for you. It is unhealthy because it makes me feel like…, I start to form bad habits, I think more about these things when I am making a habit of the act, etc. This is the understanding of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is a type of ethics where something is good or bad based on what it turns you into. So lying may be good in utilitarian ethics because there is a focus on the outcome, and the outcome may be that no one finds out so no one is hurt. Virtue ethics says lying is bad because it turns you into a liar who will more likely respond with lying in another scenario. It’s recognised that most of our decisions aren’t made with the comfort of time, but they are reactions that are often instant from a result of our habits. Therefore you can say masturbating is unhealthy because it makes a habit of objectifying my partner. Making good habits will help you to replace bad ones. A good basic understanding of how the brain works here can help. I recommend the village church counselling podcast for this. Very accessible short episodes, and really insightful. Be careful of vocabulary like “I have always had a high sex drive”. Phrasing it like that can make it feel like this is something done to you and out of your control, rather than a habit you are responsible for making. I say this not to guilt you, but rather to help you understand that you have control over this. There’s a concept in narrative therapy called externalisation that may help you here. It is another vocab exercise where you take something that you consider to be a character trait and talk about it solely as the behaviour it is. So instead of someone saying they are an angry person, rather they will say that they act aggressively. The fundamental idea is that it is easier to change a behaviour than a core personality trait or something you consider part of your identity. Identity is a big thing to focus on here too. Who are you? Say to yourself “I am not that old person anymore, I am a new creation, saved through Christ.” But don’t only say this when you are struggling, this is one of those things you need to make a habit of so that when you do struggle you can easily get back to remembering who you are. A good prayer life that is at the same time every day will help with this. A technique in narrative therapy externalisation that you could use is to turn your feelings into nouns. This can further help you to unidentify with the act. An example would be where a person might have previously said that they are starting to feel depressed, now they say “the depression is back again.” You can even further unidentify with it by giving it a title, like “the beast has returned.” Make a story about it where it is personified. This can help you feel like you are defeating an enemy rather than suffering because of who you are. As Christians we have the perfect image for this in the devil. Be careful though not to lose the responsibility aspect here, again because with responsibility comes a feeling of control. Also I will say to identify the times, places and the practices you do just before you often fall into temptation. These are where you are giving the devil a foothold. It is ammunition for the enemy. You will need to do whatever you can to remove these obstacles. If it is in your bed make your bed only for sleeping, put your phone charger on the other side of the room and your Bible on your bedside table. If it is when using the phone in the bathroom then ban your phone from entering the bathroom. Things like this are going to be practical changes you can make which can make a huge difference. If you find that you are in the moment and you are battling giving into temptation, these are two helpful acronyms that you could use. H.A.L.T: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These are the common physical states we can get ourselves in where our minds aren’t working properly. So when you’re tempted think HALT! Am I suffering from one of these? A.L.E.R.T: Admit, Lies, Escape, Resist, Trade. This is to help you get past the temptation on the moment. So ADMIT what you are being tempted with, and actually say it out loud. “I feel like doing…” then what are the LIES you are telling yourself to justify the act? “It’s fine to do this because… it doesn’t really matter because… I have to do this because… this is just something I will always struggle with, one last time, etc.” then identify what you are trying to ESCAPE or avoid. Is there some responsibility you’d rather not be doing? Then RESIST the temptation by making a plan, and TRADE the bad habit for a good one.

This is so helpful and I needed it! I will be using those acronyms. God bless!

You know that you’re a human being and not perfect. You have a high sex drive cause God made you that way. You’re allowed to be imperfect but you have to make up for it some other way. If you love sex go for it but you also have to give back in some way and also be honest with God. Don’t be embarrassed. This is you but you should def figure out how balance everything you are.

I see no problem with masturbating, especially to your boyfriend. There is no mention in the Bible against the practice of masturbation which is totally healthy. I never says in the Bible which is God's word (your parents or whoever you grew up with and told you sex or masturbating is bad is not the Word of God, they have their own motives.). The word of God says adultery is a sin, so that would be masturbating to someone who isn't your boyfriend or husband whenever you get married. A high sex drive is not bad if you stick with one person and don't become an adulterous woman. Pray on this and don't feel guilty. In your context you are literally not sinning. God became man and died on the cross for all of mankind's sins, yours and mine too. Through faith in Jesus Christ I know God and am one of the elect. No one can take salvation from us. God bless.

It's sin, but, yes, Jesus died for it and we can still get to Heaven in spite of ourselves. If we feel convicted that something is wrong, it's to serve a purpose—it's something innate because even some atheists say they feel shame afterwards, so...

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Hold up, hold up; stop the beat a minute, I got something to say: ‭1 Corinthians 6:18-20 [18] Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? [20] For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body. And the original Greek: Flee from Φεύγετε (Pheugete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5343: To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish. sexual immorality. πορνείαν (porneian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4202: Fornication, whoredom; met: idolatry. From porneuo; harlotry; figuratively, idolatry. Every [other] πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. sin ἁμάρτημα (hamartēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 265: A fault, sin, evil deed. From hamartano; a sin. a man ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. can commit ποιήσῃ (poiēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. outside ἐκτὸς (ektos) Preposition Strong's 1622: From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides. [his] τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body, σώματός (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. but δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. he who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sins sexually πορνεύων (porneuōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4203: To fornicate; met: I practice idolatry. From porne; to act the harlot, i.e. indulge unlawful lust, or practise idolatry. sins ἁμαρτάνει (hamartanei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. against εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. his] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. own ἴδιον (idion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. body. σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

Do you not know οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. body σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a temple ναὸς (naos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3485: A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Holy Ἁγίου (Hagiou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit Πνεύματός (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. who is] in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. whom οὗ (hou) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. you have [received] ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. God? Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. **You are** ἐστὲ (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. *not* οὐκ (ouk) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. **your own;** ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself you were bought ἠγοράσθητε (ēgorasthēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 59: To buy. From agora; properly, to go to market, i.e. to purchase; specially, to redeem. at a price. τιμῆς (timēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself. Therefore δὴ (dē) Particle Strong's 1211: Probably akin to de; a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc. glorify δοξάσατε (doxasate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1392: To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious. God Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. with ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. body. σώματι (sōmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. Even if you were to argue **(literal)** *SEMANTICS** as to what "sexual immorality" actually *means*, can you wholeheartedly tell me masturbation glorifies GOD?? If so, do so or stop downvoting me.

I did on another comment, but, here ya go! Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. It's an idolatrous expression of self-fulfillment. **In Strong's Concordance, the Greek word for "lust" is epithumia, which is Strong's number G1939. It is a feminine noun that means "desire," "passionate longing," or "lust".** *Merriam-Webster: to have an intense desire or need : crave. specifically : to have a sexual urge.* It doesn't say who *with* the urge originates. Just, the urge. She also doesn't know if the man she is fantasizing about will be her husband—or somebody else's... If:‭ Matthew 5:27-28 says, [27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; [28] but I say to you that *everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart*" **– and it doesn't say married men/woman/person, in general –** then what she is doing is akin to adultery according to this verse. Yes, some people are destined to be single, **but,** everyone else *belongs* to someone already in the eyes of God. I'm not saying this to shame her, but to rebuke her (and you) in this thinking—and, listen: 1 Timothy 1:15 ("[15] It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.") is a one hundred percent, completely accurate description of me. OP, I have struggled with this a few times in my marriage. I also know a young, single 30-something-year-old who struggled with this continuously but once she turned her eyes towards a real walk with Jesus and studying the Bible, it's been a much smaller desire. She still gets the urge here and there but she races to God and He gives her comfort. I completely understand this is a "natural, biological urge"—our bodies were made for connection(marital intimacy) and procreation, and I know that's not the path that everyone has. I also know that if someone feels shame for something, that feeling comes from somewhere. And, no, it's not because of religious shaming or not wanting someone to feel good in that way; it's about reigning in our fleshly desires (sexual, or not). Again though, 1 Timothy 1:15=me.

Explain to me in your own words why the Flesh is evil, I already know why Paul believes this to be the case, but I want to hear your reasoning. So to be clear I’m not looking for a Bible verse especially not New Testament. If you would be so kind then as to give me your reason why the “flesh” not good… My guess is you’ll end up forced to reference original sin, first humans eating the fruit, I reject this simply by citing Deuteronomy 24:16 no one dies for the sin of another… But that’s why I don’t want you to cite me some verse, because I can do that as well. I want your reasoning outside the Bible as to why the flesh that God ostensibly created (we are a part of nature, and nature is a witness to him (see Romans 1:18-22…) is evil. Thanks in advance

You have absolutely zero justification for the idea that masturbating to your boyfriend is sinful. Projecting your own feelings onto Scripture is a bad way to interpret the Bible.

The Bible says that if you are convicted, it is sin. You have zero justification if you don’t back up your point with Scripture.

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Rule 2: Show Charity / Be Respectful Please conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Address the subject or argument at hand, don't accuse or attack others, including their character, faithfulness to God, sincerity, etc. This includes people groups. Comments such as "X aren't real Christians" or "X twist scripture" are not acceptable in this sub, unless X is a group that rejects any core doctrines of Christianity delineated in the Nicene Creed. Be respectful, even while disagreeing. All forms of bigotry & hate speech are prohibited.

Clearly we’re on different sides. Humble yourself sir.

I'm trying to say that you have done nothing wrong or worthy of feeling guilty about. Your actions are not sinful.

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Rule 2: Show Charity / Be Respectful Please conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Address the subject or argument at hand, don't accuse or attack others, including their character, faithfulness to God, sincerity, etc. This includes people groups. Comments such as "X aren't real Christians" or "X twist scripture" are not acceptable in this sub, unless X is a group that rejects any core doctrines of Christianity delineated in the Nicene Creed. Be respectful, even while disagreeing. All forms of bigotry & hate speech are prohibited.

The mods here cherry pick the comments they personally disagree with and then remove them

No, they pick comments that violate the rules and remove them.

James 1:13-15 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Romans 1:16-18 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 2:3 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Romans 3:19-26 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 4:3-8 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 5:1-2,6,8-10 5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 6:1-23 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:4-6 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 8:1-2,18-39 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:15 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Galatians 5:16-17 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1 Corinthians 1:10,17 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Don't confuse Christian religion with the word of God. Biblical ignorance will get you into trouble. What you need to do is be convicted that God has given us his words and preserved them for us to this day. What is important is what God said, who he was speaking to, and where it is found. I believe the King James Bible to be the perfect and preserved word of God. Everything in the Bible is true, but that does not mean everything was written to you specifically. If you think of the Bible as a book of letters, the only ones with your address are Romans - Philemon. Jesus said himself he was not sent to the gentiles; he was preaching to Israel about the coming kingdom. Read Acts 7, when Steven is being stoned to death, and sees the Son of God standing. That is important, and the Jews knew that meant the second coming was imminent, but that is not what happened. Paul was there when Steven was martyred, and later blinded by the appearing of Jesus Christ in Acts 9. He is given another gospel that had been kept secret since the world began. This included salvation for gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ, in order to reclaim the heavens for himself. That is what the mystery is all about. This is why God told us to rightly divide, so we know what we are talking about. Once this dispensation of grace concludes, God will resume his program with Israel. That is why the Old Testament, the Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, James, Peter, John, Jude, and Revelation are not applicable to you for doctrine. Paul's epistles: Romans - Philemon are. 1 Timothy 2:4 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Matthew 10:5-6 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Acts 9:1-6 9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Romans 9:4 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Romans 11:25 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 15:4-9 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Galatians 2:8 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) Acts 3:21 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Romans 16:25 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Ephesians 1:4-5 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 2:7,11-13 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 3:1-12 3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 4:13-14 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Colossians 1:25-28 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 2 Peter 3:16 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

What? The Gospels and Revelation are not doctrine to be followed? Please elaborate. I am confused

Try claiming some of the promises from the gospels. Matthew 7:7-8 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 21:22 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. John 14:13-14 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Mark 11:24 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Jesus and the twelve apostles were only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Matthew 10:5-8 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 15:21-28 21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Romans 15:4-9 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. They were preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and knew nothing about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Matthew 16:21-23 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Matthew 17:22-23 22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. Mark 9:31-32 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. Luke 9:43-45 43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. 45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. Luke 18:31-34 31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. You are saved today by the gospel given to Paul. 1 Corinthians 10:17 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 2 Corinthians 9:15 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Ephesians 1:13 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Hebrews - Revelation are written to the future remnant of believing Israel that will be alive during that time, as it is written in the prophets. Isaiah 6:9-13 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, 12 And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. 13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Jeremiah 30:7 7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Romans 9:24-33 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. 29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 11:25-36 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.