not funny @ all

I don't understand how people reason these days. Religion has made unrepentant hypocrites out of people. Go and study Leviticus 18 which talks about UNLAWFUL sexual relations. I did not see any reference to condemning the act of self-service. You hypocrites think God will really be bothered about self-service The Law of God is the Law of Love. The Law as given to the children of Israel was a pointer to the Law of Love which should govern our relationship with God and Mankind. Please, tell me; how does self-service directly or indirectly affect your neighbour? How does it affect Supreme Being? You hypocrites are jokers!!!
Imagine a scenario where I'm not married, I'm not allowed to have a girlfriend (because my religion says so) and I'm under extreme sexual tension. What should I do? Fast and pray? Indeed!
The only thing I can say is as with every other thing, moderation is required. Do not focus all your energies on sexual satisfaction. Learn to put your body under control. Do not yield to the demand of the flesh all the time. That's where humans differ from animals.

betabeta:

"'When a man has an emission of Fluid, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Any clothing or leather that has Fluid on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening. When a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of Fluid, both must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. (Lev 15:16-18)

Notice verse 18 deals with seminal emission during intimate intercourse, but verse 16 is speaking of a seminal emission that does not occur as a result of intercourse. If this is indeed a reference to self-service, the matter-of-fact way in which God deals with this matter certainly indicates that no feelings of shame should be attached to it. He simply said, "Go take a bath."

It seems to me that if God were really bothered by such a practice, then He missed a teachable moment here in this passage. Since He clearly condemns intimate intercourse between men in Leviticus 18:22 and says "that is detestable", I think that if He had really wanted us to avoid this particular practice, He would at least have said something like "That is disgusting" instead of "Go take a bath."

self-service has been around for a long time, and since God does not clearly condemn it, I would not be too bothered with it either. self-service is practice far more than adultery or fornication yet God is practically silent on the issue. This ought to tell you that God is not overly concern with it.

However, let me caution you against addiction to self-service. Just like most things, self-service can turn into an addiction. If you find yourself constantly—several times a day—self-servicing then you can be reasonably sure that you have a intimate addiction. Paul said, "'Everything is permissible for me'—but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor 6:12). This includes self-service. Also, you should never use Indecency to self-service, and if you are married, keep your thoughts on your wife. It is the same sin to make love to your wife while thinking about another woman as it is to self-service while thinking about another woman. Concerning single people, I have no advice other than a prohibition to Indecency.

If a believer uses self-service to alleviate intimate temptation that's far better than actually being tempted to commit fornication or adultery. I would rather have a man self-service than go to a LovePeddler.

Another thought, if self-service is sinful, then you would expect there to be bad health consequences to it, such as found in adultery, homosexuality, and fornication (diseases for one thing). Instead, research has found that self-service serves to release intimate tension. If a man is prevented from having intimate release, then the seminal fluids can back up, causing increased intimate tension and physical discomfort. It also increases the risk of prostate inflammation. This might explain why priests who practice celibacy and who view self-service as sinful have a higher rate of prostate cancer.

Since there are proven medical benefits to self-service, it is difficult to make a biblical and reasonable case against it.

[size=18pt]For once someone has a backing for his argument, Could it be clearer than this?!![/size]

Pastor chris was talking out pressure maybe he has engage himself with such evil act.

lilkech:

Lemme ask a question


if konji dey catch me and i no get babe, make i

1. self-service

2. RUN GO FIND ARSHIAWO

3. Control myself.

Im confused

fixed

I don't think the act in itself is a sin, but what do you think about when you self-service? If lusting is a sin, then the image you have in your head when you self serve might constitute a sin. For the record, I am not  a pastor. Just an opinion.

Leave that to God to judge! Let also not forget about corruption that is going on in our nation inrespective of religion, Nigeria is the most religious in the world yes the most corrupt. Let think about others and how to move the country forward instead of debating on frivolous issue like this.

The Bible never explicitly mentions masturbation or states whether or not masturbation is a sin. The Scripture most frequently pointed to in regards to masturbation is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9-10. Some interpret this passage as saying that “spilling your seed” on the ground is a sin. However, that is not precisely what the passage is saying. God condemned Onan not for “spilling his seed” but because Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his brother. The passage is not about masturbation, but rather about fulfilling a family duty. A second passage sometimes used as evidence for masturbation’s being a sin is Matthew 5:27-30. Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts and then says, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” While there are parallels between this passage and masturbation, it is unlikely that masturbation was what Jesus was alluding to.

While the Bible nowhere explicitly states that masturbation is a sin, there is no question as to whether the actions that lead to masturbation are sinful. Masturbation is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts, sexual stimulation, and/or pornographic images. It is these problems that need to be dealt with. If the sins of lust, immoral thoughts, and pornography are forsaken and overcome, masturbation will become a non-issue. Many people struggle with guilty feelings concerning masturbation, when in reality, the things that led to the act are far more worthy of repentance.

There are some biblical principles that can be applied to the issue of masturbation. Ephesians 5:3 declares, “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity.” It is hard to see how masturbating can pass that particular test. The Bible teaches us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If you cannot give God glory for something, you should not do it. If a person is not fully convinced that an activity is pleasing to God, then it is a sin: “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Further, we need to remember that our bodies have been redeemed and belong to God. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do with our bodies. In light of these principles, the conclusion that masturbation is a sin is biblical. Clearly, masturbation is not glorifying to God; it does not avoid the appearance of immorality, nor does it pass the test of God’s having ownership over our bodies.

http://www.gotquestions.org/masturbation-sin.html

IS MASTURBATION A SIN?


Is masturbation a sin? Whoever has never had a “lustful thought”, be the first to say yes. How do we deal with such thoughts? In the light of Matt. 5:28, believers seem to be walking a tight rope everyday of their lives. But I believe lust is a very much misunderstood word and concept. It is precisely such a misunderstanding that caused Christians in the past to seclude themselves to living in caves apart from civilization. Perhaps this misunderstanding still prohibits Catholic priests from marrying. And it is this misunderstanding that leaves believers with the condemnation that they commit adultery every day of their lives.

I will argue, in this article, that

masturbation is not a sin,

lust means desire not thought, therefore erotic fantasies are not necessarily the lust Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:28.

Common Misconceptions About Lust

When asked if masturbation is a sin, most “experts” would reply that the act is not wrong of itself, but the thoughts associated with it are (Matthew 5:28 is usually quoted at this point). Therein lies the first misconception concerning lust - equating lust with thoughts. Lust does not mean thought. The most common words translated as lust in the Bible are epithumeo, epipotheo, and orego. They all mean to desire, to covet, to long for intensely, to set one’s heart upon. The idea of intent or volition is strongly present. Consider 1 Tim 3:1

If any man desires (orego) the office of a bishop, he desires (epithumeo) a good thing.

Clearly both Greek words are being used interchangeably i.e. they are synonymous. No one who desires to be a bishop, sits and fantasizes all day about being a  bishop. He actively pursues the calling. He does whatever he has to do to achieve his goal. The NIV translates orego here as "sets his heart on". And since epithumeo means the same thing, in this context, the word lust means "to desire with intent". It does not mean "to form mental images". It's the same word epithumeo that appears in Matt 5:28, which will be discussed later. Essentially, someone who has erotic thoughts may not necessarily be guilty of lust.

Others say that masturbation is an act that flows from an evil heart of lust. Therein lies the second misconception - that lust is always bad. Suffice it to say at this point that the driving force that motivates people to masturbate is the same driving force that moves husbands and wives to have sex with each other. Let's face it, lust (sexual desire) is a very important part of sex. Lust is actually used in a good way in Matt. 13:17; Luke 22:15; 1 Tim 3:1; Heb. 6:11; and 1 Pet. 1:12. It is also used in a bad way in Matt. 5:28; Rom. 7:7; 13:9; 1 Cor. 10:6; and James 4:2.

Anything we desire is a lust. What makes it good or bad is the object of that desire. If we desire to be ministers of the Gospel, that is a good lust (1 Tim. 3:1). If we set our hearts on our neighbor’s wife, then that is a bad lust (Rom. 7:7; 13:9 cf. Ex. 20:17). Lust is actually the same word as covet in the Greek (Ex. 20:17). We can covet our neighbor's stuff, or we can covet earnestly the best gifts (1 Cor 12:31). Just like adultery and fornication are perversions of God's gift of sex, lust is a perversion of the sexual desire God gave us. Just like sex is only wrong if we have it with the wrong person, lust is wrong if we desire (covet) someone who is not our spouse.

Matthew 5:28

The most pertinent scripture in this discussion is Matt 5:28.

whosoever looketh on a woman to lust (epithumeo) after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (KJV)

The NIV translates this verse,

anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

The NIV's is an unfortunate translation because the word epithumeo appearing in the verse is a verb (to lust) not an adverb (lustfully). The operative word is not look, but lust. Jesus is not talking about how a man looks at the woman or thinks about a woman, but about a man lusting after a woman (looking being an instrument of lusting). That makes a world of a difference in the true meaning of the verse, the true meaning intended by Jesus. He is addressing lust not fantasy.

In Matt. 5:28, I do not believe Jesus was speaking to teenagers who were at their sexual peak and were entertaining many erotic fantasies. That simply does not fit the context of the sermon on the mount. It is hardly likely that Jesus, in the middle of his tirade against the Pharisees, would throw a punch at teenagers. He was primarily addressing married men who had desires for women other than their wives. That same desire should have been directed toward their own wives (Prov. 5:19, 20). The lust Jesus spoke of was a determined desire to attain some outside woman, not a mere fantasy. Some of the Jews divorced their wives for this very reason. The very desire to do it was as bad as the act itself, Jesus said.

The IVP commentary on Matt. 5:28 defines lust as "the deliberate harboring of desire for an illicit relationship." It goes on to say that "Jesus refers not to noticing a person's beauty but to imbibing it, meditating on it, SEEKING TO POSSESS IT" [emphasis mine]. The idea of purposeful intent is present.

Matthew 5:28 is very similar to Proverbs 6:25.

            Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Proverbs 6:25-29 speak of lusting after a woman's beauty in one's heart. But even in this context, that woman is someone else's wife (vs. 29). This is talking about a strong desire to go out and have relations with someone. It is talking about the desires which eventually lead to the act of adultery. That lust is described as taking fire in your bosom and walking on hot coals. It is the kind of lust that WILL result in one getting burnt. That does not describe sexual fantasies. It describes something much much stronger than that. Sexual fantasies are merely thoughts with no intentions attached. The difference between fantasy and lust is the difference between imagining yourself driving a BMW and coveting your neighbor's BMW. They're not quite the same thing.

Proverbs 24:9 states "The thought of foolishness is sin (KJV)". But modern translations replace the word "thought" by "planning", "scheming", or "devising". Passive thoughts are not sin. It is intentions which are sinful (Acts 8:22). For example if I said, "I thought of going to the mall yesterday", that does not mean that mental images of me going to the mall flashed across my mind (passive thought), but rather that I planned to go to the mall (intent). It is the planning of foolishness that is sin, not the mere thought of it. Similarly the lust Matt. 5:28 discusses is a purposeful intent to have someone who is either not your wife or someone else's wife. This is what David was guilty of in 2 Sam. 11:2-4. David was not just fantasizing about Bathsheba, he had purposefully planned to get her. Sexual fantasy is simply not the subject of discussion in Matt. 5:28.

1 Corinthians 7:2,9

2) because of fornication, let each man have his own wife ,  9) if they cannot contain, let them marry. For it is better to marry than  to burn with passion.

Paul addresses single people struggling with sexual desires. Interestingly, Paul’s answer to them was not to repent of their carnal ways, but to marry (1 Cor. 7:2, 9). If Paul had a problem with people masturbating, that does not come across in 1 Cor 7. He said that if they cannot exercise self control, they should marry, which is better than burning with passion (vs. 9). Paul never condemned them for lacking self control, but just gave them an escape out of it. But self control for what? The very same verse gives us the answer -  self control to avoid burning passions. What is burning with passion? Burning with passion is that strong desire couples have to make love to each other. Burning with passion is not the same as having sexual fantasies. You need self control to avoid getting too close physically in a relationship. If they could not contain themselves any longer, then they should marry. That ties in perfectly with verse 2, where he says that people should marry to avoid fornication. That was the problem with burning passion - it leads to fornication. Paul never said that they needed self control to avoid masturbating or fantasizing. It is burning passions they needed to beware of.

Questions to Ponder

I do not believe that masturbation, with all its related thoughts, is a sin. I believe that sexual fantasies are normal. Masturbation is merely a means of fulfilling that desire while not yet married. In the light of what the Bible teaches (or does not teach), I cannot honestly call masturbation sin. For single people struggling with temptation, I personally believe that masturbation is better than fornication. In fact masturbation releases sexual energy which builds up over time, and this in turn may make one less tempted to commit fornication.

Here are a few questions to masticate for those who still insist it's a sin to masturbate, even if it cannot be proven from the Bible.

Why is it that over 90% of men masturbate, but that figure is significantly smaller for women? It is a fact that men are more sexually aggressive than women. If masturbation is a sin, then God performed a great injustice to men.

Why is it that a man's sexual desire is so intense prior to ejaculation yet virtually non-existent afterward? If the desire and the thoughts are so wrong, why not just masturbate and get rid of them? Some people "battle" with these thoughts incessantly without actually committing the act of masturbation. Aren't they just as "guilty" as those who masturbate?

Why is it that the "experts" offer such impractical advice for "overcoming masturbation"? See for example http://www.bible.com/answers/amasturb.html where people are encouraged to confess this sin to their pastor. Who would seriously do that? See also http://nowscape.com/mormon/mormast.htm where "victims" are advised to sleep with one hand tied and to leave the bathroom door open during showers to reduce the level of privacy. Even Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence  People is recommended to help cure masturbation. I think these well meaning folk have not given the subject much serious study, and just allow tradition to blind them while using a few proof texts to back up their ignorance.

Why is it that Paul never mentioned anything in 1 Cor. 7 about overcoming lust and masturbation? All he did was allow single people in such situations to marry. There is absolutely no doubt that for the situations described in Corinth, it was a relevant topic. This was a perfect opportunity for Paul to bring it up. In fact Paul seems to imply that the only people immune from sexual desires and needs are those with the gift of celibacy. Paul's solution to the problem was not self control, but marriage - marriage to avoid fornication, not to avoid masturbation (vs. 9).

Why does the Law have absolutely nothing to say concerning self stimulation? It condemns just about every sexual abuse imaginable - adultery, fornication, rape, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, orgies. There were some things I did not learn about until I read them in Leviticus. Why isn't masturbation on the list?

Why does the Word of God generally have so little (if any at all) to say about a "sin" that affects over 90% of men and may even be the reason for them going to hell? Did the Bible miss something? If I had to give the benefit of any doubt, I would rather let God be true.

Conclusion

The belief that masturbation is a sin hinges on an presumed correlation with adultery, which itself hinges on a specious interpretation of Matt. 5:28. I have attempted to provide an alternative interpretation of that scripture which I believe is more in context with  the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of scripture. The bible does not seem to think that masturbation is a serious issue.

Ha, na wa o! Ma-stur-bation! In fact, most Nigerians are still blindfolded with religious myths piled up in a book called bible. Everyhing written in the bible is by human innovation and not God. If you follow those who claim self servicing is a sin, then you are on the queue to doom. The issue of Sin and God is indeed overestimated and making God ridiculous. Most who claim to be MOG are typical fools who utilise bible to make fools. Medically, Mast-ur-ba-tion is good for men naturally. But because many are obsessed in their thinking, they allow strange culture and tradition recorded in bible to distablise their originality. Human originality is under the influence of his thought to determine his destiny from the purpose of his existence. So There is no difference btw bible and chemistry, physic and biology textbooks. We are only fooled by the claim God said in the bible. It is all human research. Self servicing eases tension and helps to avoid temptation. The ORIGINAL GOD knows nothing about Masturbtn. Its human falacy to claim it is sin.

Whether self-service is a sin or not is not the question; the right question is what is sin?

many posters here are merely displaying their gross ignorance of the concept of sin and this is very unfortunate.

well until i listen to the message on youtube, i reserve my comment.

i can boldly say that the poster has left the main point to stress the unimportant. you should not quote the MOG in isolation, give us the whole pix.

ARE YOU PEOPLE REALLY SURE THAT PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME MEANS TO SAY THAT MASTURBATION / SELF-SERVICE IS "NOT BAD" OR NOT A SIN?
PLEASE WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE WHEREIN HE SAID IT, I WILL LIKE TO LISTEN TO IT FOR MYSELF. ANYONE WHO KNOWS THE TITLE SHOULD PLEASE WRITE IT SO I CAN GO TO CHRIST EMBASSY CHURCH AT OREGUN IKEJA AND BUY ONE FOR MYSELF.

js_pac:

тasturbation A.K.A OGC

What is the full meaning of OGC

U can't masturbate without creating an image of a naked woman in ur heart. If look on a woman to lust(mattw 5:28) is a sin how much more fucking her in ur heart and showing it with masturbation.

Jesus said Matt 5:27-30
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

It is important to note that “self-service” is an indulgence that involves a mind-visualization; one visualizes the opposite sex (say a woman) while indulging in the act. This mind-act is so powerful that it takes one to orgasm and eventual release.


For further discussion, please read the following
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT,
MASTURBATION?

"What does the Bible say about masturbation?" is one of our most frequently asked questions. Many Christians have found it difficult to answer this question according to the Bible, because the Bible never mentions masturbation specifically. To understand how God feels about this subject, we must examine other verses that deal with issues such as lust, self-control and purity. Also, we must examine its fruit to see if it is from God. We have tried to address this issue by answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Our prayer is that God will use this page to bring freedom and deliverance.
"Does God care about what we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?"
Sex is God's invention. He is the mastermind behind it—and His creation is worth far more to Him than it is to us. This beautiful expression of love was created out of His own heart, as a gift to be experienced between a husband and wife. It is only in marriage that this manifestation of intimacy can be fully enjoyed in the depth for which it was created.
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral" (Hebrews 13:4, NIV).
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4, KJV).
The more beautiful and unique something is (like sexual intercourse), the more power it holds over our lives, either for good or bad influence. That is why it is so easy for the devil to corrupt the most precious of God//'//s gifts. When we become more in love with the gifts than the One who endowed them, the things that were designed to bless us begin to destroy us instead. Yes, God cares about what we do with our bodies, in public or in private. He doesn//'//t want us to abuse ourselves in any way.
In fact, an older definition of masturbation is "self-abuse." Although more modern dictionaries may no longer carry this definition, they are still linked together under self-abuse:
Self-abuse noun¹
1. Abuse of oneself or one//'//s abilities.
2. Masturbation.
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) further confirms this, saying that unlawful sexual relations defile our own bodies. "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."
"Isn't it still better to masturbate than to commit fornication?"
The easy answer to this question would be, "Yes, it is better to masturbate, because at best it corrupts only one person. It certainly is the lesser of two evils." However, why would a loving, holy, all-powerful God abandon you to a situation in which you have to choose any evil, whether it be "lesser" or "greater?" To really answer this question, we must again go back to God's original plan for sex.
First of all, masturbation will not truly relieve the sexual pressure that one may feel. It may for a short moment, but in the long run it only creates a deeper desire and capacity for sex, which will lead to more masturbation. If you let yourself become enslaved to a sexual high, you will find that you need to go to increasingly extreme acts to maintain the same degree of excitement. There are even ungodly sex therapists who recommend masturbation as a way of increasing sexual desire, not lessening it. This creates a vicious circle, like the junkie who craves a "fix," but is only temporarily satisfied. The more he indulges in his dependency, the more ensnared by addiction he becomes. This is the nature of all sin. That is why Jesus declared that all who sin become a slave to sin (John 8:34).
Furthermore, masturbation usually involves fantasy, visualization, and often pornography. The Bible is very clear as to what God expects of us in these areas of fantasy and lust. It teaches that we must not look lustfully at each other nor should we behave in such a manner as to entice others to lust after us.
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl. I know full well that the Almighty God sends calamity on those who do" (Job 31:1-3, The Living Bible).
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
While the above verses refer to men lusting after women, all women know that it can very easily be reversed to apply to themselves as well. Men may be more easily visually stimulated than women, but women can be just as vulnerable to sexual fantasy in the emotional realm. Both are sin in God's eyes, and both can be brought into subjection by controlling our thoughts through Christ's power.
All sexual immorality begins with a thought. A lustful thought not taken captive, will eventually lead to other perversions, because sin reproduces itself in increasingly greater measures. If we do not deal with our evil thoughts, they will take root in our hearts.
It is for this reason that God is so concerned with our thought life. Jesus came not only to deliver us from our "outward" sins, but also from wickedness that begins in the heart.
Since masturbation begins with sin in the mind, it might be called an "affair of the mind" because it brings about sexual sin inflicted against one's own body. Although it brings a short lived gratification, it makes one feel defiled when continued on a regular basis.  In fact, it is a form of fornication because fornication is more than just sex with someone before marriage, it includes many other sexual sins such as pornography and the use of sexual toys for gratification. People who are not satisfied with God's plan for sex commit idolatry by using evil things to experience weird and unlawful forms of sexual intercourse.  Some verses in Ezekiel actually describe this kind of fornication.
Ezekiel 16:15-17:
15But you trusted in and relied on your own beauty and were unfaithful to God and played the harlot [in idolatry] because of your renown, and you poured out your fornications upon anyone who passed by [as you worshiped the idols of every nation which prevailed over you] and your beauty was his.
   16And you took some of your garments and made for yourself gaily decorated high places or shrines and played the harlot on them--things which should not come and that which should not take place.
   17You did also take your fair jewels and beautiful vessels of My gold and My silver which I had given you and made for yourself images of men, and you played the harlot with them.


"Isn't God unreasonable to demand sexual purity after giving us sexual drives that seem to overwhelm us at times?"
Our loving God never demands from us what is impossible for us to do. We are so weak within ourselves that it may seem impossible, but He will equip us with His holy power to overcome any sin, if we ask in faith.
Of course, sexual urges in and of themselves are not wicked. They are natural. God created us that way. He desires that we get optimum pleasure out of them by using them the way they were created to be used. However, many desires for physical gratification (whether it be food, sex, etc.) stem from a deeper need that is unfilled deep inside us. Gorging our flesh can never fill a hunger that grows out of our spirit. Only intimacy with God can fill the deepest needs inside of us. No other created thing has that power.
God is no more unreasonable than any caring parent who lovingly disciplines their child. It is only because He knows what is best for us. He sees a mighty potential in each one of us that far supersedes our wildest dreams, and He loves us enough to do all He can to bring it to pass.
"I agree with all the theory, but living it out on a day to day level is another story."
This is the place where we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit is not a vague "force," but the very power of God to comfort you and strengthen you against the sins that used to rule you before you were born again. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the very ability that Jesus had to resist temptation. He depended completely upon the Father and so must we.
Something you must know is that God is not the one who is tempting you in this area to "test" you. God is on your side and wants to set you free from these things, not lead you into them! "When tempted, no one should say "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13-14).
God wants us to overcome every sin and temptation in our lives. Please slowly read the following verses and let their message seep deep inside your spirit.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
"For though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
"In the same way count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:11-14).
"For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16, King James Version).
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).
"Can I really be set free?"
"In (this) freedom, Christ has made us free—completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery—which you have once put off " (Galatians 5:1 Amp).
If you are in a real struggle with any form of sexual sin, we do not believe it was by accident that God led you to this teaching. He wants to set you free, starting right now! We would like to share several things that you can do to break loose from this stronghold:
1. Confess this sin first to God, then go to a committed Christian you trust, such as your pastor. Ask God to lead you to someone that you can be accountable with, who will be faithful to pray with you and for you. This will take humility on your part, but it will lead to life. James 5:16 says: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (You may not feel "righteous" but if you have admitted your sin to God and received His forgiveness, you are! That means your prayers are powerful and effective!)
2. Flee from and reject anything that aggravates this sin. For example, you may need to get off the Internet for a season or purchase software that blocks out pornography. This may sound too drastic, but it certainly is mild compared to Jesus who said, "If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to go into Hell" (Matthew 5:30).  His point was that we must be willing to part with anything that causes us to sin—even if it hurts temporarily.
3. You may need to seek healing and deliverance from qualified Christians who are anointed in this area of ministry. If you have been deeply involved in sexual sins, the devil probably has a stronghold in that area of your life. If you can, find some people who can help you stand against the devil, for he is the one who seeks to lead you into temptation, and whispers lies of hopelessness and shame into your ears. If he drops a filthy thought into your mind just when you are trying to pray (he has used this tactic on even the holiest saints of God), tell him to leave in the name of Jesus! Recognize his voice for what it is, and submit yourself to God. As you do this and resist the devil, he will flee from you! He is deathly afraid of those who are submitted to God in brokenness and humility.
4. Don't give up! Deliverance might take time. Self-control takes effort. You may slip occasionally—or even a lot. But remember that God loves you and He will be faithful to perfect His character in you as long you keep submitting to Him. Eventually you will win—and not because of your best efforts, but because of God's mercy (Titus 3:5). Just as salvation is received in faith, so deliverance must be received in faith. This has nothing to do with our character, strength, or failings. The only thing it is dependant upon is you receiving it in humility. If you should fail, recognize it quickly, ask God to forgive you—and then receive His forgiveness! He is faithful to do that which He promised, not just in a select few mighty men and women of God, but in all who are willing to come humbly before Him. That includes you! We want to encourage you to hold on to this scripture as your anchor:
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
If there is anything else we can do to help you, please let us know. In closing, we would like to pray for you:
"Father, we thank you for bringing this person into our website. We know that it was your Holy Spirit that led them here and we thank you for your faithfulness to them! We lift them up to you now and ask that You fill them with a desire for You that transcends every other desire they have ever known. Let them know your cleansing love and power. We thank you that he whom the Son has set free, is free indeed. We speak this freedom into the life of this one whom the devil has bound in shame. We speak healing and deliverance and we break every tie that has kept them under a spirit of addiction and perversion. We stand against the Evil One and his every plan to bring destruction in this one's life. Father, in faith, and by the power and authority You have given us, we declare that this one is FREE in the name of Jesus! We commit them to Your care and we loose Your Holy Spirit to minister to them at this very instant. We ask these things in the precious name of Your son, Jesus Christ."
End Notes:
¹The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition is licensed from Houghton Mifflin Company. Copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
__________
God bless you! We love you in the Lord! We would also like to refer you to some ministries that may be of help to you if you are having problems in this area:
Mastering Life Ministries: http://masteringlife.gospelcom.net/ Teaching people how to heal sexual brokenness.
Desert Streams:  http://www.desertstream.org  This is a California-based Christian organization which offers programs for people seeking sexual and relational wholeness and healing.
An Affair of the Mind by Laurie Hall
If you are struggling with this problem there is an excellent book that could be of help to you. Published by Focus On The Family and written from the first-hand perspective of a wife whose husband was addicted to pornography for over 20 years, this powerful book delves deep into many facets of sexual addiction. The principles in this book, if applied, can save any marriage and restore even those who are most bound to sexual addiction. The author shares candidly of her struggles as she sought the Lord for the salvation of her marriage and restoration of her husband. The things she learned from the Holy Spirit along the way will minister to every person who reads the book. It will help both husbands and wives.

If you are interested in our books you can find them in the Bible.com Market Place.
If this message has been a blessing to you and you would like to see more like them posted on this site, you can help make this possible by your gifts to Bible.com Ministries.  Click here to donate

You guys really believe a God that can create this universe would be bothered what you do with your pee pee? I am shocked and amazed that some people actually live their lives by what a few old country men in ancient middle east decided to write.
Some people are even quoting Leviticus  the guy that wrote that book does not even know what Kim kardashian is jare  if he did hayam sure he would have added a small clause there to clear this whole wahala.

SMH

[size=18pt]Ancient Egyptian Sexuality[/size]
-- Lay of the Harpist

"Sexuality in ancient Egypt was open, untainted by guilt. Sex was an important part of life - from birth to death and rebirth. Singles and married couples made love. The gods themselves were earthy enough to copulate. The Egyptians even believed in sex in the afterlife. Sex was not taboo,  Even the Egyptian religion was filled with tales of adultery, incest, homosexuality and ma$turbation,  with hints of necrophillia! Masculinity and femininity itself were strongly linked with the ability to conceive and bear children,  " Source:http://www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/sexuality.html

[size=18pt]Is ma$turbation wrong according to Hinduism?  [/size]
Yes, It is, Hindu books make references to the the fact that masturbation causes loss of "pranayama" (energy). "Prayanama" (energy) needs to be preserved because it strengthens us spiritually, mentally and physically. Masturbation thus weakens this prayanama.
Source(s):
I am Hindu

Source http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090613012730AAfedXT


[size=20pt]Islam and ma$turbation[/size]
It is forbidden but also considered haraam in the Shi'a denomination of Islam and all of its associated subdivisions.[1] It is considered haram according to the Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools of fiqh - the Sunni schools of jurisprudence known as madh'hab.[2] Sexual acts outside of marriage are generally prohibited according to the Qur'an (see below). Getting married or fasting are suggested as alternatives in the Hadith (see below).

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_masturbation


Please read 2 Peter 2:1-22

*****6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

At this juncture, I don't know what christainity is all about again, if a preacher could boldly say that Ancient acts of paganism is not a sin. Hinduism and Islam that the christianity is preaching against see Ma$turbation as a SIN, so what are we preaching.

The fact that Ma$turbation was not written in the bible is synonymous to Rapture not written in the Bible, but we all believe there will be rapture. So we can't totally say that because Ma$turbationis not in the bible so it is not a SIN. But I want us to see Ma$turbation as part of the acts of sodom and Gomorrah before God destroyed those cities. Read genesis 13:13.

The ancient Egyptians that saw nothing wrong with it have stopped many years ago when they embraced Islam, the religion that Christains preached against, and such acts of paganism no longer prevalent in their society. So what are we saying.

Millions of people will definitely go to hell by following some masters that will not do according to the word of God.

The first time I heard him preached such message was in 2010 around July - August and I was so disappointed because I was formerly member of Christ Embassy. As at that time I was burried in the act of Ma$turbation and was praying to God to help me out. So when I heard, my then GO, preached that Ma$turbationis not a SIN, I knew then that my time was up with the church and I didn't waste time but to leave even after many efforts and attempts by the members to call me back I refused, because salvation is personal.

I pray that God will help the christainity, that millions will not perish as a results of heresy that is on the rampage. Jesus christ is the same today, yesterday and forever, He does not change. So nobody should wake up and tell us that revelation is progressive and start misleading people.

Preaching about the second coming of Jesus christ is nolonger heard in the church again, it is money money money. Peoples kingdom orientation has been completely erroded because of money. Christians please shine your eyes.

For those who want proof if pastor chris said it is not a sin or not, here is the video below. And continue to justify or defend yourselves in sin. smh.

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBi8l621wbQ?version=3&hl=en[/flash]

Watch the video and hear it for yourself before you spill rubbish out of your mouth to justify your sins. If anyone has problems of self-denial or self-control, let such person deal with it and stop justifying your sins with the word of God.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 tim. 4:1 (NLT)

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 tim. 4:3 (NLT)

TODAY, THESE SCRIPTURES ARE FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARS

goshen360:

For those who want proof if pastor chris said it is not a sin or not, here is the video below. And continue to justify or defend yourselves in sin. smh.

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBi8l621wbQ?version=3&hl=en[/flash]

Watch the video and hear it for yourself before you spill rubbish out of your mouth to justify your sins. If anyone has problems of self-denial or self-control, let such person deal with it and stop justifying your sins with the word of God.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 tim. 4:1 (NLT)

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 tim. 4:3 (NLT)

TODAY, THESE SCRIPTURES ARE FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARS

What is wrong with masturbation?

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Peter 2:1(NLT)

IT'S A MALICIOUS LIE

Oyakhilome was asked by one of his pastors how one could overcome self-service and he replied that “the reason you are thinking of stopping it (self-service) is because you think it has become a habit for you… self-service is not more than a habit than any other habit.

“So once you make up your mind that you want to break a particular habit, you just do it, you make up your mind… in fact the best way to break a habit is to replace it with another habit.

Firstly ,it was not a pastor who asked the question. It's a live online programme  where someone asked about mastubation. If its a sin or so and how to stop. And pastor chris made it clear that though it's not a sin agsinst God ,it's a habit,and you can stop it by just stopping todo it.

Pastors in Nigeria have lambasted the founder, Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome over his comment that self-service is not a sin against God but a mere habit that God is not angry about.
Since the controversial pastor made the comment recently, angry reactions have been pouring in from Christendom over

They simply have to prove from scriptures if God ever called it a sin. None have been able to do that yet. Some have called smoking a sin , taking of wine a sin etc. but these man made laws even though they are moral have no biblical backing. Pastor Chris does not support mastubation but he will still not call it a sin if God hadn't called it one. And anybody who feel its a biblical sin should simply prove it biblically. That's all.

Chrisbenogor:

What is wrong with self-service?

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? DO YOU READ YOUR BIBLE? ANSWER ME AND I WILL TELL YOU WHAT'S WRONG WITH MASTUBATION.

pastor chris is just on point. D fact dat sometin is bad doesnt necessarily mean it's a sin.

pumpindkay:

U can't self-service without creating an image of a Unclad woman in ur heart. If look on a woman to lust(mattw 5:28) is a sin how much more bleeping her in ur heart and showing it with self-service.

So we women that mastturbate does so by creating an image of a nakked woman in our heart.

Now what about women that use their fingers inside them? Is that a sin also? This man just lost my respect with this.

goshen360:

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? DO YOU READ YOUR BIBLE? ANSWER ME AND I WILL TELL YOU WHAT'S WRONG WITH MASTUBATION.

I dont see how my answer should affect what you think is wrong with masturbation, in your own words what is wrong with it? Its a simple question really,
Put on your spectacles and read this

Masturbation 'cuts cancer risk'
Prostate scans
Researchers were assessing prostate cancer risk
Men could reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer through regular masturbation, researchers suggest.

They say cancer-causing chemicals could build up in the prostate if men do not ejaculate regularly.

And they say sexual intercourse may not have the same protective effect because of the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, which could increase men's cancer risk.

Australian researchers questioned over 1,000 men who had developed prostate cancer and 1,250 who had not about their sexual habits.


This is a plausible theory
Dr Chris Hiley, Prostate Cancer Charity
They found those who had ejaculated the most between the ages of 20 and 50 were the least likely to develop the cancer.

The protective effect was greatest while the men were in their 20s.

Men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.

Fluid

Previous research has suggested that a high number of sexual partners or a high level of sexual activity increased a man's risk of developing prostate cancer by up to 40%.

But the Australian researchers who carried out this study suggest the early work missed the protective effect of ejaculation because it focussed on sexual intercourse, with its associated risk of STIs.

Graham Giles, of the Cancer Council Victoria in Melbourne, who led the research team, told New Scientist: "Had we been able to remove ejaculations associated with sexual intercourse, there should have been an even stronger protective effect of ejaculations."

The researchers suggest that ejaculating may prevent carcinogens accumulating in the prostate gland.

The prostate provides a fluid into semen during ejaculation that activates sperm and prevents them sticking together.

The fluid has high concentrations of substances including potassium, zinc, fructose and citric acid, which are drawn from the bloodstream.

But animal studies have shown carcinogens such as 3-methylchloranthrene, found in cigarette smoke, are also concentrated in the prostate.

'Flushing out'

Dr Giles said fewer ejaculations may mean the carcinogens build up.

"It's a prostatic stagnation hypothesis. The more you flush the ducts out, the less there is to hang around and damage the cells that line them."

A similar connection has been found between breast cancer and breastfeeding, where lactating appeared to "flush out" carcinogens, reduce a woman's risk of the disease, New Scientist reports.

Another theory put forward by the researchers is that ejaculation may induce prostate glands to mature fully, making them less susceptible to carcinogens.

Dr Chris Hiley, head of policy and research at the UK's Prostate Cancer Charity, told BBC News Online: "This is a plausible theory."

She added: "In the same way the human papillomavirus has been linked to cervical cancer, there is a suggestion that bits of prostate cancer may be related to a sexually transmitted infection earlier in life."

Anthony Smith, deputy director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University in Melbourne, said the research could affect the kind of lifestyle advice doctors give to patients.

"Masturbation is part of people's sexual repertoire.

"If these findings hold up, then it's perfectly reasonable that men should be encouraged to masturbate," he said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3072021.stm

Hey at least oyaks is giving back to the society no?

@ betabeta

"'When a man has an emission of Fluid, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Any clothing or leather that has Fluid on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening. When a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of Fluid, both must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. (Lev 15:16-18)

Notice verse 18 deals with seminal emission during intimate intercourse, but verse 16 is speaking of a seminal emission that does not occur as a result of intercourse. If this is indeed a reference to self-service, the matter-of-fact way in which God deals with this matter certainly indicates that no feelings of shame should be attached to it. He simply said, "Go take a bath."

It seems to me that if God were really bothered by such a practice, then He missed a teachable moment here in this passage. Since He clearly condemns intimate intercourse between men in Leviticus 18:22 and says "that is detestable", I think that if He had really wanted us to avoid this particular practice, He would at least have said something like "That is disgusting" instead of "Go take a bath."

self-service has been around for a long time, and since God does not clearly condemn it, I would not be too bothered with it either. self-service is practice far more than adultery or fornication yet God is practically silent on the issue. This ought to tell you that God is not overly concern with it.

However, let me caution you against addiction to self-service. Just like most things, self-service can turn into an addiction. If you find yourself constantly—several times a day—self-servicing then you can be reasonably sure that you have a intimate addiction. Paul said, "'Everything is permissible for me'—but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor 6:12). This includes self-service. Also, you should never use Indecency to self-service, and if you are married, keep your thoughts on your wife. It is the same sin to make love to your wife while thinking about another woman as it is to self-service while thinking about another woman. Concerning single people, I have no advice other than a prohibition to Indecency.

If a believer uses self-service to alleviate intimate temptation that's far better than actually being tempted to commit fornication or adultery. I would rather have a man self-service than go to a LovePeddler.

Another thought, if self-service is sinful, then you would expect there to be bad health consequences to it, such as found in adultery, homosexuality, and fornication (diseases for one thing). Instead, research has found that self-service serves to release intimate tension. If a man is prevented from having intimate release, then the seminal fluids can back up, causing increased intimate tension and physical discomfort. It also increases the risk of prostate inflammation. This might explain why priests who practice celibacy and who view self-service as sinful have a higher rate of prostate cancer.

Since there are proven medical benefits to self-service, it is difficult to make a biblical and reasonable case against it.

Your exhortation is food for thoughts. I love your balance

Pls can sum1 pls explain II Tim. 3:2 for me?, d part dat talks about luvers of themselves, coz 2 me, it means self-service or masturbation

Joagbaje:

IT'S A MALICIOUS LIE

Firstly ,it was not a pastor who asked the question. It's a live online programme  where someone asked about mastubation. If its a sin or so and how to stop. And pastor chris made it clear that though it's not a sin agsinst God ,it's a habit,and you can stop it by just stopping todo it.



They simply have to prove from scriptures if God ever called it a sin. None have been able to do that yet. Some have called smoking a sin , taking of wine a sin etc. but these man made laws even though they are moral have no biblical backing. Pastor Chris does not support mastubation but he will still not call it a sin if God hadn't called it one. And anybody who feel its a biblical sin should simply prove it biblically. That's all.

ALL I WANTED TO SAY!

Joagbaje:

IT'S A MALICIOUS LIE

Firstly ,it was not a pastor who asked the question. It's a live online programme  where someone asked about mastubation. If its a sin or so and how to stop. And pastor chris made it clear that though it's not a sin agsinst God ,it's a habit,and you can stop it by just stopping todo it.



They simply have to prove from scriptures if God ever called it a sin. None have been able to do that yet. Some have called smoking a sin , taking of wine a sin etc. but these man made laws even though they are moral have no biblical backing. Pastor Chris does not support mastubation but he will still not call it a sin if God hadn't called it one. And anybody who feel its a biblical sin should simply prove it biblically. That's all.

Pastor Brother JoAgbaje,

I have always been monitoring your trends on NL and your defense of your faith which is okay by me. But let's call a spade a spade, Ma$turbation is a SIN whether written in the bible or not. Why do we even think it is a SIN?because "Hebrew 10:16 said This is the covenant that I will make with them in those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them".

We think it is a SIN because of the law of christ that forbids indulging in unclean things. Ma$turbation is the acts of animals see the website below, it is not good for christians to goo this way. We are not an animal?

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Do-Animals-self-service-44324.shtml

All you supporters of self-serving or masturbation, would you encourage your son or daughter to masturbate? If no! Why?

Would you tell your wife you are not in the mode for lovemaking because you have just finished masturbating? If no! Why?

Are you a sincere and faithful worshiper of God? If yes, after masturbating how is your conscience like? If troubled, why?

The simple truth is, most of us write in support of this ungodly practice because we are either ardent listeners of the said preacher or are masturbators.

Sometimes we sound hypocritical. Where is the word 'Christmass' written in the bible? Where is the word 'rapture' written in the bible? Where is the word 'purgatory' written in the bible? Where is the word 'trinity' and many other pagan-adopted unbiblical teachings written in the bible? Yet we accept them like garbage comfortably and unquestionably. Hahaha, HYPOCRITE is what we are!

The Bible's View of Self-service or Masturbation

There are those that have said that the Bible describes masturbation in Genesis chapter 38, and that Onan was put to death for the offense. But this is not true. The Bible says that when Onan "did have relations with his brother's wife he wasted his semen on the earth." (Genesis 38:9) So apparently Onan interrupted sexual relations with Tamar, spilling his semen on the ground rather than giving it to Tamar. He did this because he did not want to raise up children in the name of his dead brother. And it was for this failure to perform "brother-in-law marriage" that Onan was put to death.
Two other passages in the Hebrew Scriptures have been discussed in literature dealing with the Bible's view of masturbation. The first, Deuteronomy 23:10 and 11, tells of the situation when the Israelites were in a military encampment. According to Today's English Version, it says: "If a man becomes unclean because he has had a wet dream during the night, he is to go outside the camp and stay there. Toward evening he is to wash himself, and at sunset he may come back into camp." But what is mentioned here is not masturbation. Masturbation is defined as: "Erotic stimulation of the genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact." (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, 1981) Jehovah God so created males that, when they do not engage in sexual intercourse, they will from time to time spontaneously emit semen during sleep. This emission is often accompanied by an erotic dream, hence the expression "a wet dream." Since the emission usually occurs at night, it may also be called a "nocturnal emission."
The other passage discussing this matter is Leviticus 15:16, 17, which says: "Now in case a man has an emission of semen go out from him, he must then bathe all his flesh in water and be unclean until the evening. And any garment and any skin upon which the emission of semen gets to be must be washed with water and be unclean until the evening." Apparently this passage is not referring to masturbation. Evidently it is referring to the aforementioned "wet dream." Although the Bible mentions an 'uncleanness' in association with the emission of semen, this is a ceremonial not a moral uncleanness. This is obvious when we note in the next verse that an Israelite man and wife incurred the same uncleanness when engaging in their God-approved marital relations.

Well, then, do the Christian Greek Scriptures say anything about masturbation? No, they do not discuss the subject. Not even wet dreams are mentioned. But does that mean that the Christian Greek Scriptures give no direction in forming a proper attitude toward masturbation? No, it does not. Consider Colossians 3:5, which reads: "Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness." And 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 5 says: "Each one . . . should . . . get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those nations have which do not know God." Such counsel applies to married Christians as well as to those who are single, but even more restraint needs to be exercised by single persons since finding relief of passion by sexual relations is limited to those who are married.

Can you see that masturbation is a practice that violates the command to deaden "sexual appetite"? True, Jehovah created humans with an appetite, or desire, for sex, even as he created us with an appetite for food and drink. So the Bible is not saying that having sexual appetite is wrong, just as it does not condemn having a natural, proper appetite for food and drink. Yet we know that in our imperfect condition, appetites can get out of control. A person can come to have an inordinate desire for food or alcoholic beverages and become a glutton or a drunkard. Similarly, sex can become a chief or prominent part of a person's life, and he can thus become like people of the nations who have a "covetous sexual appetite."
A person who masturbates is putting improper emphasis on sex. He feeds and enlivens his sexual craving in a wrong way. Yet not only men are involved; there has been an increase of masturbation among women. God, however, provided humans the gift of sex to use within the arrangement of marriage. But a masturbator is using sex outside the marriage arrangement for personal gratification. Such a person needs to deaden his sexual appetite in order to please God. He needs to cultivate the self-control that is necessary to de-emphasize sex in his life and to leave his sexual organs to adjust to any pressures in the normal way.

Jesus taught: "Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28) A masturbator often has such kinds of passionate thoughts, fantasizing about having sexual relations. Such a person is certainly not living in accordance with Christ's teaching. There can be no question that these who feed their sexual appetite by masturbating are violating God's instructions to DEADEN their sexual appetite.
But how can a person deaden his sexual appetite and keep from masturbating? True, for people who have practiced this type of self-abuse, it can be a real fight to stop it. But one should not give up in the fight! With Jehovah's help, a person can succeed. He should first develop a hatred for the practice. (Psalm 97:10) Then it is vital that he make the firm determination in his mind and heart to stop masturbating. He must make it a continual subject of his prayers; then he needs to work at what he prays for. He cannot, as it were, feed the flames of passion by reading or looking at things that stir his sexual appetite. Nor can he be talking about matters that feed his inclination to masturbate. Rather, he must keep busy in theocratic pursuits and helping others spiritually, and he will receive the strength to control his sexual appetite.
There is no question about it—keeping integrity to Jehovah calls for a hard fight. But it is worth it!