3. Christians are not to be mastered by anything—that includes masturbation!
Scripture cautions us about individuals “appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature” promising “freedom” but bringing people into sexual bondage because “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Pet. 2:18-19).
We are to declare decisively and victoriously by faith: “I will not be mastered by anything!” (1 Cor. 6:12).
Jesus told us, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (Jn. 8:34); yet right before this statement He encouraged us to continue in His word to “know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:32).
One lie regarding masturbation is expressed by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. “We all have to do it. It’s part of our lifestyle, like shaving.”
Another falsehood believed by the masses is: “I’m trapped. I can’t stop. I’ll never break free. God hates me, and I know He’ll punish me. I’ve done this too much, and there’s no way that God could ever forgive me.”
Another lie: “There’s nothing sinful or harmful about masturbation. It’s just a natural way to relieve sexual tension and pleasure oneself.”
Still another lie: “Habitual masturbation is akin to the unforgivable sin. Plus it causes deafness, blindness, epilepsy, acne, brain damage, sterility and impotence. In women it damages childbearing capability.”
All of the above are biblically and/or scientifically false. Some of these myths led parents to severely beat their children if caught in the act, and others told their children that God would strike them dead like Onan (Gen. 38:8-10) for playing with themselves. [Note: For centuries people mistakenly thought the “sin of Onan” was masturbation. This narcissistic man whose older brother died without fathering any children, was covenantally responsible to produce offspring but didn’t want a child to get any inheritance before he did. So he practiced “coitus interruptus” and God put him to death for his callous selfishness.]
Because pastors and parents were misinformed and confused about what they perceived to be this “wicked vice,” they magnified this act above all others, shamed offenders and even purchased chastity belts, aluminum mitts or handcuffs to lock their children down at bedtime!
