Bondage to Freedom: Conquering Lust and Sexual Strongholds, Part 3

Walking in freedom from sexual sin is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to pursuing holiness. It requires daily surrender to God. When God delivers us from bondage, we must diligently guard our hearts and minds so that we do not backslide into old patterns. As 2 Timothy 2:22 urges, we must “flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. Previously we discussed the struggle of lust, its spiritual implications, and practical and spiritual steps to break free from sexual immorality. Victory over lust is maintained by replacing old, destructive habits with godly ones, a process that becomes easier with the support of a strong community.

In this final installment, we will explore how to maintain your freedom, the importance of accountability, the Holy Spirit’s role in your transformation, and why continuous spiritual growth is key to staying free. 

Developing New Habits That Honor

Lust has an insatiable appetite that can never be satisfied. The more we feed it, the stronger it grows. But as we fill ourselves with the Word of God and nurture intimacy with Him, our desires are purified, and we begin to pursue holiness rather than sin.

We do this by filtering what we watch, listen to, and engage in. As Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

By intentionally focusing on what is pure and honorable, we train our hearts and minds to desire righteousness. Replacing destructive patterns with life-giving ones—such as choosing wholesome content, engaging in uplifting conversations, and cultivating godly relationships—our hearts are transformed, leading to true freedom.

Practical Ways to Stay Free

Just as an athlete trains to maintain peak performance, we must be diligent about protecting our spiritual freedom. Jesus reminds us in Luke 21:36: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.” Staying spiritually alert through prayer strengthens us against temptation, helping us remain steadfast in our walk with God.

Memorizing and meditating on scripture like Psalms 119:11, which says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” will ensure you are equipped for the spiritual battle.

Strategies for Maintaining Freedom

Regular Prayer: Essential for maintaining a close relationship with God, as it keeps our hearts aligned with His will. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, we are called to “pray without ceasing,” cultivating a continuous connection with Him.

Scripture Memorization: Strengthens our faith and equips us to stand firm against temptation. God’s Word is our greatest defense against sin.

Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers is needed for maintaining spiritual and mental peace. By removing temptations from our environment, we create a space that fosters righteousness.

Staying Occupied with Godly Pursuits: Engaging in godly pursuits keeps our minds and hearts focused on what is righteous. When we remain idle, we become more vulnerable to temptation, but actively seeking God’s will helps us stay on the right path.

Fleeing Temptation: Just as Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife to avoid sin in Genesis 39:12, we must be willing to take radical steps to flee temptation. Removing ourselves from compromising situations strengthens our commitment to purity and obedience to God.

God desires our sanctification—spirit, soul, and body. Avoiding sin isn’t just about saying “no” to temptation but saying “yes” to a life that honors Him.

Accountability: Walking in Light

God calls us to transparency and honesty, so we aren’t bound by our mistakes. When sin is brought into the light, it loses its power over us. The enemy wants you to feel isolated, but James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Having accountability partners who prays for you, checks in on you, and challenges you to stay pure is crucial for long-term victory.

How to Choose an Accountability Partner

Spiritual Maturity: Select someone who is rooted in their faith and committed to purity.

Trustworthiness: The person should be someone with whom you can be completely honest.

Consistency: Choose someone who checks in regularly, whether weekly or biweekly.

Firm but Loving: A good accountability partner challenges you without condemnation, offering grace while calling you to a higher standard.

What Accountability Looks Like

Honest conversations: Being open about struggles ensures growth.

Prayer Support: Praying together strengthens spiritual resilience.

Encouragement and Challenge: A good partner will encourage victories and lovingly correct missteps.

Check in During the weak Moments: Reaching out before temptation strikes can prevent a fall.

If you stumble, don’t let shame keep you trapped. I’ve been there—confident that I had moved past temptation, only to fall back into old patterns during moments of anxiety or loneliness. Instead of focusing solely on stopping sin, I shifted my focus to deepening my relationship with God. Over time, the desire to engage in sexual sin diminished.

The Holy Spirit as Your Helper

Many who have overcome struggles with lust or addiction testify that being held accountable was a turning point. However, accountability alone is not enough—we also need the Holy Spirit. Remember that God’s grace is sufficient because He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). Deliverance is not about never struggling again but about learning to run to and rely on God in times of need. 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

How the Holy Spirit Helps 

Convicts us of sin: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin by revealing areas in our lives that need to change. His guidance helps us recognize our shortcomings and turn toward righteousness.

Transforms our minds: The Holy Spirit transforms our minds by renewing our thoughts and aligning them with God’s truth. He replaces sinful desires with a longing for righteousness and holiness.

Empowers us: The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to resist temptation and stand firm in our faith. Through God’s power, we can overcome the pull of sin and walk in His righteousness.

Leads us into truth: The Holy Spirit guides us in righteousness, helping us discern God’s will and align our lives with His Word. Through the Holy Spirit, we are directed away from deception and toward the path of eternal life.

Intercedes for us: The Holy Spirit strengthens us in moments of weakness, offering prayers on our behalf when we don’t know what to say. Through the Holy Spirit, we are supported and uplifted, even in our most vulnerable times.

Walking in purity is not about striving in our own strength. True victory comes from remaining steadfast in faith. There is joy and freedom for those who live in obedience to Christ. Keep pressing forward, trusting that He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Purity cannot be achieved by willpower alone. We need God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the support of a godly community. My brothers and sisters, it is my prayer that you will keep your eyes locked on Jesus and pursue purity and righteousness.