Six steps to overcome sin

As mentioned already, overcoming the temptation to watch pornography can seem like an impossible task as the desire is so strong. King Hezekiah also faced what seemed like an impossible task in defending Jerusalem against an Assyrian invasion.

Although this was a real historical event, it was also an allegory of the battle that we all face against sin. The steps that Hezekiah takes provide a wonderful example that you can learn from in your battle against pornography, and any other temptations that you may face.

Before going any further you should take some time now to read the record of the impending siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians in 2 Chron 32, Isaiah 36 and 2 Kings 19. Each of these records add some additional detail, so it is worth reading all three. Once you have read them all through, move on to the next section below.

When you look at the history of the Assyrian empire you see that having them turn up on your doorstep was no laughing matter. When they arrived at Jerusalem they were undefeated. No other nation had been able to resist them, and those that tried were mercilessly and cruelly destroyed.

Despite the seemingly impossible nature of the challenge he faced, Hezekiah put his trust in God and took six key steps to help in the battle against ‘king sin’ that he faced.

1. He laid the problem out before God (2 Kings 19:14)
2. He exhorted the people to trust in God (2 Chron 32: 7-8)
3. He stopped the water supplies outside the city (2 Chron 32:4)
4. He built up the walls of defence (2 Chron 32:5)
5. He commanded the people to remain silent and not negotiate (2 Kings 18: 31-32)
6. He took counsel (2 Chron 32: 3)

This list isn’t laid out in the exact chronological order that Hezekiah did things, but we have put the steps that involved God first. In the battle that you face you really need God’s help, so that is probably the best place to start.

That being said, the order we will work through these steps is by no means an inspired ordering of things, and you might find it useful to work through in a different order, or work on certain steps concurrently.

It may also be that you don’t find the use of this allegory helpful in your situation. If that is the case, feel free to move on to some of the other suggestions and resources that are linked from the main menu above.