In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and biblical counselor Deepak Reju to discuss his book, Pornography: Fighting for Purity. During the conversation, Deepak explains what makes porn addiction a form of "voluntary slavery," unpacking the various heart struggles that can tempt men and women to become habitual viewers. Deepak also helps listeners discern what it looks like to "coddle" porn addiction, highlights the importance of radical corrective action, outlines what to look for in an accountability partner, and encourages strugglers to remember their identity in Christ when facing discouragement in the battle for heart change.
The natural human tendency is to seek a way out by depending on yourself. I made this mess, so I'll fix it. You read books, go to church, implement monitoring software, and find accountability. While these are all fine things to do, they are not enough if you profess Christ. Fix-it strategies put the full weight and responsibility on your shoulders, and as you will find out, that's not a sustainable plan. It might help you temporarily, but it won't get you to the finish line.
About the Podcast
The Hope + Help Project podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The purpose of the podcast is to share Christ-centered comfort and clarity for those seeking biblical solutions for the struggles they face. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell.
About the Guest
Deepak Reju serves as the Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Families at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Deepak does individual and couples counseling, leads groups, develops the vision for the counseling ministry, and supervises the counseling team. He did his theological training at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Ph.D.). Deepak and his wife, Sarah, have been married since 2001 and have five children. He is the author of On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church and The Pastor and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need.
About the Book
Pornography: Fighting for Purity • It’s a daily struggle—a war—you know all too well. You have tried to untangle yourself from pornography addiction, but nothing seems to work or last and now you feel trapped in a 'voluntary slavery.' Is there any hope?
Deepak points out that pornography is a worship problem—a life of purity is part of the overall race of faith, and the sin of lust can be fought only with a greater love for Christ. This devotional gives you the encouragement & preparation you need for the war being waged for your soul every day.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
Deepak points out that pornography is a worship problem—a life of purity is part of the overall race of faith, and the sin of lust can be fought only with a greater love for Christ. This devotional gives you the encouragement & preparation you need for the war being waged for your soul every day.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
Helpful Resources from Deepak
The War for Your Soul
Peter asked the Christians of his day to refrain from the selfish passions of their sinful nature. Surrounded by the ungodly practices and customs of unbelievers, the Christians were to live as sojourners or exiles. They didn’t belong, and so their lifestyle was supposed to look different. The same goes for you—this world is not your home, and the practices of this world, such as the destructive habit of pornography and masturbation, should be foreign to you as a Christian. But, alas, they are not.
How Can You Be Satisfied on Valentine’s Day (And for the Rest of Your Life)?
Take all your thirsts, all your desires that you want to be satisfied. Take that thirst for a spouse and children, thirst for love and companionship, thirst for future security and acceptance. Recognize that securing a spouse might alleviate your thirst for a time, but you will be thirsty again. Nothing that this world has to offer, no matter how good the desire may seem, can satisfy your deepest need—your need for Christ. Stop setting your heart on the water that won’t satisfy, and turn your affections to Christ.
Don’t Marry Your Dreams
If you are dating someone, do the hard work now by praying, having significant conversations, and getting help from your pastor, family, and church community. That way, if you find your boyfriend getting down on one knee and holding out an engagement ring, you can be certain about marrying him. Marriage, when built on godly foundations which you can enter into with great confidence, is a wonderful thing.
About Your Host
Christine M. Chappell
Author • Writer • Podcast Host
Christine is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart, Help! My Teen is Depressed, Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder (forthcoming with Shepherd Press in early 2021), and Midnight Mercies: Hope for the Dark Hours of Motherhood (forthcoming with P&R Publishing in fall 2021.) She hosts IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast and is passionate about advocating for biblical one-another care and discipleship in the context of the local church. Her writing has been featured at Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, and other Christian platforms. Christine blogs regularly at christinemchappell.com and lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children.
Recently on The Hope + Help Project Podcast
Click to learn more about my weekly resources.
Every week, a different topic.
Carefully curated Christ-centered resources designed to equip you to face life's spiritual challenges with courage and clarity.
Helpful for sufferers, strugglers, and supporters alike.
Click the picture to the left, or the mail icon above to learn more about my weekly deliveries.
Or, if you know you want to receive them already–complete the form below.
Helpful for sufferers, strugglers, and supporters alike.
Click the picture to the left, or the mail icon above to learn more about my weekly deliveries.
Or, if you know you want to receive them already–complete the form below.
