Mike Signorelli - Is MASTURBATING A Sin?
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Summary:
Pastor Mike addresses the question of whether masturbation is a sin, explaining that the Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn it—no verse directly denounces the act itself, like in the stories of Onan or Jesus' words about lust. But he stresses that it’s almost impossible to separate masturbation from lust, and more importantly, if it’s controlling you or wired to porn, it’s keeping you from God’s best, like self-control and real covenant relationship. In the end, if the Holy Spirit is convicting you about it, that’s your answer, and true freedom comes from not being mastered by it.
Introduction: Why I’m Talking About This
Masturbation. Somebody just grabbed their phone and turned the volume down as fast as they could. I’m Pastor Mike, and I’m going to teach what the Bible actually says about masturbation. I can’t believe I’m doing this video; I’m going to try to do this as quickly as I can. So let’s look at what the Bible actually says—or doesn’t say—about masturbation because many people want to know, «Can I do it? Is it sin? Is it wrong to do?» There are a lot of videos out there about that, but I know you guys come here because you trust my interpretation of the Word.
Genesis 38: The Story of Onan
Okay, so Genesis chapter 38. You’ve got this guy, Onan—I think I’m saying his name right—and there’s a description of him spilling his seed on the floor. Please do not laugh like a middle schooler. Some people say, «Well, he was judged by God because he spilled his seed on the floor, » which, in other words, means he masturbated, and he shouldn’t have done that. Now, actually, the true context of Genesis chapter 38 is that he was in rebellion against God, and that’s why judgment came upon him.
Most biblical scholars believe that this is not an indicator of an explicit condemnation of masturbation. I can’t believe I just made that alliterate; I’m super embarrassed right now, but I’m going to keep going.
Matthew 5: Lust and the Right Hand
Okay, so a second passage that people quote is Matthew chapter 5, verses 27 through 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.» You know, while there is clearly a connection here between lustful thoughts and masturbation, here’s the thing: Was Jesus explicitly talking about masturbation? I think this scripture, and most biblical scholars agree, has much more of a broader implication of lust. Okay? Nowhere in the Bible will you find a scripture, a verse, that just denounces masturbation.
The Real Issue: Lust and Conviction
But I do want to say this: It’s very difficult to disconnect the act of masturbation from sin because lust accompanies that action. So you know, everybody always wants to know, «Pastor Mike, is this a sin or is it not a sin?» While the Bible does not clearly answer every single one of those questions, there are biblical principles. Okay, I’ll put it like this: Let’s just make it plain. If you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit and you are asking the question, you already have the answer. It’s that simple. I want to know in the comments if you agree with what I just said.
Common Arguments: Safe Sex or Preparation for Marriage?
Now, there are other people who say, «Well, it’s safe sex; it’s sex with myself; it’s a way to remain celibate.» But I do want to say this because I am going to kind of continue with this video in a way that helps you get a better understanding of God’s heart. If you get accustomed to satisfying yourself on demand and think that this is better preparation for marriage, where you have to interact with another human being and have to sexually satisfy each other, you’re out of your mind.
The Link to Porn and Real-Life Consequences
I’m going to tell you straight up: There is a direct correlation between porn consumption and masturbation.
I personally counsel so many leaders in the local church around the world who have erectile dysfunction as the result—not of a hormone imbalance, not of any physical biological reason—other than porn-induced, porn and masturbation-induced erectile dysfunction. What does that mean? It means they got married and they are so used to having sex with a screen that they cannot have sex with their spouse. Because here’s the thing about the way the human brain works: You wire your brain up; right? There’s an impulse, there’s a stimulus, and then there’s a reward pathway. Right? You know famously Pavlov’s dogs: You ring the bell, and every time they ring the bell, they give the dogs a treat. Then eventually they rang the bell and didn’t give a treat, but the dog salivated because there was a reward pathway in the brain.
So what happens is if your version of sex is always connected to a screen and to yourself, and you’re saying, «God, bring me a mate, » you’re not ready for that. Matter of fact, you may encounter porn-induced or masturbation and porn-induced erectile dysfunction.
God’s Best vs. Settling
Okay, so everything that does not come from God is sin. Romans chapter 14, verse 23 says that, and so we’ve got to be fully convicted: «God, is this your best or am I settling?» Some of you are settling for something that’s not God’s best. God wants you to—if you don’t have the gift of singleness—be in a loving, covenantal, committed relationship with someone. Stop settling for something that is not God’s best.
Self-Control as Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians chapter 5, verse 22—you know I had to go there—it says the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Okay? So if masturbation is mastering you, then you have two masters: God and your sexual impulses. The Bible says you can’t serve two masters; you’ll either love the one or you’ll hate the other and despise the other. So what does that mean? If you don’t have self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit, and you feel like you have to do it, and you’re being mastered by masturbation, then you need freedom. Okay? It’s pretty clear to see that.
Closing Challenge and Invitation
So, here’s the thing: This is a short video. I wanted to speak into this issue because so many people ask me the question. So here’s what I’m asking you: Did you learn something? Were there some points I made that you’re like, «You know what? I kind of knew that, but you just confirmed it.» Are there some things I said where, like, «Pastor Mike, you brought the biblical and the biological together. I am so thankful for you being that kind of pastor.» Let me know in the comments right now. And here’s the thing: I want you to subscribe to my channel because I am giving biblical answers to questions that plague so many people. When you subscribe, you’re joining a community. I’m not trying to build an audience; I’m trying to build an army. The enemy will try to keep you powerless; he’ll try to keep you condemned. Those are the things that masturbation produces in the lives of Christians that I mentor and disciple. They feel condemned; they feel powerless, and God does not want you going through life like that.
So let’s take some territory! Hit that subscribe button, join this family, hit the thumbs up right now. So, this video — awkward as it was-I know you had to listen in headphones. I know I’m a grown man with a wife and kids, and this was crazy, but I went there for you. So hit the thumbs up and let me know if this video helped you.