Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Week 2: Part One — Where Are We?
Read Part One, Chapters 1–2 of Every Man's Battle. Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:3; Romans 6:12-14.
Previewing Week 2 of Every Man's Battle
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
The authors begin by painting an honest and sometimes uncomfortable picture of where Christian men actually are in the area of sexual purity — not where we wish we were. Read and reflect with that same honesty.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Arterburn and Stoeker describe the widespread nature of pornography use, mental sexual fantasy, and impure habits even among churchgoing men. Were you surprised by the scope they describe, or did it confirm what you already suspected? What emotions came up?
2.The authors introduce the concept of a 'mixed standard' — where men hold a Christian belief system but live by a pagan sexual ethic. Where do you see evidence of this mixed standard in yourself, your church community, or Christian culture more broadly?
3.Fred describes the way sexual images became 'files' stored in his memory that he would return to mentally. Have you experienced the way that visual images — once seen — are nearly impossible to un-see? How has this affected your thought life?
a.What specific types of media or situations tend to 'stock' your mental files most powerfully?
b.What would it look like practically to stop adding to those files?