What you see here is a shortened version of THIS article by John Piper (I recommend you read it) on desiringgod.org. – A set of strategies in the war against wrong desires, put in the form of an acronym: A N T H E M.
A – AVOID as much as is possible and reasonable the sights and situations that arouse unfitting desire: „Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness“ (2 Timothy 2:22). „Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires“ (Romans 13:14).
N – Say NO to every lustful thought within five seconds. And say it with the authority of Jesus Christ: As John Owen said, „Be killing sin or it will be killing you.“ Strike fast and strike hard. „Resist the devil, and he will flee from you“ ( James 4:7).
T – TURN the mind forcefully toward Christ as a superior satisfaction: Saying „no“ will not suffice. You must move from defense to offense. Attack the promises of sin with the promises of Christ. The Bible calls lusts „deceitful desires“ (Ephesians 4:22). They lie. Deceit is defeated by truth. We must stock our minds with the superior promises and pleasures of Jesus. Then we must turn to them immediately after saying, „NO!“
H – HOLD the promise and the pleasure of Christ firmly in your mind until it pushes the other images out: „Fix your eyes on Jesus“ (Hebrews 3:1). Hold the promise of Christ before your eyes. Hold it! Don’t let it go! Keep holding it as long as it takes. Fight! For Christ’s sake, fight till you win!
E – ENJOY a superior satisfaction. Cultivate the capacities for pleasure in Christ: If you have little taste for Jesus, competing pleasures will triumph. Plead with God for the satisfaction you don’t have: „Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days“ (Psalm 90:14).
M – MOVE into a useful activity away from idleness and other vulnerable behaviors: Find a good work to do, and do it with all your might. „Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord“ (Romans 12:11). „Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord“ (1 Corinthians 15:58).
.
buythefield 