Last Sunday, I preached from Matthew 5:27-30 on battling sinful desires. At the end of the sermon, I mentioned the A.N.T.H.E.M. strategy for fighting lust. I originally encountered this strategy about 17 years ago. It has been incredibly helpful. Here is the basic outline of the strategy with a link to the original article from John Piper (Desiring God Ministries):

  • A – Avoid as much as is possible and reasonable the sights and situations that arouse unfitting desire.
  • N – Say “No” to every lustful thought within five seconds.
  • T – Turn the mind forcefully to Christ as a superior satisfaction
  • H – Hold the promise and the pleasure of Christ firmly in your mind until it pushes the other images out.
  • E – Enjoy a superior satisfaction.
  • M – Move into a useful activity away from idleness and other vulnerable behaviors.

To read the entire article, check out the original article here.