John Piper, in his teachings, particularly in Future Grace and various DesiringGod.org resources, emphasizes that believers can combat temptations like sexual sin by relying on God’s promises, which fuel faith and provide strength to resist sinful desires. He views these promises as assurances of God’s superior satisfaction, provision, and power, which outweigh the fleeting pleasures of sin. Below is a compilation of the types of promises Piper frequently highlights for those battling sexual sin, drawn from his writings and sermons, such as Future Grace (1995), Ask Pastor John episodes, and articles like “Six Ways to Say No to Lust” (2019):

• Promise of Greater Satisfaction in Christ: Piper often cites Psalm 16:11—“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He argues that God promises believers “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” in His presence, which surpass the temporary allure of sexual sin. In Future Grace, he writes that believing this promise helps believers treasure Christ above illicit desires, redirecting their affections to God as the ultimate source of satisfaction.
  
  
• Promise of Forgiveness and Cleansing: Piper frequently points to 1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This promise assures believers that, even when they stumble into sexual sin, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive and restore them upon repentance. In a 2020 Ask Pastor John episode addressing pornography, Piper emphasizes this promise to encourage believers not to despair but to return to God in confession, trusting His faithfulness.
  
  
• Promise of No Condemnation: Romans 8:1—“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”—is a cornerstone for Piper. He teaches that believers struggling with sexual sin can cling to this promise, knowing that Christ’s righteousness covers their failures. In Future Grace, he explains that this assurance frees believers from guilt-driven despair, empowering them to fight sin from a place of security in Christ.
  
  
• Promise of Strength to Overcome Temptation: Piper often references 1 Corinthians 10:13—“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” He encourages believers to trust that God provides a “way of escape” in moments of temptation, such as through Scripture, prayer, or accountability. In a 2015 podcast, “How Do I Battle Subtle Temptations to Lust?”, he urges believers to actively seek this escape by faith.
  
  
• Promise of God’s Presence and Help: Hebrews 13:5–6—“I will never leave you nor forsake you… The Lord is my helper; I will not fear”—is another promise Piper highlights. He teaches that God’s constant presence equips believers to resist sexual sin by relying on His strength rather than their own. In Battling Unbelief (2007), Piper connects this promise to the fight against lust, encouraging believers to trust that God is with them in the battle.
  
  
• Promise of Transformation and Renewal: Piper points to 2 Corinthians 3:18—“And we all… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”—to assure believers that God is actively working to renew their desires. In his article “Six Ways to Say No to Lust,” he emphasizes that God promises to progressively sanctify believers, reshaping their hearts to desire holiness over sin, which gives hope for long-term victory over sexual temptation.
  
  
• Promise of Eternal Reward: Piper often cites Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”—as a promise that motivates believers to pursue purity. He teaches that the eternal reward of seeing and enjoying God outweighs the temporary pleasure of sexual sin. In Future Grace, he writes that faith in future rewards empowers believers to say no to present temptations by focusing on the surpassing value of knowing Christ.

Piper’s core strategy, as articulated in Future Grace, is to “fight fire with fire” by believing God’s promises more than the false promises of sin. He encourages believers to memorize and meditate on these Scriptures, speaking them to themselves in moments of temptation to reorient their desires toward Christ. For example, in a 2019 DesiringGod.org article, he advises replacing lustful thoughts with promises like Psalm 73:25–26—“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” This practice, combined with practical steps like accountability and avoiding triggers, helps believers rely on God’s grace to overcome sexual sin.
For further exploration, Piper’s Future Grace and the Desiring God podcast episode “How Do I Battle Subtle Temptations to Lust?” (2015) provide detailed applications of these promises.