Have you ever wondered why you keep failing the same test again and again?
Why do you keep stumbling over that one sin — the one you thought you’d be free from by now?

You’re not alone. If you’re wrestling with habitual sin — sin that “so easily besets you,” as Hebrews 12:1–2 says — you already know the struggle is real. And if you’re weak in the faith, unable to discern when temptation might arise, or feel like you’re never strong enough to choose the right path, you might wonder: Is victory even possible?

Friend, the short answer is yes. But the long answer is this: you can’t do it by your own willpower. And you can’t do it without a daily, humble dependence on the One who conquered sin on your behalf.

Let’s dig in.

What’s Really Going On with Habitual Sin?

The writer of Hebrews says it like this:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” — Hebrews 12:1–2

A besetting sin is that clingy sin. It keeps tripping you up. It’s not a random slip — it’s an area the enemy has marked; a foothold he uses to derail your walk with the Lord.

Why does it seem to come at you so fiercely right when you’re trying to walk in obedience?

Because the enemy is taking notes.

The moment God convicts you of something — and you take steps to address it and walk right with the Lord — Satan ramps up his attacks. He throws everything he can at you to discourage you, distract you, and make you believe you’ll never change.

So if you’ve ever felt like, “The moment I try to do better, it actually gets worse!” — you’re not crazy. You’re in a real spiritual battle.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

The apostle Paul knew this battle intimately:

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” — Romans 7:15, 24

Can you relate? That cycle — the promise you make to do better next time… the guilt when you fail again… the frustration that you hate this sin but can’t seem to break free…

This is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The truth is, you can’t do this in your own strength. It’s part of your sanctification — the lifelong process of God forming you into the image of His Son. It’s not for the faint of heart! But here’s the good news: this wrestling is proof that you belong to Him. If you didn’t have the Spirit, you wouldn’t even feel the tension.

When you fail, repent — and then keep walking. Every time you lean into Christ instead of your flesh, you’re growing spiritual muscles that will be stronger for the next test.

How Do You Walk by the Spirit Instead of the Flesh?

Scripture gives us the clear direction we need:

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:25

“…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires… and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:22–24

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

In other words, it’s not just about stopping bad behavior — it’s about walking by the Spirit.
How?

• Stay surrendered — make a daily decision to remain obedient and invite the Holy Spirit to rule your thoughts, words, and actions.
• Set healthy boundaries — don’t put yourself in situations where you’re tempted to do the opposite of God’s Word.
• Get honest with God — when temptation creeps in, call it what it is. Confess. Ask Him for the strength to flee.

Remember: this is about His strength, not yours.

It’s God’s Strength — Not Yours

The world says, “Try harder! Push through! Use willpower!” But the Bible says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Your victory doesn’t come from your grit. It comes from the One who lives in you. Prayer is your weapon. Just like the armor of God, prayer is a tool you can’t afford to neglect. Ask Him daily to search your heart like David did: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” — Psalm 139:23–24

God wants to shape your heart and your desires to match His.

Don’t Fight Alone — Get Accountability

Besetting sin loves secrecy. That’s why it thrives when you’re isolated. Hebrews 3:13 says, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

You need people you trust who will pray with you, check on you, and call you out when needed. Find a spiritual mentor or trusted friend to stand in the gap with you. When you’re isolated, the enemy’s attacks feel more powerful. But when you have a “buddy system,” it’s harder for him to pick you off.

Kill the Sin — Don’t Manage It

Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away… And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” — Matthew 5:29–30

That’s not about self-harm — it’s about radical, ruthless action. Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” This isn’t a mountain to climb — it’s a beast to slaughter. You don’t coddle it, negotiate with it, or “try to do better.” You kill it — daily — by the Spirit’s power.

You’re Not Hopeless — Victory Is Possible

If you feel weak in the faith, if you feel like you can’t discern temptation until it’s too late, if you’re not strong enough to choose the right path — take heart. You’re not meant to win this fight alone. God knows you’re in a battle between your flesh and the Spirit. He also knows that the battle is shaping you. Every moment you run to Him instead of your sin, you’re growing stronger. So keep showing up. Keep confessing. Keep praying. Keep killing the sin.

Here’s Your Invitation

You can’t fix yourself by yourself. No amount of willpower, good intentions, or self-help can break the power of sin over your life. Only Jesus can do that. Only Jesus can fix you and break the power of sin over your life. And He did that on the cross at Calvary. When He died and rose again, He made a way for you to be forgiven, set free, and made new. So come just as you are. Lay down your struggle, your shame, and your sin at His feet. Let Jesus do what only He can do: break every chain and give you a brand-new life. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

Today is your day of freedom!