How can I overcome repeated sin habits?

Let me tell you something. As an average believer, I never believed I would repeat a sin more than once. I mean, I love God too much to hurt Him. But I found myself asking God for forgiveness for the same error repeatedly. I was frustrated with my inability to overcome the same sin. I would promise, swear never to default again, but as soon as I was done promising, I was back at it again. When I made those promises, I felt confident that I wouldn’t have to go back to ask God for forgiveness. I had lied.

Meanwhile, each time, I would give God excuses why I couldn’t stop offending Him. I would beg Him to give me one more chance, and one more chance often turned to multiple chances.

Since I love the Lord and I know sin hurts Him, who would help me? What was I doing wrong? Are these some of the questions that flood your heart? I know of a man named Paul in the Bible who had the same struggle. He complained bitterly of the struggles between his flesh and spirit. He overcame; you can too.

I need you to understand some things as you read through this lesson.

• Contrary to how powerful or strong we think we are, don’t forget that we are human. You are human and as long as you remain one, you will err. But the best part is that God knows this as well. Place your cursor over this Scripture- Psalm 103:14-15.
• You cannot overcome sin in your strength. Never. “By strength shall no man prevail” is what the Scripture says (1 Samuel 2:9).
• You need God’s help and grace to overcome sin (2 Corinthians 12:9).
• Sin destroys. It separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). The enemy wants us away from God’s covering so he can strike.

So how can you overcome a recurring sin?

• Identify and remove the trigger. Every sin has a trigger. Once you identify it, make plans to remove such triggers or separate yourself from the trigger. If your friend is the trigger, stay away from that friend. Got it? Porn, a particular spot, whatever it is, you have to stay clear of that temptation. Don’t go there assuming you will be fine. Human nature is not reliable; we are prone to temptation. Let me tell you what I tell my mentees: it is practically impossible to overcome sin or a temptation at the point of the temptation. The battle must be won beforehand. Remember, the flesh is weak and will always be weak. The rule is: STAY AWAY, FLEE, RUN. 
• Study the Word of Godconcerning that particular sin. Read everything you can find and meditate on it. This will prepare you and your spirit for the battle. There’s a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit. You must feed the Spirit to win any battle. Read Psalm 119:11.
• Spend time in God’s presence. The more you do this, the more you will grow to dislike sin. When a believer lacks God’s presence, the desire to sin increases.
• With a willing heart,cry to God for help. Ask for His mercy and grace. Ask Him to keep you from sinning against Him. Notice I didn’t put prayer first. While prayer is vital, to overcome a besetting sin, you need to watch then pray. Praying alone won’t help you.
• Seek helpfrom a trusted friend or mature Christian. Pray before you approach anyone so that God can lead you to the right person. Discuss your struggles with this person and seek their help to hold you accountable (James 5:16).

A self-check– Are you really willing to let that sin go? Most times we enjoy the temporal pleasure that sins give us, forcing us to hold on to them, even though we know it’s dangerous. In short, be willing and ready to overcome this habitual sin.

God knows your struggles and the more you yield to Him, the more He molds you into His masterpiece.

Say this prayer: “Through the power of the Spirit of God, I put to death the works of sin in my life. I receive the power for holiness and the desire to please God. Amen.”

Let us know if you need us to mentor you. We are in this together!