Question: Dear Mr. McLemore, I feel very discouraged, because I keep giving in to the same temptations. Why can’t I resist, and what can I do?

Answer: I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:13-15, and Ephesians 2:1-10. You are not alone, for many, if not most, of us struggle with the same kind of discouragement time and again. James and Paul teach us that our desires are the chief concern as we struggle against sin and the primary culprit whenever we experience failure. In light of this teaching, the most urgent thing to do is to change our desires. We must concentrate upon putting to death (Colossians 3:5ff.) the desires that the evil one uses to draw us into temptation. It seems reasonable to me that the surest way to eliminate these desires is to intensify our good desires and consciously and continually to focus upon them. If we are ever to overcome the flesh, we must desire more than anything else the holiness required for fellowship with God. God promises faithfully to help us face our temptations and to provide a way of escape. Always trust in him to deliver you (Matthew 6:13).