The struggle against sin is a pervasive and enduring challenge for humanity. God did not create the deceitful and desperately wicked heart described in Jeremiah 17:9, nor did He set mankind up for failure. Instead, the corruption of human nature emerged through contact with satan, who introduced sin into the world through Adam and Eve. God permitted this temptation to occur because His purpose demands that each person voluntarily choose the path of life. The spirit He placed in Adam and Eve was described as very good, not deceitful or wicked, yet mankind became corrupted through continued interaction with satan and the worldly systems he created. Sin is far more than visible actions; it is a vast, contagious, and forceful moral disease affecting the entire human race. As Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 15:19, sin originates in the heart, the source of evil thoughts and actions, existing as a motivating influence akin to a spirit before any outward act occurs. Even the apostle Paul, long after conversion, admits in Romans 7 to the presence of carnality and sin dwelling within him, describing it as an evil force and a law that constantly influences behavior. This internal struggle is a persistent reality, never fully subdued, yet it can be dominated through closeness to God. The battle against sin is evident in the tension within each person, likened to two armies poised for conflict. This internal war, while a sign of conversion, brings anxiety and uncertainty as one is pulled between God's Spirit and human nature damaged by satan. God equips us with a new heart and spirit, granting repentance and the power to overcome, but we must respond favorably to His initiative. As Deuteronomy 30 instructs, we are to choose life by loving God, obeying His voice, and clinging to Him, recognizing that He is our life and the source of eternal promise. God acknowledges the difficulty of this pilgrimage toward holiness but assures us that His commands are achievable with the understanding, motivation, and encouragement He provides. He promises to make a way of escape and to ensure trials are not too hard, preparing us for His Kingdom through the challenges we face. The struggle against sin requires persistent faith and right choices, trusting in God's presence and forgiveness when we falter, as we strive to maintain a close, humble relationship with Him.

Sin, as an ever-present force, remains a persistent part of human life even after conversion, forgiveness, and being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It may be restrained, but its presence lingers, rooted deeply within us. The inclination to sin is not something forced upon us by external entities like satan, poor parenting, or societal pressures, though these can intensify its manifestation. The true source of sin lies within human nature itself, a nature created by God as neutral but unenlightened, with a pull toward the self and the physical rather than toward Him. This human nature, characterized by the spirit in man, lacks a natural inclination to seek the true God, being fundamentally opposed to the Spirit of God. It is not inherently evil by creation, but rather operates in darkness regarding spiritual and moral truths, making it easily influenced into sin. From the moment of birth, this nature is present, providing fertile soil for sin to take root if indulged or encouraged, dominating the individual until it enslaves them. Sin entered the world through human choice, as seen in the actions of Adam and Eve, who, despite direct interaction with God, yielded to deception and chose to sin. Their decision was not forced by satan, though his presence and influence were there. Similarly, each person chooses to sin, sometimes in ignorance, sometimes negligently, and sometimes willfully, driven by habits, inclinations, and perspectives developed over time. Even in a converted state, the struggle against sin remains intense, as it dwells within, often seeming more powerful due to heightened awareness of its presence. This battle is universal, affecting every individual regardless of background or circumstances, requiring constant effort to overcome through the power of God's Spirit. Sin affects every faculty of the mind—understanding, affections, reasoning, will, and even conscience—making the fight against it a daily reality. Ultimately, sin's potential is always within us, and while external influences may provide opportunities, no one makes us sin. It is a choice, and God's purpose is for us to choose good over sin, a struggle that demands reliance on His strength and forgiveness to overcome the old nature and reflect His holiness.

Sin is often born from the thoughts we harbor in our minds. If it is wrong to do a certain thing, it is equally wrong to dwell on thoughts of that thing. Sin begins as a temptation in the mind, where a desire or lust draws one away and entices. When that desire is conceived through persistent thought, it leads to action and breeds sin, which ultimately brings death. Many have experienced the struggle against sin, finding themselves doing what they hate and failing to do what they desire. This battle is often lost because the mind lingers on the temptation, making resistance increasingly difficult. Yet, deliverance from this struggle is possible through Jesus Christ and the indwelling power of God's Holy Spirit. Repentance means to change one's mind in respect to sin, and with the renewing of the mind through the Holy Spirit, one can walk after the Spirit of God. The way to prevent sin is to fill the mind with God's Spirit and set affection on things above, not on earthly desires. When tempted, one should replace harmful thoughts with spiritual focus, opening the Bible and studying spiritual subjects. By praying and seeking God's help, victory over temptation and sin becomes attainable, fostering remarkable spiritual and character growth.