Jesus taught His disciples to “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).

We are often brought to our knees after losing a battle. But we need to fall to our knees before the battle begins.

Too often we declare a truce with sin. We tolerate unrighteousness and let it claim more territory in our lives and in our homes.

Jesus says, “Don’t give up! Pray for God’s help.” Some readers will be suspicious of this because they’ve heard “Just read the Bible and pray, and that will solve everything.” No, it won’t solve everything, but nothing will be solved without it. Jesus knew what He was talking about. So did James.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Would God tell you to abstain from impurity if that were impossible?

Many men have been defeated so long they think victory is impossible. They’ve given up. That guarantees they’ll go right on losing. But God calls us and empowers us to be overcomers (see Revelation 3:5)—those who experience victory over sin.

An overcoming friend told me, “People never change until it hurts them less to change than to stay the same.” Many Christian men—most of whom had to become desperate first—are in sexual-addiction recovery groups that have been great instruments of change in their lives. Tens of thousands of people are living proof that victory over sexual temptation is possible. And frankly, we need to hear their stories in our churches, to glorify God and bring this message of hope.

Likewise, many non-Christian men have achieved significant freedom through the secular program Sexaholics Anonymous, which uses the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. If men without Christ have made such radical changes (by affirming many biblical principles, certainly), how dare we imagine that the Spirit of God cannot do far more in believers He indwells and empowers?

If someone put a gun to your head and said he would pull the trigger if you looked at pornography, would you do it? No? Then you don’t have to. You just keep putting yourself and your eyes in the wrong place. This is where you must learn to correct your wrong thinking with God’s truth, saying no to your impulses and cultivating new ones.

You can turn it off, walk out, shut your eyes. You don’t have to click on that link. You don’t have to fondle that person or allow him or her to fondle you. There’s an alternative.

Draw upon your supernatural resources (see 2 Peter 1:3–4).

“For the grace of God that brings salvation... teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11–12).

This is all about the great themes of Scripture: redemption and grace. Our sexual struggles should remind us of our need for grace and empowerment—and make us long for our ultimate redemption (see Romans 7:7–25).

If a lifetime of purity seems inconceivable to you, commit yourself in twenty-four-hour increments. Do you want freedom from the actions and obsessions of lust? Get help. Be wise. Avoid temptation. Go to Christ. Experience His sufficiency. Draw on His power.

And when the first twenty-four hours are over, and you’ve tasted of the Lord and seen He is good (see Psalm 34:8), commit to the next twenty-four hours. Depend on Him one day at a time.

Never underestimate Christ. Sin is not more powerful than God. Don’t imagine there can’t be victory until we get to Heaven. God says otherwise. We’re not to wait for victory. We’re to live in it (see 1 John 5:4).