“Just say NO.” It’s that easy. You are human. You have the power within yourself to choose either “yes” or “no.” That ability gives you access to freedom. Is that really true? Here’s what the Bible says.

“I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
(Romans 7:14-16, The Message)

Distractions, blind alleys, seductive invitations, over-extending purchases, revenge—no matter what is on our list of enticements, humanism declares we, in our own strength, can just say “no.” Say “no” to following our impulses, appetites, whims, and temptations. But the truth is: all of us are damaged by sin and filled with unreliable guides to in making decisions and acting on them. We need something more.

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. (Romans 7:17-23, The Message)

Sounds hopeless, doesn’t it? If we find it impossible to decide and follow up on our own decisions, what hope is there?

I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope.
Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does.
He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
(Romans 7:24-25, The Message)

Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God. (Hebrews 6:1-3, The Message)

The answer is the Gospel message. Jesus Christ came to earth, became one of us while being God, and paid for all of our sins. Then He rose from the dead, and sent the Holy Spirit to live in all who believe. It is in His power, sttrength, and authority that our lives are changed.

Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself. (Hebrews 7:23-25, The Message)