Dr. Jim opens Romans 13 to tackle “besetting sin”—the stubborn patterns we can’t seem to shake. He explains how secret sin thrives on three ingredients—isolation, accessibility, and desire—and lays out two immediate biblical antidotes: walk honestly “as in the day” (bring it into the light with the right people) and “make not provision for the flesh” (cut off access). He previews the third piece for lasting change—“put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ”—pointing to supernatural transformation of desires. 

Topics Discussed

• What a “besetting sin/stronghold” is and why it persists. 
• The three ingredients of ongoing defeat: isolation, accessibility, desire. 
• Romans 13:12–14: casting off works of darkness; walking honestly; putting on Christ; making no provision for the flesh. 
• Getting out of secrecy: honesty with parents/pastor and accountability that actually helps. 
• Cutting access: practical, sometimes drastic steps to remove triggers and opportunities. 
• Hope for changed desires through “putting on” the Lord Jesus Christ (teaser for part two). 

Key Takeaways

• Decisions set direction, not perfection. A real decision changes your trajectory even if you’re still growing. 
• Strongholds need light. “Walk honestly as in the day”—tell the right spiritual authorities; secrecy keeps you stuck. 
• Starve the flesh. Don’t “make provision” for the flesh—remove apps, change routes, surrender devices at night, switch roles—whatever it takes. 
• Desire can change. The ultimate cure is to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”; the Spirit can reshape what you want (developed in the next session).