why does satan trouble us with the same besetting sin and old temptation?

Question

we keep on doing the old things which we know are harmful and we dont want to

Answer 1

Is it Satan that is troubling? He would have no power except we give him ground in the flesh. Our struggle is against the world, the flesh and the Devil but possibly the hardest is the struggle within, in our flesh. The flesh wars against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that we cannot do the things that we would. Victory here would make the way open to overcome the world and the Devil.

It appears from Psalm 18/23 that we all have a besetting sin, a kind of chief or principal sin which if we correctly identify and slay will also so weaken all our other sins to enable us to subdue them.

The way you speak reminds of Romans chapter 7 where the struggle which sin imposes is described and explained.

Chapter 6 gives us the way to obtain victory.

If we can but cut off the flesh through the knowledge that our old man was crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed so that we might no longer serve sin and reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, then will not God strengthen us by His power to confirm our reckoning and enable us to refuse sin and yield rather to righteousness ?

We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him.

If it were the Devil then if we but submit to God and resist him he must flee, James 4/7, though we resist firm in the faith enduring whatever afflictions we must, 1 Peter 5/9.

Either way that is the nature of our present state and we have giants to overcome who would seek to deprive us of our promised possession.
We are to be strong and of good courage, Deuteronomy 31/6 and as we commit ourselves so God will act, Joshua 3/13-16.

Answer 2

Satin has only enough power than he that had given him power and that is God the Almighty.

Man has the ability to make sound and just decisions and you must be disciplined in order to do that.

When a human ebing becomes weak and blames Satan for wrong doings it is not, it is simply their decisions not to do right.

The Devil can tempt you, but you are to decision maker that say's yes or no.

I have been tempted by lust upon many ladies that have crossed my path and they were of unrightous ways, but I still though tempted to edulge while under the influence still said no.
It was my strong will and good mind that I make just decision regardless of Satan and besides we must not put our selves in a position where that temptation is known to roam, Titty clubs, Bars, Cat Houses, the treets late at night...we are all liable for our own works so keep your life in perspective and do right and make good logivcal decisions and nothing can tempt a strong will mind.

Answer 3

Paul had the same problem. We all do. Satan knows what will tempt us and get us in trouble and he doesn't always hand us new temptations. He tempts us with what he is sure to be a sure thing.

Answer 4

>>>why does satan trouble us with the same besetting sin and old temptation?<<<

Because it works.

Answer 5

Satan knows our weaknesses and constantly tempts us to do these things all the time. That is why we need to turn to God for the strength to keep us from doing these things and to deny Satan the pleasure of watching us mess up.

Answer 6

You know I was talking with the Dark Mistress of Evil about that the other day and She said "Why stop using a winning formula, look what happened to Coca Cola!!" I could really see Her point and said "Lucy Fur, You are one smart diabolical Bitqch!!" She smiled and agreed, then we finished our tea and I had to split for a party in Philly and She left for Her penthouse in New York. Nice Girl, I wonder why She never married.

Answer 7

Proverbs 26:11, "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."

We are imperfect and Satan knows that too well. Our weakness is our inclination to sin and Satan also knows that too well thats why he uses it again and again that we may fail in giving a good name before God.

Answer 8

Well don't use Satan as your skapegoat. Your will and desire are yours. That voice in your head urging you to do things is your own, it's called instinct. Anyway, who says that "the old things" you refer to are bad? Just get over your guilt and enjoy yourself.

Answer 9

Satan is getting old.

Answer 10

Why change what works? Anyway you feel worse if its the same temptaion time and time again because you think you should be stronger and dealt with it and you haven't.