Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
The moment you asked Jesus to come into your life, a miracle happened and you receive a new nature—the nature of God. Your identity (whether you are aware of it or not) is bound to the fact that you are now a child of God.
Romans 6:14 says that sin will not have dominion over you because you are no longer under law but are under grace. However, this isn’t automatic. You need to learn to resist the sin that pushes against you.
You are a new creation and have God’s strength and ability to help you resist. As you renew your mind with God’s Word (His values, priorities and provision), you are strengthened and empowered from within. You begin to beat break bad habits not because anything has changed externally in your life, but because you’re empowered to change from the inside out.
The sad fact is that many people think they can’t come to Christ until they break their bad habits and vices. This is backward! Accepting Christ as your Saviour is what empowers you to clean up your life! This new creation miracle is what gives you the power to change. Then, as you study God’s Word and Holy Spirit reveals truth to you, your rewired brain begins to make different choices.
Remember this nature change when you’re frustrated with yourself. You are a child of God, Holy Spirit is in you and He’s empowering you to overcome. Get your eyes on the risen Lord Jesus, on you as the new creation and not your own ability, and you will learn to walk in victory over temptations.