For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full. — 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (WEB)
Here is one important factor in gaining victory over sin and addictions in your life. Bring every thought captive to Jesus Christ. That is probably totally impossible to do if you haven’t yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, so start there. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, and then strengthen your spirit and retrain your mind by meditating on the Word of God. You can save yourself a lot of grief, that way.
There was once a man who thought that he could battle evil thoughts in his mind with physical weapons. One time, he was so troubled by his thoughts that he started swinging an ax around wildly. It didn’t make the thoughts go away, but he accidentally lodged his ax in a friend’s head. (I’ll not tell you his name or tribe, except to say that he wasn’t in the same tribe as the gentleman in the picture, but in the same country.) Ironically, his friend was a Bible translator, working to make the Holy Bible understandable to him. The Bible translator’s wife continued the work, and this man’s language group learned the Truth of spiritual warfare from the New Testament.
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. — Ephesians 6:10-20 (WEB)