“Without Me you can do nothing.” – Jesus
We cannot overcome sin by ourselves. We must humble ourselves and have recourse to God immediately in every temptation. This pleases God. We can be sure that God will reward our perseverance with eventual success, keeping in mind that “Love is sanctity” (Jesus to Sr. Consolata Betrone). God values humility (a necessary virtue for our salvation*) so highly that we will often struggle with a particular sin until we have learnt humility.
For how to overcome particular temptations, I suggest reading the book ‘Voice of the Saints’ by Francis W. Johnston. The saints tell us, for example, that in order to overcome impurity, we MUST ask God for this grace, and we must fast. St. Philip Neri says the following (not found in the book, however):
“Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to the Blessed Virgin are not simply the best way, but in fact the only way to keep purity. At the age of twenty, nothing but Communion can keep one’s heart pure . . . Chastity is not possible without the Eucharist.”
– St. Philip Neri
– St. Philip Neri
* At least, insofar as it is necessary to acknowledge our unworthiness before God and therefore ask for His mercy.