I know that a fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23) and that it is a promise realized through working faith (2 Peter 1:4-8; James 2:20).
I know that I will never be tempted beyond my ability to resist and that God will always provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). My challenge is to choose to resist and then to open my eyes to see the way of escape.
I know that God, through the intercession of Jesus, has given me the Helper (Holy Spirit) (John 14:16, 15:26) and power within (Ephesians 3:20).
I may or may not be able to overcome sinful desires on my own, but I know that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
I know that I am imperfect and weak, but it is that very weakness and sinfulness that facilitates God's power working in/through me (2 Corinthians 4:7, 12:9).
I know that I possess the power to influence others either for bad (1 Corinthians 5:6; 15:33) or for good (1 Corinthians 7:16; Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 3:1-2).
I know that I am made in God's image (Genesis 1:26) and I have been given the power of choice to do good or evil (Deuteronomy 30:15-19; Joshua 24:15). I know that God has given even the pagan a degree of power and capability (Genesis 11:6).
I believe that God expects me to use the innate power He created in me to gain mastery over sin. Cain was told by God to "mashal" (to rule, to reign, to manage, to have dominion) over sin in Genesis 4:7. The same verbal root is used in Proverbs 16:32 signifying the exercise of self-control/self-discipline. If God has not embodied man with the requisite power/ability how could a loving God expect man to comply with the commandment?
Henry Ford was reported to have said "If you think you can or think you can't, you're right." I don't know about Ford's theology, but I believe he was right based upon Proverbs 23:7. I know that if I think I am powerless then I am. I also know that if I believe that God has given even unbelievers the power of choice then I have the power to choose the paths I wish to travel. And I have chosen to walk in the light as a child of God. That means that I have the power to use the power that God has invested in me through the workings of the Holy Spirit! The question is whether I will use it, not whether I have it.