Proverbs 5 says clearly that wicked men, despite the fact that God sees all they do, and no matter how hard they try in their own strength, are trapped:

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. – Proverbs 5:22

How do we work against ourselves in this regard? Cain’s life presents a series of events that have been reproduced innumerable times over. The initial problem is given a sinful response which leads to another complicating problem, etc. the spiral downward continues. How does someone break that cycle-the downward spiral of sin upon sin?!

Answer: by responding biblically to our problems, sins, and temptations. By “taking heed according to God’s Word”, then “taking every thought [even those that have not yet been thought but could be if we respond sinfully now] captive to Christ”, and “putting off the sinful deeds of he flesh and putting on Christ.” This begins the biblical upward spiral…