Watchtower Study, “Article 35”, Week of November 3-9, 2025, How to Win the Battle Against Wrong Desires, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 35”, November 3-9, 2025, How to Win the Battle Against Bad Desires, Answers.

“Do not let sin continue to reign in your mortal bodies so that you have to obey its desires” (ROM. 6:12).

1. What struggle do we all have?

We know that we all face similar struggles, because the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation has overtaken us except what is common to all mankind. This assures us that we are not alone, nor are we the only ones who experience desires contrary to God.

Furthermore, Jehovah offers us his help to endure. He knows our weaknesses and wants to strengthen us so that we can be victorious. This reminder frees us from discouragement, for if other brothers and sisters are also struggling and Jehovah is willing to assist us, we can be confident that, with his help, we can indeed win the battle against those wrong desires.

2. What temptations might some Christians and Bible students be facing? (See also the pictures.)

The article points out that we are not all tempted by the same things. Some experience immoral desires toward someone of the opposite or same sex. Others struggle with attraction to pornography, and some may struggle with relapsing into drug use or excessive alcohol consumption.

Every struggle is personal, and even if someone has overcome a habit, they may still feel the urge to relapse. Just as Paul said, “When I want to do what is right, evil is right there with me,” we too can experience the power of an evil desire, even when we want to do good. Knowing that temptation is different for everyone helps us avoid comparing ourselves to others or underestimating ourselves.

ILLUSTRATION

A temptation can appear at any time and in any place. (See paragraph 2).

3. What might someone begin to feel who is struggling over and over again with the same evil desire?

When you repeatedly struggle with the same bad desire, it's natural to feel discouraged, as if you lack strength or as if simply having that desire proves that you don't please Jehovah. But the article clarifies that these negative feelings have an origin and do not reflect reality.

This study explores two key questions: Where do these feelings come from? And how can we overcome this struggle? By understanding their origin—Satan and inherited sin—and applying clear principles of resistance, we can achieve victory. The purpose of this article is to answer these two questions to offer light and hope to those who feel discouraged.

HOW SATAN WANTS US TO FEEL

4. a) What does Satan want us to think?

When we face temptation, Satan tries to plant the idea in our minds that we are weak and won't have the strength to resist it. He wants to convince us that we will inevitably succumb and do something wrong. This strategy aims to weaken us spiritually from the start.

4. b) Why are we sure that we have the strength to resist evil desires?

We can be confident that we do have the strength to endure, because the Bible declares at Philippians 4:13: “I have strength for all things through him who gives me power.” Jehovah will not leave us alone; he strengthens those who trust in him.

Furthermore, Jesus’ teaching, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one,” acknowledges that we can ask for divine intervention. If Jehovah were confident that we could follow him without falling into temptation, he would not encourage us to pray in that way. In fact, he himself anticipated our ability to resist. Therefore, he is convinced of our strength when we rely on his help.

5. How do we know that Jehovah is sure that we can win the battle against wrong desires?

Jehovah demonstrates his confidence that we can overcome wrong desires by promising that a great faithful crowd will survive the great tribulation and enter the new world, clothed in long white robes, symbolizing their purity before him. That promise is based on his infallible knowledge and justice. He would not ask for something impossible.

If Jehovah did not believe we were capable, he would not have assured us that many would be able to remain faithful. The fact that God himself offers such a promise and does not lie is proof that he is convinced we can resist wrong desires with his support.

6, 7. What else does Satan want us to believe?

Strengthening our friendship with Jehovah is key, because that relationship motivates us to avoid anything that could harm it. Wrong desires often begin in the heart, and only if our heart is filled with love for Jehovah will we be able to resist them.

By drawing closer to him through prayer, personal study, and meditation, his spirit helps us to have self-control and discernment so as not to fall.

Furthermore, the more we understand how much Jehovah loves us, the stronger our desire to please him becomes. Thus, instead of focusing only on not sinning, we concentrate on keeping our friendship with him alive, which motivates us from the heart to do what is right.

HOW INHERITED SIN CAN MAKE US FEEL

8. What else might make us believe that we do not have God’s approval or the strength to resist wrong desires? (Psalm 51:5; see also “Key Idea”).

Besides Satan, another factor that can make us believe we lack strength or approval is the sin inherited from Adam and Eve. That sin, passed on to all humanity, causes us to be born with imperfect tendencies.

The Bible, in Psalm 51:5, sums it up by saying, “I was sinful at birth.” That inheritance inclines us toward evil desires, even against our will.

This inner influence can reinforce feelings of guilt or insecurity, making us feel inadequate to resist or that, by having these desires, we are already out of God's favor. But even though we inherit imperfection, we are not condemned if we cling to God and act courageously.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

We also inherit imperfection from Adam, which inclines us toward wrong desires, even unwillingly. This inheritance can make us feel weak or unworthy of Jehovah’s approval. But even though the inclination is there, we are not obligated to act on it. As long as we struggle and do not give in, we remain clean before God.

9, 10. a) How did Adam and Eve feel when they became imperfect beings? (See also the picture.)

When Adam and Eve sinned, they felt guilty; they felt anxiety, insecurity, and shame. They hid from God and tried to cover their nakedness, which symbolized their inner shame and guilt.

The book Insight explains that imperfection introduced those feelings and compares them to a house in which they could move around, but from which they could not leave.

That reaction shows us that, by becoming imperfect, they experienced deep negative emotions related to their conscience and their relationship with Jehovah.

9, 10. b) How do we feel because of imperfection?

We too inherited that imperfection, and so we feel guilt, anxiety, insecurity, and shame. The Bible teaches in Romans 5:14 that sin continues to exert a strong influence, even on those who did not sin exactly as Adam did.

However, unlike Adam and Eve, we have a way out: Christ’s ransom, which brings forgiveness and a clean conscience. So, even though we may have negative emotions because of our inherited imperfection, we must not let that lead to discouragement or to thinking that we cannot please Jehovah.

ILLUSTRATION

Adam and Eve, dressed in long skin garments, leave the Garden of Eden in shame.

After Adam and Eve sinned, they felt guilt, anxiety, insecurity, and shame. (See paragraph 9.)

11. If we feel that we do not have the strength to resist evil desires, what does Romans 6:12 remind us of?

When we hear inner voices telling us that we have no strength, let us remember what Romans 6:12 says: “Do not let sin reign in your mortal bodies so that you obey its desires.”

This means that, even though we may have inclinations, we are not obligated to obey them. We have the capacity to decide not to act on our desires.

Furthermore, the Bible says: “Walk by spirit and you will not fulfill any desire of the flesh.” Jehovah would not ask for something impossible. So we can resist, reject the impulse, and live according to the spirit, not according to fleshly desires.

12. What should we do if we feel that Jehovah will not give us his approval, and why?

If we hear the voice that says Jehovah will not approve of us for having what we consider a wrong desire, we must reject it. Jehovah understands that we are born imperfect. He knows everything about our condition and the inclinations we suffer from.

As long as we fight against those desires and don't act on them, we will remain pure in his sight. God's approval doesn't depend on never having temptations, but on our fighting spirit and faithfulness. He knows our failings, but he also values ​​our effort to resist.

13, 14. Why do we know that Jehovah does not withdraw his approval from us just because we have a wrong desire?

The Bible clearly distinguishes between having an evil desire and acting on it. We don't always control what we desire, but we do control what we do. In the example of Corinth, some had practiced homosexuality, but they did their best to control themselves.

That does not mean that they never felt those desires again, but the point is that, if they did not commit them and showed self-control, they had been cleansed and received Jehovah's approval.

Therefore, no matter what desire we struggle against, we can reject it. We may not eliminate the inclination, but we can exercise self-control and not fulfill the desires of the flesh or of the mind, as we see in Ephesians 2:3.

HOW TO WIN THE BATTLE

15. If we want to win the battle against evil desires, why do we have to be honest with ourselves?

To begin winning this battle, we must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge our weaknesses. Let's avoid deceiving ourselves with false reasoning that justifies our desires as stronger than those of others or blaming external circumstances.

If we minimize the problem or make excuses for it, we make it easier to give in to temptation. Taking personal responsibility, without blaming others or deceiving ourselves, is essential.

Only in this way can we better identify our weaknesses and strengthen our spiritual defenses. Recognizing our own weaknesses does not defeat us, but rather prepares us to work on overcoming them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Because, to fight effectively, we need to clearly see where we are vulnerable. If we deceive ourselves with excuses, we weaken our defense. Only by being honest with ourselves can we identify our weaknesses and take concrete steps to resist them.

16. How can you strengthen your determination to do what is right?

I must strengthen my resolve not to give in to weaknesses. I need to identify the situations or moments when I am most vulnerable—for example, when I am tired or alone—and mentally prepare myself to know how to react. I must rehearse my responses beforehand for when temptation arises. Foresight is key.

Applying spiritual discipline, like an athlete training, is very helpful. I must also rely on biblical exhortations that encourage separation from sin. This conscious preparation will help me face temptation with firmness when it arises.

17. What do we learn from Joseph? (Genesis 39:7-9; see also the pictures.)

Joseph is an excellent example because he had already decided not to give in long before the temptation arose. When Potiphar's wife made the offer, Joseph answered no immediately and firmly.

This shows that the key lies not in the impulse of the moment, but in what we decide beforehand. If we have determined in advance not to give in to the desire, it will be easier to resist when it arises. This firm prior resolution is a practical strategy we can apply today to be prepared when the challenge comes.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Joseph flees from Potiphar's wife as she grabs his clothes. 2. A teenager rejects the advances of a young woman at school.

Reject the temptation immediately, just as Joseph did. (See paragraph 17.)

“KEEP GETTING EXAMINED”

18. What else can you do to win your battle against evil desires? (2 Corinthians 13:5).

It's important to examine ourselves frequently. This involves reviewing how we've reacted to past temptations and asking ourselves how long it took us to resist them. If we didn't act quickly, we shouldn't dwell on it, but rather learn from it and improve.

We can ask ourselves helpful questions, such as: Can I turn my mind away from inappropriate thoughts? Do I choose entertainment that strengthens me or that weakens me? Do I look away when something improper appears? Am I clear that obeying Jehovah is worthwhile, even if it requires struggle? This ongoing self-examination helps us to adjust our conduct and to grow in spiritual strength.

19. Why is it so important that we avoid making bad decisions about seemingly small things?

It is very important to avoid wrong decisions, even in small things, because the heart is deceitful and can lead to evil reasoning. If we gradually justify minor actions, such as looking at provocative images even without nudity, our hearts may begin to plot how to satisfy carnal desires.

That slippery slope can lead us to condone more serious sins. Therefore, let us reject such malicious reasoning from the outset and not downplay small, incorrect decisions. Showing firmness in small matters strengthens us for large ones.

20. What will happen in the future to our bad desires, and what help do we have now?

In the future, our wrong desires will no longer be a problem, for in the new world there will be no sinful inclinations or temptations. Until that day comes, we have Jehovah’s help to resist.

If we do our utmost to fight against these inclinations, Jehovah will bless us, and we will be able to win the battle day after day. Thanks to the ransom and his constant support, we have the hope and strength needed to remain steadfast until we achieve final victory.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What will help us if we feel that we do not have the strength to resist wrong desires or that we do not have Jehovah's approval?

It will help us to remember that we are not alone and that there are other brothers, just like us, who also struggle against their bad desires, and that Jehovah offers us his help to resist.

How can we win the battle against evil desires?

We can win that battle by being honest with ourselves, preparing ourselves mentally, firmly establishing the decision not to give in, and regularly examining ourselves.

How can we continue to examine ourselves?

We must check ourselves frequently, see how long it takes us to reject temptations, analyze the entertainment we choose, look away quickly, and adjust our attitudes to react faster next time.