When you find these arguments losing their force and not having the power upon your life that they once used to have, then fear that sin has become habitual. When you find that your particular sin never fails to act itself when opportunities or temptations are presented to it, then sin is habitual. If a businessman cheats every time he is able to do so, then he has covetousness in his heart. If a person drinks to excess every opportunity and occasion that drink is available, then this is a sign of habitual corruption. When you find that your conduct is completely motivated, at best, by restraining grace, rather than be renewing grace, then sin is habitual.
Believers are under renewing grace.
Outward considerations set upon the mind by the Spirit of God keep them from sin rather than an internal renewal. In other words, you would sin to the end of your life were it not for fear of shame, danger, death, and hell. This is not far from the mindset of the unbeliever. When the will is predominantly involved in sin, then sin is habitual. Sin may entangle the mind and bring chaos to the affections, and yet still not have dominion.