People try by the force of will to overcome some bad habit, a bad temper, a craving for questionable things. There is a continual inner conflict. In the end, the defects in character show up and win out. To build on our own power is quite useless. Much of religious teaching and preaching takes the form of moralizing we ought to do this or we ought not to do that.
People get tired of religious lectures.
We must find meaning to what we believe. In every life decision we cast our deciding vote on His side. Faith in Christ is the only way to victorious power.