Overcoming Sin and Temptation (Chapter 3)
Today we continue reading the classics together by turning to the second chapter of John Owen’s Overcoming Sin and Temptation. If you’d like to know more about this project, you can read about it right here: Reading Classics Together. The opening portion of the book, which we will complete next week, is based upon an exposition of Romans 8:13: “If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Owen came to three conclusions: The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin; The mortification of indwelling sin remaining in our mortal bodies, that is may not have life and power to bring forth the works or deeds of the flesh, is the constant duty of believers; The vigor, and power, and comfort of our spiritual life depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh. Last week was encouragement on the necessity of putting sin to death. This week we move to this portion of the exposition: “The Holy Spirit is the great sovereign cause of the mortification of indwelling sin.”
Summary
The Holy Spirit is the great sovereign cause of the mortification of indwelling sin
- Other remedies are sought in vain
- Why mortification is the work of the Spirit
- The Spirit is promised of God to be given unto us to do this work
- All mortification is from the gift of Christ, and all the gifts of Christ are communicated to us and given us by the Spirit of Christ
- How the Spirit mortifies sin
- By causing our hearts to abound in grace and the fruits that are contrary to the flesh
- By a real physical efficiency on the root and habit of sin
- By bringing the cross of Christ into the heart of a sinner by faith
- If the Spirit alone mortifies sin, why are we are exhorted to it?
- All graces and good works which are in us are his
- It is still an act of our obedience
Discussion
First, and by way of observation, I’d say that this chapter, though significantly shorter, was considerably more difficult than the previous one. It seemed that there were more difficult words and tough phrases than last week. Just when I was starting to get cocky and thinking that Owen wasn’t so difficult after all!
I carried one main thought out of this chapter. Much of this portion concerned “papists”—hardly a term in common use these days. This may serve to antiquate the chapter a little bit, but I think there is still much to learn from it. After all, I think Roman Catholicism is a perversion of true Christian theology and a system that so carefully incorporates man into God’s work. Owen would agree. While I may not be Roman Catholic, I still feel the temptation to allow my man-centered desires to interfere with God’s gracious work. Maybe this is what Owen means when he writes of “the natural popery in man.” I may not wear rough garments or take vows and orders as an attempt to mortify sin, but I may still look to myself and my remedies rather than to God and His remedies. Just as Catholicism has invented ways of mortifying sin, I may also invent ways and means and find them just as powerless to bring about true and lasting change.
I may use and insist upon means that were never appointed by God for this purpose; I may ignore the means that God has, in His grace and wisdom, appointed for this purpose; and, like Luther, I may always mortify, but never come to any sound mortification. “They have sundry means to mortify the natural man, as to the natural life here we lead; none to mortify lust or corruption.” This is the mistake of men ignorant of the gospel, and too often it is the mistake I make. As Owen says, “Duties are excellent food for an unhealthy soul; they are no [remedy] for a sick soul. He that turns his meat into his medicine must expect no great operation.” There is a lot to think about in those words. Do I turn meat into medicine; food into a cure? Do I misuse the wonderful means of grace God has given, thinking that they can mortify my sin when really they are meant to feed me, but not to cure me? Am I trying to “sweat out a distemper with working?”
I am looking forward to continuing with the book next week, but even more so, am looking forward to moving on to the second part where, I suspect, the rubber really begins to meet the road.
Next Time
Next Thursday we will continue with the fourth chapter of the book (which will mark the end of the book’s first part). We have only just begun so there is still plenty of time for you to get the book and to read along.
Your Turn
I would like to know what you gained from this chapter. Feel free to post comments below or to write about this on your own blog (and then post a comment linking us to your thoughts). Do not feel that you need to say anything shocking or profound. Just share what stirred your heart or what gave you pause or what confused you. Let’s make sure we’re reading this book together. The comments on previous chapters have been great and have aided my enjoyment of the chapter. I trust this week will prove the same.
Comments (32) »
1. don gale
November 29, 2007
10:36 AM
I have lots to comment on. God really worked me over in this chapter. Memories of getting beat down the first time I read this book are starting to return. However, I’ll save the comments for now and just ask a question. I read the below quote numerous times, but am not yet convinced that my conclusion is correct. So, if anyone has any insight, please share it.
“[Praying, fasting, watching, meditation, and the like] have their use in [mortification]; but whereas they are all to be looked on as streams, [papists] look on them as the fountain. Whereas they effect and accomplish the end as means only, subordinate to the Spirit and faith, they look on them to do it by virtue of the work wrought.”
pg. 59 in Kapic/Taylor
Is he saying that they use the listed disciplines (rather than the Spirit) as the source (the “fountain”) of mortification? In other words, they don’t see that mortifying without the Spirit is useless? I think the streams and fountain metaphor just got me lost. Also, does anyone know what he means by “watching”?
Thanks.
2. Chuck
November 29, 2007
10:42 AM
I am wondering what modern day, man-made mortification looks like. Owen’s arguments about how the Spirit mortifies: (1) if you’re doing good, you won’t be doing bad (2) the Spirit will seek the utmost just as sin does and (3) we will be unified with Christ in his death and fellowship in his sufferings. I have a feeling that “accountability groups” may be a form of self-fulfilled mortification. Unless I’m missing something, I don’t see it fitting into any of the above categories. (1) It’s not a fruit, (2) it’s not an act of the Spirit in the sense of a regenerate heart, and (3) it’s not suffering for the gospel. Thoughts?
3. Stan
November 29, 2007
10:43 AM
It’s kinda funny…I had started to read this book last year (compelled by numerous recommendations), but stopped after one chapter. The style was so “Puritan” that I guess I didn’t have the patience for it. Now, reading the book with y’all, I’m absolutely enjoying it! I took it with me last week when the family visited the San Diego Natural History Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. There I was, waiting in line, reading Owen’s “Mortification of Sin.”
Like Tim, I’m interested in seeing what Owen’s more “practical” steps to mortification will be in the later sections of the book. But I don’t want to rush through the foundation he has laid; I’m convinced that the theology will drive the practice. Owen’s emphasis on mortification as the gift of Christ and the work of the Spirit, as contrasted with every other religion and -ism, reminds me that my salvation is, and must be, be grace alone.
I find in my own life a tension. Between my justification and my sanctification. Between my position as saint and my actions as a sinner. Between resting in the finished work of Christ on my behalf and in striving to please my Lord. Between assurance that there is now no condemnation for me as a sinner and the reality that I must be killing sin or it will be killing me.
Romans 7 writ large.
4. Chuck
November 29, 2007
10:49 AM
Also, I’m glad he answered the question at the end: if the Spirit alone mortifies sin, why are we called to do it? Simple answer, but complex idea - Phil. 2:13.
And a reply to Don: the fountain is the source of mortification. We should not view praying and fasting as the source of mortification (if I do these things, I will kill sin), but rather the Spirit as the fountain and him using those things to accomplish mortification - tools for him to work in you. Those things are the stream. No doubt they are good things since they are tools, but they are not the source, the Spirit is.
5. don gale
November 29, 2007
11:05 AM
Chuck, thanks for the reply…it was helpful.
About your accountability group idea…I think such a group could be a “stream” with the Spirit still being the “fountain”. They’re meaningless unaccompanied by the Spirit, but so are prayer, fasting, etc.
6. Jerry
November 29, 2007
11:06 AM
Is it Thursday already? (What a week, but I will admit that I am falling behind.)
7. Mrs. J.D.Darr
November 29, 2007
11:17 AM
Hi guys! I agree with Stan, it is much better reading the book with my brothers and sisters :). Jerry, I am late reading the chapter as well…Don Gale, from what I know, watching is an old term for “watching and praying”, lest ye fall into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. It is to “be on the lookout” for the sin that easily besets, as well as for the little foxes.(Song of Sol.) Hope this helps! Great response with the fountain analogy Chuck! (I now must be finishing the book!)
8. Dan Sudfeld
November 29, 2007
11:27 AM
This is the first chapter in which I had to go back and re-read sentences in order to understand what Owen is getting at. I’m glad the chapters are relatively short. [I wrote this before Tim posted, so I’m glad he noticed the same thing]
I appreciate Owen’s point (at least I think this is his point) that we can only mortify sin through the means of the Holy Spirit. All other means prove futile. Yet, there is a paradox which Owen touches upon. We are commanded to mortify sin, while it is actually the Spirit that does the work.
I was also struck by how Owen described the Spirit’s work as attacking the very root of our sins. Great picture!
9. Robin
November 29, 2007
12:08 PM
In Owen’s time, ‘The Church’ still sold indulgences as forgiveness of sin. You paid the church money, you received forgiveness for the sin you bought the indulgence for. In the same manner today, you confess to someone, they give you pennance, you do your pennance, and your sin is forgiven.
I think the way I have tried to mortify my own sin, in the past, is to ‘take it captive’ and then examine it on my own and come up with things I think God will want me to do to combat it. When I became a believer eleven years ago, people kept pounding it into my head that I must take every thought captive - but they didn’t tell me what to do with the thought then. Of course, as I have matured in Christ, I have come to realize my captivating it is only to hand it over to the Holy Spirit…. and, quite honestly, even the captivation itself is aided by Christ through the Spirit!
This reading is quite an encouragment. Although Owen is sometime difficult to follow (I am still reading aloud so I can follow the word flow), the Puritan way of straight forward, no nonsense, Scriptural backed thinking just makes it so clear. I think I try to make it all to hard - maybe so I can ‘earn’ the grace I have received? So this has been a wonderful reminder that I am nothing and Christ is all!
Looking forward to Chaptrer 4 and beyond, R.
10. Dan Sudfeld
November 29, 2007
12:20 PM
Just one more thing that has been echoed by others (and also recommended by J.I. Packer). It has helped me to read Owen aloud, but in addition, I’ve also been reading it aloud to my wife. As we stop and ask each other - “What did he mean by that?” - we have gained some much needed clarity.
11. Mike Reynolds
November 29, 2007
12:41 PM
William Gurnall has much to say on these ‘papist’ attempts at mortification as he expounds Ephesians 6:10ff.
“The Christian’s armour which he wears must be of divine institution and appointment. The soldier comes into the field with no arms but what his general commands. It is not left to every one’s fancy to bring what weapons he please; this will breed confusion. The Christian soldier is bound up to God’s order; though the army be on earth, yet the council of war sits in heaven; this duty ye shall do; these means ye shall use. And those who do more, or use other, than God commands, though with some seeming success against sin, shall surely be called to account for this boldness.” - The Chrisitan in Complete Armour, 50.
12. Jacob Douvier
November 29, 2007
2:19 PM
I think I spent more time on this chapter than I did on either of the other two by themselves. What struck me after I finished rereading it today was how Owen is really just pulling together what the Apostles and Prophets have told us. I love Romans and there is so much from that book that Owen reminds me of.
That the Spirit is the one doing the work in us is of great relief. One of the great realizations I had that helped push me to see the truth of Reformed theology was the recognition of my utter inability to control my sins. If I, as a Christian, cannot control the lusts of my flesh, how did I ever think that I could bring myself to salvation of my own will? Owen’s description of those outside of Christ who try to resist sin and temptation is very vivid in my mind. “The law drives them on, and sin beats them back.” It really is one of the saddest things to witness, and humbling, as I look back at my (albeit relatively short) life and see myself in such futile straits. I am very grateful that the Spirit fights for me, with me and through me.
13. Kendall
November 29, 2007
2:56 PM
“Making promises to not return to a sin is useless as well. It is temporary, and when the sense of sin cools down, so does the work of mortification.” Oh, how I fell into this trap time and time again when I was younger. It led me to deep despair. There was much internal conflict between my intentions (I “wanted” to quit the sin) and my abilities (but I did not take up the challenge to mortify them through the Spirit). Maybe some of you can relate.
Just a quick spoiler here for those who would like Owen to clarify the relationship between our mortification and the Spirit’s graces in our life…read the second-to-last paragraph in chapter 4 (it is classic!).
14. Pastor Chad
November 29, 2007
4:30 PM
This is the great paradox of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit is the operator of our sanctification, and yet we are told to do the things which are the product of the Spirit. Reading the Reformers and the Puritans reminds me about how the pendulum likes to swing. They were reacting against some very real abuses in the Church, most of which have not been formally removed, but in the meantime through out so much of what was of value. I hope that Owen will be able to give some more guidance as far as means are concerned to assist us in the mortification of the flesh.
I agree that if we focus on these means, we are putting ourselves in God’s place, trying to do his work. However, if we humbly search for ways in which to make room for God to work within us, then we are allowing the Spirit to work in our lives. Often there is very little practical difference between the two, but there is a world of Spiritual difference.
15. Mike Leake
November 29, 2007
5:40 PM
As I read this chapter it struck me how much “popish” influences we still have in our churches. As I read this: “…whereas they ( the disciplines) are all to be looked on as streams, they look on them as the fountain,” I could not help but think of much of the “Christian Living” books out there today. 7 Steps to this, The Secret that, on and on the titles go. All of which appear to be the fountain instead of the streams.
I also like Robin’s point in comparing the sale of indulgences to our “invitation system” and the like today. I find it so ironic that we Protestant’s abhor Catholicism yet we so easily slip back into it. By way of correction though, I’m not sure that indulgences were being sold much in Owen’s day. Catholicism really did try to crack down on some of that stuff in 1567—Owen was 1600’s. But the point still stands :-)
Another quote that hit me was this: “…they instantly promise to themselves and God that they will do so no more; they watch over themselves and pray for a season until this heat waxes cold and the sense of sin is worn off—and so mortification goes also, and sin returns to its former dominion.”
Especially in my youth this was my life story. And I find that as long as I am trying to use the streams as the fountain I fall back into this. To Christ alone be the glory, not our “pull yourselves up by your boot-straps theology”.
16. Kevin S.
November 29, 2007
5:46 PM
Once again, another blessed time in reading Owen, then Tim’s comments and then, finally, all the above comments. I’ve been trying to read out loud when I can (or whispering softly as I read so my family won’t think I’ve completely gone mental) and this truly helps. I tried using my digital voice recorder one time so I could listen to it later. But reading Owen is a bit of a trial; listening to my voice read Owen was just too much to overcome.
I’ve read a lot of Puritan works, so Owen’s comments about “popish religion” isn’t anything new to me. Sadly, if he were writing now, he’d probably add “evangel-lyfish religion” of that which looks most like religion in their profession, consists in mistaken ways and means of mortification. Too many people have fallen into the old line if I just do this or buy that or read this or attend that, I’ll be okay and rid of my sin. The comment earlier about accountability groups is a good one. I have yet to be a part of one (and I’ve only been involved with two accountability relationships) that didn’t boil down to a “works righteousness.” “Good! We’ve all asked and answered the 10 questions. We must be godly men who are free from besetting sins.” Unless the one who is asking to be held accountable is relying upon the Spirit to truly change his heart, then the attempts are only so much “popish religion.”
Jerry, keep at it and don’t fret if you’re a bit behind. Keep at it. Be encouraged. Read 2-3 pages a day and you’ll easily get a chapter covered in the week’s time (your mileage may vary).
I’m encouraged by the truth that God only commands what He enables. In others words, if He commands me to put sin to death, He will enable me through His Spirit to carry out this command. His commands are meant, not only for my good, but also for my joy. I will be happier in Him if I obey.
I’ve been reading and blogging on Jerry Bridges’ latest book, Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate (kind of a shorter, modern version of Owen). See my post from this past Wednesday on the Directions in dealing with sin. Just to highlight them:
Good reading next week, everyone.
17. Carol
November 29, 2007
7:14 PM
Owen’s observations on “popish religion,” and his observations on truly mortifying any one sin, help me to evaluate self-sufficiency with growing suspicion in my own heart. Like Mike, I see how (as a protestant) I can “slip” back into self-sufficiency.
Owen’s exposition, and his warnings, especially this one: “And, indeed, I might here bewail the endless, foolish labor of poor souls, who, being convinced of sin and not ablle to stand against the power of their convictions, do set themselves, by innumberable perplexing ways and duties to keep down sin, being strangers tot he Spirit of God, all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. They spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which profits not.”
Mrs. J.D. Darr wrote about “being on the lookout,” for the “little foxes,” and Pastor Chad aptly wrote about the paradox between the Holy Spirit being the operator of our sanctification, and our role in doing what “we are told to do the things which are the product of the Spirit.” Owen’s firm warnings against self-sufficiency coupled with his encouragement to look to the holy Spirit who “works in us and upon us, as we are fit to be wrought in and upon, that is, so as to preserve our own liberty and free obedience,” produces a growing desire, or “passion,” if you will, to both 1.abhor my own self-sufficiency (seeing it leads to the “saddest warfare” and that even though I made labor and strive it would produce nothing) 2. AND, love the work of the Spirit, pray for the work of the Spirit, recognize the work of the Spirit, and rely on the work of the Spirit when I see him at work.
Owen’s writing inspires me both to hate sin and love the Gospel - because the more I recognize my sin (self-sufficiency being one of many possible sins) the more grateful I am for the redemptive work of the Cross. It inspires me to pray that I will not fulfill any of the lusts or make provision for the flesh, but rather, somehow (and this is the mystery that many have written about in latter statements) help me to cooperate with him, in my understanding, will, conscience and affections with the work of the Spirit so that true sanctification is done.
Thanks to all who are wrestling through these texts together. Many thanks to Tim for providing lucid reflections and providing a forum for study together.
18. Darren Colwell
November 29, 2007
7:37 PM
I thought this was an excellent chapter (in an excellent book so far). I was really convicted by the first part of the chapter. There are so many ways that I fall into those “popish” ways and attempt to mortify sin without the Spirit. “Men are galled with the guilt of a sin that has prevailed over them; they [constantly] promise to themselves and God tat they will do so no more; they watch over themselves and pray for a season until this heat waxes cold and the sense of sin is worn off - and so mortification goes also, and sin returns to its former dominion.” This is me. I can’t count the number of times that this has happened in my life. I am ashamed of something and promise I’ll never do it again and fight against it until I don’t fail as much anymore and then I stop fighting, only to see that same sin come up after a short while. May God continue to use His word, His Spirit, and this book to make me a more consistent sin-killer.
19. Robert Weir
November 29, 2007
7:39 PM
I am a little behind on the reading, but am enjoying the posts and the read. Hope to be up to speed next thursday. well off to Ephesians I go, and a little Owen.
20. Jerry
November 29, 2007
9:58 PM
Whew, I am all caught up now.
“Greater is he that is in me, than he (including myself) who is in the world.” I am so, so thankful that the work of mortification of sin is the proper work of the Holy Spirit.
21. Ben G
November 29, 2007
10:21 PM
This chapter addressed my question from the first chapter: what do I do and what does the Spirit do? A big part of that answer was that the Spirit “does not so work our mortification in us as not to keep it still an act of our obedience,” in other words, he doesn’t take away our free will. So how does he do it? “He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences, and affections…” Still a little bit fuzzy: how does he “work upon” our will without changing it? Or does he change it? Or does he mean something slightly different when he uses the word ‘will’?
Don and Chuck, I appreciate your comments on the fountain versus the source! It reminds me of the trap that I sometimes fall into of equating my spiritual health with how good my quiet times are. Quiet times are good nourishment, but they may not be the cure to what ails me!
Keep up the good comments. This project is a blessing!
22. Greg Shunk
November 29, 2007
10:50 PM
What a great chapter! That is of course after reading it over several times trying to wrap my mind around such deep insight.
The first thing that struck me was his explanation of “popish religion”-their vows,orders,fastings,penance and the like.I would say that pretty well sums up most of the world religions that major on a works based faith devoid of the spirit.
It is at this point I also point out how I myself have slipped(or thrown myself into)works over and over again thinking this is pleasing to God.
“Duties are excellent food for an unhealthy soul”I think this is clearly where our hidden ignorance and arrogance shows not really knowing just how intricate and complicated the work of mortification is. Owen points out “That none of these ways are sufficient is evident from the nature of the work itself that is to be done;it is a work that requires so many concurrent actings in it as no self endeavor can reach unto,and is of that kind that an almighty energy is necessary for it’s accomplishment.
Something I think we all need to ponder daily is “We have all our mortification from the gift of Christ”Thanks be to God for Christ..
I could go on and on but the last thing I want to share from this chapter was where Owen says”He does not so work our in us as not to keep it still an act of obedience”I think I would add sincere obedience and I think the two words are synonymous because all to often we lack sincerity in our obedience I know I am forever guilty of that and I was convicted by that statement.
23. Greg Shunk
November 30, 2007
9:29 AM
Sorry just editing my last comment as it may appear confusing”He does not so work our mortification in us as not to keep it still an act of obedience”
24. Marilyn B.
November 30, 2007
12:04 PM
This is the short version of my thoughts…the long version is HERE. This chapter was much slower reading than the first two, and I also spent time catching up with the forewords and introductions which slowed me down a little more. I am glad to note the suggestion that reading aloud might be helpful; I am finding this to be true and am reading aloud at times, or slowly and silently while applying vocal inflections in my head.
Encouraging and instructive are two words that describe the effect of this chapter. I appreciate Owen’s discussion of works as means to mortification and his discussion of why the Spirit does not do all the work, summed up when he says “He does not so work our mortification in us as not to keep it still an act of our obedience.”
The Spirit will not work FOR us while we sit passively by. we must participate and persevere.
25. Marilyn B.
November 30, 2007
12:08 PM
Meant to add that Owen explained exactly why I spent so many years in fruitless living, trying to emulate other Christians and failing; wondering why I could not summon up the joy and peace that was supposed to be part of “being saved.”
26. francisco
November 30, 2007
12:46 PM
Thanksgiving kept me from contributing last week and I had work to do this week too! Here are a few thoughts on this chapter (the rest can be seen at my blog)
[…] And the quote that I took the most out of this chapter was this: “Men are galled with the guilt of a sin that has prevailed over them; they [constantly] promise to themselves and God that they will do so no more; they watch over themselves and pray for a season until this [grows] cold and the sense of sin is worn off –and so morfication goes also, and sin returns to its former dominion.”
How true! This is why the ‘going cold turkey’ approach to kill sin may seem to work for a season but then one returns like a dog to its own vomit. This is also why ‘abstinence’ is not the answer either.
[…]
27. Loren
November 30, 2007
2:19 PM
“He doth not so work our mortification in us as not to keep it an act of our obedience. The Holy Ghost works in us and upon us, as we are fit to be wrought in and upon; that is, so as to preserve our own liberty and free obedience. He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences, and affections, agreeably to their own natures; he works in us and with us and not against us or without us; so that his assistance is an encouragement to the facilitating of the work, and not occasion to the neglect as to the work itself.”
Although I am mostly reading Owen in the modern English there are times, like with the above quote, where I like how the “Old English” writing style communicates his thought. To me there is a certain beauty and thoroughness in the language of Owen’s day that today’s writing styles often lack.
In the above quote I felt he captured the delicate balance between the Spirit’s required work and our own necessary obedience. The phrase, “so that his assistance is an encouragement to the facilitating of the work, and not an occasion to neglect as to the work itself” conveys to me a beautifully harmonized both/and pathway toward mortification as opposed to the either/or approaches (self effort/let go, let God) so often propagated by one group or another.
I have also been mulling over the phrase, “…as we are fit to be wrought in and upon…” I am praying for that frame of mind and minute-by-minute attitude that makes me more apt to be “wrought in and upon” by the Spirit’s influence in my life.
I liked this chapter best so far…on to Chapter 4.
28. Bill
November 30, 2007
2:38 PM
I have to say that I LOVED this chapter. I feel it brought a really important balance to what’s already been said I’m certain a great foundation to what will be said.
I posted most of my thoughts from this chapter over at my blog here: petruzzo.wordpress.com
I can’t wait to continue in this book!
29. Toby Johnson
November 30, 2007
3:37 PM
I think the most pointed statement in my heart from this weeks reading is, “Neither will the natural popery that is in others do it. Men are galled with the guilt of a sin that has prevailed over them; they instantly promise to themselves and God that they will do so no more; they watch over themselves and pray for a season until this heat waxes cold and the sense of sin is worn off - and so mortification goes also, and sin returns to its former dominion.”
Too often, I have one of these others…bemoaning my sin, making what now seem to be stupid promises and “resolutions” never to do it again. This self-willed mortification crops up in me too much, but I am thankful that Owen exposed it for what it is…natural popery. I am thankful for the journey with all of you.
30. Becky S
November 30, 2007
9:42 PM
I’m not behind on the reading, just the posting! Actually that’s not bad because everyone else’s comments are so helpful. I appreciated the reminder that “He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences, and affections, agreeably to their own natures; he works in us and with us, not against us or without us; so that his assistance is an encouragement as to the facilitating of the work, and no occasion of neglect to the work itself.”
My personal memory work this week was the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Havergal. Two phrases were especially meaningful to me in light of reading this 3rd chapter. “Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Thy love,” and “Take my will and make it Thine, It shall be no longer mine.” When I think of all the times I have been determined to do it on my own, when I “have only raised a dust!”
31. Scott D. Andersen
December 1, 2007
5:51 PM
As I read Owen on the “streams” vs. “fountains” I was thinking of my own tendency to find peace where I shouldn’t. That is saying something to myself like: “Oh I read so many pages of the bible now I can be comforted before my God and he will hear my prayers and accept me.” I remember Jerry Bridges speaking at our church and calling this “performance based discipleship.” He went on to say how we need to “Preach the Gospel to Ourselves everday.” I have another friend who always cautions me not to “fetch peace for my soul from my own good workings.” I think that fits to.
So from Owen I preceived him explaining it this way:
Praying, Fasting, watching, mediation are proper things in the means to the mortification as prescribed by God. BUT not if these things are considered to be source of mortification instead of the stream. These things are not the fountain of mortification they are means through the Spirit unto mortifying of sin. Wrongly men look on these things to do the work by VIRTUE of the work doing. I can fool myself into thinking I am mortifying sin when I say: I fasted for so long, I prayed for so long, I meditated for so long so therefore the work is done.
Owen says that this is dealing with the natural life and not the depraved nature. The distinction intrigued me. There is a natural life and depraved nature. If I do so much to my own physical discomfort the natural man suffers something but the depraved nature is not touched at all, or even may be fed by my fleshly efforts.
“… attempting rigid mortification, they fell upon the natural man instead of the corrupt old man – upon the body wherein we live instead of the body of death.”
There is a natural popery in man.
“Spiritually sick men cannot sweat out their distemper with working. But this is the way of men who deceive their own souls.”
Thanks Tim and everyone for such helpful comments that maybe I can learn what God has for me personally in this book of Owen.
scott
32. Kwame Nyarko
December 1, 2007
6:34 PM
Hi guys,
The statements that “in vain do men seek other remedies” because they are “ignorant of the nature and end of the work” made me very sorrowful.
By grace we can go before God calling him Abba Father, we yearn for the constant in-dwelling of the Spirit and hopefully our souls “waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning” - Ps 130:6.
Knowing the end of the lost of this world, even as we enjoy what we utterly do not deserve, it is our sincere calling, as always, to love and pray fervently for those who are lost.
What a privilege to be in Christ. What a free gift! Amen!!
Kwame