Overcoming Sin and Temptation (Chapter 6)
Today we continue reading the classics together by turning to the sixth 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.
We are now in the book’s second section—a section that turns the focus from introductory materials to “the nature of mortification.” In this portion of the book he will answer this question: “Suppose a man to be a true believer, and yet finds in himself a powerful indwelling sin, leading him captive to the law of it, consuming his heart with trouble, perplexing his thoughts, weakening his soul as to duties of communion with God, disquieting him as to peace, and perhaps defiling his conscience, and exposing him to hardening through the deceitfulness of sin, what shall he do? What course shall he take and insist on for the mortification of this sin, lust, distemper, or corruption, to such a degree as that, though it be not utterly destroyed, yet, in his contest with it, he may be enabled to keep up power, strength, and peace in communion with God?”
Through the last chapter and those to come, he will approach it in this form:
- Show what it is to mortify any sin, and that both negatively and positively, that we be not mistaken in the foundation (the fifth chapter provided the negative and this week we look at the positive aspect).
- Give general directions for such things as without which it will be utterly impossible for anyone to get any sin truly and spiritually mortified.
- Draw out the particulars whereby this is to be done.
Summary
The chapter follows this outline:
- Mortification consists in a habitual weakening of sin
- Mortification consists in constant fighting and contending against sin
- Mortification consists in frequent success
Discussion
I am going to need to keep my portion of the discussion a little bit short today. I am just about to head for Atlanta with my family, so we’ll be spending a good fifteen or sixteen hours driving over the next day-and-a-half. And somehow, though I read the chapter a few times in advance, with work and family and other pressing obligations, I didn’t manage to sit down and write this soon enough!
There were several areas in this chapter that spoke to me. It was a deep and dense and often difficult one. Yet there was one aspect that really hit home more than the rest. It was Owen’s comparison of the actions of a crucified man with a mortified sin. It’s an image, a metaphor, that I think will stay in my mind.
As a man nailed to the cross he first struggles and strives and cries out with great strength and might, but, as his blood and spirits waste, his strivings are faint and seldom, his cries low and hoarse, scarce to be heard; when a man first sets on a lust or distemper, to deal with it, it struggles with great violence to break loose; it cries with earnestness and impatience to be satisfied and relieved; but when by mortification the blood and spirits of it are let out, it moves seldom and faintly, cries sparingly, and is scarce heard in the heart; it may have sometimes a dying pang, that makes an appearance of great vigor and strength, but it is quickly over, especially if it be kept from considerable success.
And if that is true of a sin, if it at first fights hard but then, after a period of mortification, it must also be true of a sinner. When I first fight against a sin, a new sin that has been brought to my attention, I struggle hard. As Owen says, “When sin is strong and vigorous, the soul is scarce able to make any head against it; it sighs, and groans, and mourns, and is troubled.” It is difficult to put this sin to death and to vanquish it. Yet as time goes on, and as the Spirit helps me put that sin to death, I find that I struggle less. As that sin begins to be destroyed in my life, it cries sparingly and soon is scarce heard. I guess the metaphor breaks down eventually since that sin will sooner or later come calling again, raising its head to see if I’ve lowered my guard against it, but still, I think it’s an effective word picture and one that helps me understand why it is at first so difficult to fight and to beat those sins.
And I apologize, but that is all you’ll get out of me this time! I have much to do before we hit the road this morning. I trust you’ll be able to share your insights to make this discussion more worthwhile…
Next Time
Next Thursday, despite the date falling in the midst of holidays, we will continue with the seventh chapter of the book. Though we are now well into our study, it is not too late for you to join in the fun!
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 (17) »
1. donsands
December 20, 2007
8:00 AM
“And I apologize, but that is all you’ll get out of me this time!”
That was plenty for me. When you share on a small portion Owen, it’s like a 5 course meal.
This was a deep chapter for me, and edifying as well. I am truly praying that i will be able to mortify my pride, lust, and bitterness in more substantial ways through this study.
2. don gale
December 20, 2007
9:21 AM
This chapter was amazing. The thing that affected me the most was the section near the end where Owen talks about replaces sin with righteousness. I don’t have the book with me so I can’t quote it. He lists several things like replacing pride with humility, saying that with mortification comes this replacement. I connected that with two passages. Romans 8:5-6 says: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
God showed me through Owen’s prompting that to do these two verses is at least part of what it is to mortify the deeds of the body. Replace your sinful, fleshly thoughts with righteous, holy thoughts and the things of the Spirit. This then convicted me about not knowing enough scripture. When I was thinking of the best way to fill my mind with holy thoughts, memorizing Scripture was the best way I could think of. It will also aid in directly fighting sin. When a sinful thought comes up, counter it with scripture. It’s the sword of the Spirit, right? So, I’ve resolved to memorize more in 2008. I’m thinking about starting with Philippians, but that’s beside the point. This was a great chapter and I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s thoughts.
3. David
December 20, 2007
10:20 AM
It is interesting how different things strike each of us in different ways. The one passage that just jumped out at me was found on page 76. “It is to be feared that very many have little knowledge of the main enemy that they carry about with them in their bosoms.”
As a pastor, not only do I see this in myself at time, but I find this in much of the congregation. What troubles me even more than the fact that they have so “little knowledge” is that they have even less care. Even “Church people” care little about the putting away of sin. “I haven’t murdered anyone or robbed anyone, how bad can I really be.” I do not know about you, but I see myself as the “chief among sinners.” My struggle with this thought in relation to my mortification is that I know too little of my sin. This lack of knowledges allows me to continue on with little change and little success.
Owen continues, “This makes them ready to justify themselves and to be impatient of reproof or admonition, not knowing that they are in any danger (2 Chron. 16:10).” How often do I pat myself on the back after a brief resistance only to succumb to a greater degree later? We, in the Church, speak too little of sin and too much about the “issues of the day,” failing to realize that the very sin we are failing to mortify is often driving those issues. Oh to bring my sin clearly before my eyes and to be used by God to open the eyes of others.
4. Pastor Chad
December 20, 2007
10:32 AM
Great post Tim. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity. See my reflections here. http://crcpastorchad.blogspot.com/2007/12/overcoming-sin-and-temptation-3.html
5. Loren
December 20, 2007
10:39 AM
As I was moseying around Barnes and Noble the other day I came across some “Christian” book titles being foisted on shoppers for Christmas. Of course there was Joel Osteen’s, Your Best Life Now; T.D Jakes, Reposition Yourself: Living a Life Without Limits and ever popular Paula White’s, You’re All That. It got me to thinking. Maybe the book we are reading could be marketed to a broader audience if Owen’s book title were tweaked a little. Perhaps something like, For Your Best Life: Mortify Now or Repositioning Your Indwelling Sin: A Life of Vigor Without Limits or You Can Mortify All That, would better capture the general public’s attention. Just a thought. It seems to me that what Osteen, Jakes and White are peddling is just about the polar opposite of what John Owen — across the centuries — is humbly, thoughtfully and scripturally guiding us through so that we can truly live.
In reading Chapter 6 I was energized, again, by the intensity of Owen’s focus in battling sin. Like very little I read or hear today, with Owen and the scriptures he highlights, the sense is that the stakes are enormous in this warfare against sin; that what I do or don’t do to mortify sin has a huge impact on my spiritual life, on my family, on my witness before the world. So often today’s approach to dealing with sin (even from pulpits) seems so “ho-hum” and casual, like it is some diet you probably should do but everyone understands, wink, wink, if you can’t stick with it. With Owen, he acts like you are holding a ticking bomb and if you don’t focus on diffusing it (like a perspiring Jack Bauer on 24 frantically clipping wires seconds before the timer hits zero) there could be an explosion that will shatter your life and lives of those around you. I appreciate that level of passionate, serious warning and, for me, it tends to raise my level of seriousness in response to what he has written. In fact, as we have been progressing chapter by chapter I have experienced weakening of sin in some difficult areas. Praise God for that!
For the reasons above I have been reflecting long and hard this week on the following portion of Chapter 6: “To know that a man has such an enemy to deal with it, to take notice of it, to consider it as an enemy indeed, and one that is to be destroyed by all means possible, is required hereunto. As I said before, the contest is vigorous and hazardous—it is about the things of eternity. When, therefore, men have slight and transient thoughts of their lusts, it is no great sign that they are mortified, or that they are in a way for their mortification. This is every man’s “knowing the plague of his own heart” (1 Kings 8:38), without which no other work can be done. It is to be feared that very many have little knowledge of the main enemy that they carry about with them in their bosoms. This makes them ready to justify themselves and to be impatient of reproof or admonition, not knowing that they are in any danger (2 Chron. 16:10).”
6. Don
December 20, 2007
11:35 AM
The example of the sin on the cross and getting weaker as you continually fight it was powerful. It struck me very differently however. So many times I feel like its me on the cross fighting sin and getting weaker as the fight continues, not the sin.Sometimes I wonder if the fight will ever be won. Reading Owens has been very motivating for me. it reminds me of the struggle, and the importance of the fight. It is deadly and hazardous, but “be killing sin or it will be killing you”
7. Mrs. J.D.Darr
December 20, 2007
6:58 PM
Funny idea Loren!! I love John Owen…I received so much from this chapter and all of the comments from you all. (I am really just checking in…is it Thursday already?) :)
8. Ben G
December 20, 2007
10:01 PM
I’d like to continue on about what David said about not having knowledge or care about our enemy, sin. I like how Owen uses warfare terminology when he refers to mortifying sin. Making sin the enemy, we must endeavor to learn all we can about its strategies and tactics so that we can effectively counter them. For example, so many times in my own battles with sin, I just give up because I feel thoroughly outsmarted. Sometimes, after falling, upon later reflection I realize that I had set myself up perfectly to sin by getting into a situation where I can’t resist. So part of the struggle is to recognize those situations ahead of time in order to avoid them. I’m looking forward to Owen’s practical suggestions for this which he says are coming soon…
9. Ken
December 20, 2007
11:10 PM
Thanks, everyone.
Loren, I wanted to thank you for your post - humorous at first, but very insightful.
But also, thanks Tim and everyone for keeping this rolling!
10. Thomas Sullivan
December 21, 2007
4:43 AM
Some of you don’t know me from Adam. A couple of things about me - as I get to know you too. I am a mailman in Grand Rapids, MI. I am a Reformed Baptist. I have a Dominican wife and two young boys. I am a collector of Christian books, my oldest is a copy of the Christian in Complete Armour from 1671. I narrate books for Sermon Audio, and have narrated a lot of John Owen, this treatise twice. This month is the 22nd anniv. of my narrating books. This week I am narrating the section of the Westminter Larger Catechism on the 10 commandments and just finished a couple of chapters on the Mortification of Sin by John Flavel from his book, Method of Grace. Another book secret. I have gotten over 250 rare books in .pdf format for free from books.google.com Some so rare they were scanned around 1650!
Hello Don: You said that you don’t have the book with you. For anyone that wants to quote to us from the book, it is online here. http://www.reformed.org/books/index.html Just click on the link for The Mortification of Sin and copy and paste for us. If you want all of Owen’s works in CD format for an 11.00 bill, go here http://www.discountbible.com/bible-study-software/age.html
A modern book on the mortification of sin by Kris Lundgaard is called The Enemy Within… http://www.heritagebooks.org/bookstore/catalog/productinfo.php?productsid=5329 My wife read the Spanish version and really liked it.
Owen wrote in this chapter, “To know that a man hath such an enemy to deal withal, to take notice of it, to consider it as an enemy indeed, and one that is to be destroyed by all means possible, is required hereunto.”
John Owen draws out in a book second to none about what this enemy is in his book, “Indwelling Sin in Believers.” His chapter 14 is especially powerful. “The power of sin farther demonstrated by the effects it hath had in the lives of professors — First, in actual sins — Secondly, in habitual declensions. - That is just the chapter title.
I am close to narrating Owen’s book, The Forgiveness of Sin, same volume of his works,because I don’t want to go into despair after all this meditation! I was reading the prayers in the book, The Rise and Progress of Religion and something struck me about how seriously sin used to be taken, and gave me a hint of Owen’s earnestness. The vigor with which every sin was gone after is hinted here.
“To give up every darling lust, though dear to me as a right eye, and seemingly necessary as a right hand! To submit not only my life, but my heart, to the command and discipline of another! To have a master there, and such a master as will control many of its favorite affections, and direct them quite into another channel! a master, who himself represents his commands, by taking up the cross and following him! To adhere to the strictest rules of godliness and sobriety, of righteousness and truth; not departing from them in any allowed instance, great or small, upon any temptation, for any advantage, to escape any inconvenience and evil, no, not even for the preservation of life itself; but, upon a proper call of Providence, to act as if I `hated even my own life!’ (Luke 14:26)”
If you are not familiar with Doddridge’s book, it was the book used in the conversion of William Wilberforce and is sitting on the table when the camera closes in in the movie Amazing Grace.
11. Marilyn B.
December 21, 2007
9:09 AM
This chapter was so rich I’m not sure where to focus!
Loren, I loved your “sin as ticking time-bomb” picture. I got the same feeling but would not have been able to describe it as well.
One of my great moments in this chapter was in the chapter sub-heading, “Mortification Consists in a Habitual Weakening of Sin.”
In this section I understood why I have failed to overcome some troubling sins; seeking them out and killing them has not been a habit. Perhaps because I’ve never had a good sense of just how dangerous and destructive even the smallest of sins are; of course any sin is abhorrent to God but I, like many, tend to compare my sins to the sins of others and think “I’m not so bad”.
I’m sure I represent a large body of believers who live our lives as if the sins which plague us are something we do not think about until one jumps up in surprise attack. I know how often I have walked through my days in a sort of “ignorant bliss” when I think I am doing well; then how hard I fall when the serpent strikes! I then feel betrayed because I have mistaken sin’s inactivity for sin’s death.
Reading this book has forced me to be thinking about sin on a daily basis. I like this! I realize how our comfortable lives in North America distract us from the important work of rooting out sin.
I appreciate war analogies when considering this subject. I have many military members in my family including my son who spent a year in one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. In war it is most important to study the enemy; the better one knows one’s enemy, the greater chance one has for success because his moves can be anticipated and crushed before he makes them. My son lived in a state of constant alertness. He and his fellow soldiers could not even go to the bathroom without donning their full body armor. Things we take for granted and pass by without thinking (such as roadside litter) were objects of danger for these soldiers; a plastic bag could kill.
I often feel like Don, as if I were the one on the cross struggling and growing weaker; at times I feel like such a failure and just want to give up the fight.
This chapter has spurred me to get back to memorizing scripture. When Satan was allowed to tempt Jesus in the desert, our Lord answered “It is written…” I’m very sure the more scripture we carry in our heads the more weapons we have in our arsenal against our particular sins. For me, because my quick tongue is a huge problem, I’m going to attempt the book of James!
I’ve loved reading everyone’s thoughts. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas.
12. Jason P.
December 22, 2007
1:58 AM
All these comments are great! I find myself repeating lines from this book during the course of my day, and like you, Marilyn, reading it has caused me to think alot more about the sin in my life and how I am —or am not—prevailing over it. As I’ve been thinking over this chapter, I’m reminded of Romans 8, where Paul says that anyone in whom the Spirit of Christ dwells is no longer a debtor to the flesh. I owe my flesh absolutely nothing but enmity, so when it demands a payout, or entices me to eat of its fruit, I can say to it that Jesus has conquered you, and has made me a conqueror—more than a conqueror. I love John Owen and can’t wait to meet and dine with him!
Jason
13. christianbuzz.blogspot.com
December 22, 2007
3:28 AM
john owen is great, my room mate is pounding through “the death of death..”
this blog is awesome too, i see what ya got, and wonder why i haven’t come across this yet!
in Christ, Devin
14. Thomas Sullivan
December 22, 2007
7:48 AM
To have any success in applying the directions of John Owen, it is not only paramount that a person is a Christian - discussed at length in the next chapter, but - if I can add two mites, you should aim at the highest assurance of your faith’s reality. In short, you must do all for God from evangelical motives, not from legal fear. If we get into a mindset that the mortification of sin will gain God’s smile, we will be in a spirit of bondage and fear. Romans 8:15 We must already be assured that God has set his electing love on us and mortification flows out of the application of His redemption for us. This is the abc’s of Christianity - Hebrews 5:12, but the realization of which it is marvelously hard to maintain. Satan will see to it as well. He can’t railroad a work that has been begun in you, Philippians 1:6, but he can sure keep you from the enjoyment of it. Therefore the fiery darts are so often, and that with too much success, shot at the foundation. The Christian’s hope in Christ. There is a phrase one must continually keep in mind that Owen says, The mortification of sin is a means to an end of your salvation, not the cause and effect of it. If someone says, “Yea, but the Puritans would say use the means as diligently as if you were to be saved by them,” I answer that they also say that you are to trust in Christ as diligently as if you dared not depend on any means at all. If you have it in your library, you may want to read Gurnall’s Christian in Complete Armour, Satan’s Wiles to Accuse and Trouble the Saint.” If you just want to listen to it, I have narrated it here http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1290322400 I have read a lot of John Owen and am amazed at what a physician he was of the Christian heart. But you must know that he had a very high assurance of salvation to enable him to examine the deceitful windings and turnings of the heart without himself going into despair.
TMS - Jenison MI
15. Carol
December 22, 2007
10:27 AM
Thanks for all the comments!
Yes, I liked Loren’s “sin as a ticking bomb” picture, too. Really, I liked reading all the posts. That’s why I’m here and not just reading it on my own. I liked the posts from the pastors and their obvious care and concern for the people around them, and likewise the serious attention to Owen’s exhortations.
Lately, I’ve been thinking of sin as a cancer. Get it out. Get it out when it’s small, it’s young, and it isn’t setting up a blood supply and spreading it’s nasty poison everywhere and effecting not just it’s “host,” but the lives of everyone around it. As Owen says, Kill it - before it kills you. Get help to get it out (we aren’t all surgeons, or all oncologists). We are all reading Owen for a reason. I trust our studies aren’t just an intellectual exercise, but instead a grand opportunity to bring Glory to God.
I loved these sections, not only in terms of how we might mortify sin, but also in terms of how our actions bring Glory to the God who is worthy:
“So, by the implanting and growth of humility is pride weakened, passion by patience, uncleanness by purity of mind and conscience, love of this world by heavenly mindedness.” In mortifying sin, we represent, reflect and bring Glory to God better, and all the better when we “cheerfully fight.”
These chapters fueled my prayers for a cheerful fight. Praying that each one here is more effective, more equipped, more God-glorifying in the fight.
16. Ivan
December 22, 2007
12:27 PM
Well, hello everyone. My name is Ivan and I’m a student at a small Christian liberal arts university seeking to enter into the ministry.
I received the book this week and I’ve been trying to catch up with all of you. Though I love reading, I must say that reading this book has not been that easy; sometimes I have to reread a chapter of you again (like many of you).
I have read the preceding five posts and their comments. I want to thank you all for your comments—-I treasure this medium as a source of spiritual growth from more seasoned saints (as many of you are).
I look forward to the upcoming weeks and the discussions that I’ll be able to participate in.
Here’s just a thought that came as a result of this chapter: On page 76, Owen writes: “…the conquest [over sin] is vigorous and hazardous—-it is about the things of eternity. When, therefore, men have slight and transient thoughts about their lusts, it is no great sign that they are mortified, or that they are in a way for their mortification.” Wow…first, it just shows me that in killing sin for the life to come, not only this one. Secondly, Owen makes me realize that I must get serious about killing the sin in my life. It’s not a laughing matter. If I can speak for Owen, it’s “eternally serious.”
I must see my heart for what it is; not some good, warm, and fuzzy thing, but a wicked, vile, and despicable member of my body deserving God’s full wrath. It is upon this realization that the beauty and wonder of my Savior becomes all the more clear.
Oh what a Savior we have!
17. Mike Leake
December 26, 2007
10:42 PM
I am running way behind this week. My thoughts on the chapter can be found here. This was a good chapter, unfortunately with the business of the holiday’s I am not sure it sank in as deep as it needed to. I actually got more out of last chapter than this one. I will need to read it again I am sure.