Mortification of Sin-John Owen ch2

MORTIFICATION OF SIN by JOHN OWEN

I. The Character of Mortification
1. God commands all believers to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit.
2. He accompanies this command with the promise of abundant life.
3. Mortification involves the habitual weakening of, and contention against, sin.

II. The Need for Mortification
1. We need to mortify besetting sin daily
2. The Holy Spirit alone performs this work in believers
3. Mortification is not possible for unregenerate men or for disobedient believers.

III. The Preparation for Mortification
1. Nine considerations aid believers in preparing for the mortification of sin.
2. Believers should realize the guilt, danger, and evil of sin.
3. We should also meditate on God’s perfection in contrast to our sinfulness.

IV. The Practice of Mortification
1. The work of mortification actually involves only two things.
a. First, we must trust in Christ’s sufficiency.
b. Second, we must seek the Holy Spirit who alone mortifies sin

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THE CHARACTER OF MORTIFICATION  Mortification is essential for believers

Five points on Romans 8:13
1. Condition states: if
2. Subject denoted: you (believers)
3. Means identified: through the Spirit
4. Duty prescribed: mortify the deeds of the body
5. Promise given: you shall live

Biblical definition of mortification
Mortification is not…
1. the complete elimination of sin
2. make-believe
3. merely the improvement of natural qualities
4. simply the diversion of sin
5. just occasional victories
Mortification is…
1. the habitual weakening of sin
2. a constant fight and contention against sin
a. Recognize the enemy you face.
b. Familiarize yourself with sin’s tactics.
c. Attack sin directly.
3. evidenced by frequent success against sin

II. THE NEED FOR MORTIFICATION The daily mortification of sin
Two characteristics of unmortified professors
1. Little regard for the reality of sin in his own life
2. Deceives others in his unmortified state
The Spirit’s power for mortification
Three ways the Holy Spirit mortifies sin
1. He causes our hearts to abound in grace and His fruits, which opposed the deeds of the flesh
2. By the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning.
3. He brings the cross of Christ into our heart by faith.

Question: If this work can only be done by the Holy Spirit, why are we exhorted to do something about it ourselves?
1. Because he works in us both to will and work his good pleasure.
2. Mortification must remain a work of our obedience to His Spirit.
Mortification is for true believers
Stoicism is not enough.
1. Mortification is not possible for unregenerate man
a. Man must first be brought before God
b. Peace of conscience is not enough
2. Mortification is the work of faith
a. Is there any use in dissuading the ungodly from their ways?
b. Go on preaching the Word of God

Mortification requires obedience
God may chasten us to prevent worse evil in us.

III. THE PREPARATION FOR MORTIFICATION
1. Consider whether the sin exhibits particularly dangerous symptoms
a. Watch out for the inevitability of sin
b. Beware of special pleadings
c. Beware of frequent sins
d. Fear of punishment is not true fear of sin
e. Beware of the hardening of sin within you
f. Sin can turn that soul against God2. Maintain a clear and abiding sense of guilt, danger, and evil of sin.

2. Maintain a clear and abiding sense of guilt, danger, and evil of sin.
a. Make a right judgment about the guilt of sin.
b. Recognize the danger of sin.
c. Reflect on the evil of sin.

3. Let the guilt weight of sin burden your conscience.
a. Recognize the holiness of  law
b. Listen to the law
c. Be candid about sin
d. Be frank before God
e. Be honest about your moral carelessness
f. Be grateful before God
4. Seek with a constant longing to be delivered from the power of sin
5. Consider if the evil you struggle with is rooted in your nature,