Mortification of Sin: In Modern English

by John Owen

Overcoming sin using our own strength, carried out by self-invented ways, aiming for self-righteousness, is the heart and substance of all false religion in the world.

If sin is always acting, and we don't consistently work to kill it, we'll end up losing ourselves. A person who stands still and allows their enemies to land blow after blow without resistance will undoubtedly be defeated in the end. If sin is cunning, vigilant, powerful, and always trying to destroy our souls, and we're lazy, careless, and foolish in our attempts to prevent it, how can we expect a positive outcome?

The saints, who long for freedom from sin's troubling rebellion, know that the only way to protect themselves is through constant warfare.

Sin always aims for the worst: each time it tempts or entices, if left unchecked, it would lead to the most extreme sin of that type.

Every impure thought or glance would become adultery if it could; every greedy desire would turn into oppression; every doubt would become atheism if sin were allowed to fully develop.

One of the main reasons the Spirit and our new nature are given to us is so that we have an internal force to oppose sin and lust.

Sin opposes every act of holiness and every degree of growth.

Every uncontrolled sin will certainly do two things: a) It will weaken the soul and take away its strength. b) It will darken the soul and take away its comfort and peace.

It is a cloud, a thick cloud, that spreads itself over the soul and blocks all the rays of God's love and favor. It takes away all sense of the privilege of our adoption.

"sin"

They try to overcome sin but don't achieve it because they rely on their own efforts instead of faith. This is also true for those who attempt to leave sin behind based on their own convictions and awakened consciences.

False quieting of the conscience. However, when a person's conscience is troubled by sin and they can't find peace, instead of going to the great Physician of souls and finding healing in His blood, they try to calm their conscience by fighting against sin, without turning to Christ at all.

Without sincerity and diligence in obeying all aspects of our faith, we cannot overcome any specific troubling sin.

They cannot bear it, so they set themselves against it, pray against it, groan under it, and sigh to be delivered. But at the same time, in other duties - in constant communion with God; in reading, prayer, and meditation; in other ways that are not of the same kind as the sin they are troubled with - they are careless and negligent. That person should not expect to ever overcome the sin they are struggling with.

hatred of sin as sin (not only as troubling or distressing) and a sense of the love of Christ on the cross are the basis of all true spiritual overcoming of sin.

But, friend, you have neglected prayer or reading; you have been vain and careless in your behavior in other things that are not of the same nature as the sin you are struggling with. These are no less sins and evils than those you are groaning under. Jesus Christ bled for them as well. Why do you not set yourself against them as well?

Struggling and praying over a sin BUT ... then this quote

If you hate sin as sin, every evil way, you would be no less watchful against everything that grieves and distresses the Spirit of God than against that which grieves and distresses your own soul.

Beware, this is what your lust is working toward: the hardening of the heart, searing of the conscience, blinding of the mind, numbing of the affections, and deceiving of the entire soul.

Think about what situations, what company, what opportunities, what studies, what work, and what conditions have ever given or usually give advantages to your sin, and be cautious against them all.

Rise mightily against the first signs of your weakness, its initial thoughts; don't let it gain any ground.

Do you find your weakness starting to entangle your thoughts? Rise up with all your strength against it, with the same indignation as if it had already accomplished its goal.

Think often about the excellence of God's majesty and your own infinite, inconceivable distance from Him.

people who are more concerned with the trouble caused by sin than the actual sin itself, and who turn to Jesus for mercy but still hold onto their sin, should not expect to find true and lasting peace.

There's nothing in our relationship with Him that frustrates the Lord more than our unbelieving fears, which prevent us from receiving the strong consolation He wants to give us.

Let faith see Christ in the gospel as He is portrayed dying and crucified for us (Gal 3:1). See Him bearing the weight of our sins, praying, bleeding, dying. Bring Him in that condition into your heart by faith. Apply His shed blood to your corruptions, and do this daily.