Continuing, paraphrasing from Owen:

When a man fights against a lust in his life only with reasons relating to the punishment due to it, the lust has grabbed hold of his will and there is an excess of naughtiness. [Ed note:  “Naughtiness” is Owen’s word, not mine!] This type of man does not oppose anything which seduces his heart to sin, with the exception of cases where he fears the shaming of others or punishment of hell from God.  If such a punishment were removed, he’d indulge gladly.  I’m sure I don’t see the difference between this state and actually living out that sin in a daily fashion.

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This morning, I’ve been reviewing some of  John Owen’s writings.  I will paraphrase him since his English isn’t very kind to the average reader, but the message is so profound that I wanted to share what this great teacher had to say about the motivation we must have in killing our indwelling sin.  Previously in the book, Owen sets up the notion that unless a person is converted, that is, becomes a Christian, the mortification of sin is useless and will prove frustrating and futile.  While the killing of sin in one’s life is something which every man should do, it’s only the converted man who will have lasting success; all others are called first to receive the Gospel.  From this framework, Owen proceeds to question his readers’ motivation:

Hatred of sin as sin, not only as frustrating or annoying, but having a sense of the love of Christ in the cross lies at the foundation of all true spiritual mortification.  There is a mortification which proceeds from self-love.  You set yourself, diligently and earnestly, to mortify such a lust or sin: but why?  It makes you uncomfortable; it has taken away your peace; it fills your heart with sorrow, trouble and fear; you have no rest because of it.  Yes, but friend: you have neglected prayer and the reading of Scripture!  You are guilty of self-promotion and looseness in your conversation in other things which aren’t connected to the lust that you’re trying to mortify!

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I spent quite a bit of time yesterday talking to a friend about the ugliness of sin.

It’s a tough thing to be in love with your best friend and even tougher to continually let those desires go unfulfilled precisely because you love that friend and want what’s best for them, never mind having been bought at a price and honoring God with your body, dying to self and struggling through what that means in your day-to-day life.

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I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

–John 15:5-6, ESV

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Common to Evangelical circles today is the notion that “God knows my heart” is good news.  The logic goes something like this:  I haven’t measured up today, but I’m only human and God knows that.  I mean, as long as I am trying…God will meet me half way.  After all, He knows my heart and He knows I love Him.”  Such rationale often comes from popular Christian authors, specifically John Eldredge.

This is, of course, extremely unbiblical.  God does know your heart, to be sure, but this is not even close to being good news.  Jeremiah 17:9 is a great refutation of this, one that Eldredge himself has attempted to refute, arguing that when someone becomes Christian that he has a new heart, a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone.

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I’ve given a great deal of thought to my appearance.  From the way I keep my hair a certain length to the way I buy jeans that are sometimes fairly expensive.  Everything down to my socks is carefully thought out most of the time.

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Disclaimer:  I realize that this post may tweak some people and my intent is not to say that ALL members or member organizations within the Exodus organization are this way.  My group is, thankfully, not as I’m describing.  But a large segment of the charismatic-theology groups within Exodus ARE this way.  And I see it as very, very dangerous.

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Abstain from every form of evil.

–1 Thessalonians 5:22

Remind [all of the believers] to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to all people.

–Titus 3:1-2

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations–“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)–according to human precepts and teachings? These all have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

–Colossians 2:20-23

Therefore, beloved, sin you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

–2 Peter 3:14

So, I ask: How close is too close? Continue reading →

“so you seem to be saying that there are real, solid benefits to our redemption (specifically our sanctification) that we can’t always see or recognize, much less prove. well, shit! are you saying things won’t necessarily change for me? because i am, like, freaking out here! i desperately want deliverance, rescue, and hope. should i just lump it because change isn’t the crucial thing? i might start being nicer and more helpful to others because of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life, but are you saying he isn’t going to touch my promiscuity and my lust? and lastly (probably the thing that shocks me the most) are you saying i’m at fault for expecting change from God? that i’m coming for the wrong reasons and would be better off not wanting it easier, not dreaming, not hoping for healing, not asking for any gifts at all from my heavenly father? boo!”

of course, i’m fine. i don’t have any problems. but this is what i would say if i did.

(waiting for lightning to strike…)

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