Mortifying Sin
No Easy Peace

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Teaching Ministries

December 8, 2002
Adult Sunday School
Class #13

Key Points:

When we become aware of our indwelling sin, the tendency is to declare our own "inner peace" before God has done His work in us—when we do this, the flesh's foothold only becomes stronger.

One of the flesh's best cons is to make you believe that God is soothing your wounded conscience, so that you ease off your battle against sin. Therefore, we must learn to discern between God's comfort and the false comfort our flesh declares.

One distinguishing mark is that we know it is the flesh talking when peace comes and we don't yet abhor the sin—we know it is God's peace when our heart swells with hatred of the sin we have become aware of. When we see our bleeding Savior, we mourn and grieve because it was our sin that put Him there.

Another distinguishing mark is that the flesh's peace is "logically reasoned" and declared quickly, whereas God's peace comes as we wait on Him (in prayer and meditation). "Self-healers" are usually in a hurry, and can't wait on the Lord. "Reasoned peace" doesn't give sweetness and contentment to the soul, either—and worst of all, it does not change your life (you don't turn from your sin).

God's peace humbles souls, cleanses from guilt, transforms lives, melts hearts, and endears us to Christ.

Prayer and meditation is once again the process God uses to mortify our sin.