Mortifying Sin
Lethal Faith

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Teaching Ministries

December 15, 2002
Adult Sunday School
Class #14

Key Points:

Many ways have been mentioned to fight against "indwelling sin": meditating on the cross to see the rottenness of your sin and the fullness of Christ's love; keeping watch against sin's deceit; filling your affections with heavenly things; applying your will to every means of God's grace to fight temptation; renewing your first love for Jesus; and hungering for a glimpse of God's holy glory . . . . the "standard method" of application" of these is prayer and meditation.

Let us not lose sight, however, of who is doing the "killing" of sin . . . the whole work of our salvation is God's, beginning to end, so it is by faith in Him that our flesh shall be conquered.

See God's "terrible majesty" and thereby, see your sin; now, by faith in the sufficiency of Christ and the strength of the Holy Spirit, expect Him to do His sanctifying work.

Your faith will be strengthened as you meditate on the purpose of Christ's death (He died to slay the very sin that ensnares you). In addition, meditate upon His mercy, tenderness, kindness, and faithfulness. His design was to free us from the power of sin. He gave Himself for the church to cleanse it and purge from it every blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27). Remember these truths and your faith will grow.

The killing of the flesh is your duty, but His work; therefore, rejoice with a grateful heart in your Deliverer. He is faithful.

Owen closes this way: Trust in the sufficiency of Christ and seek the Holy Spirit, for it is He who does the actual work of mortification.