Mortifying Sin
The Practice of Mortification

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Teaching Ministries

January 5, 2003
Adult Sunday School
Class #15

(Owen, chapter 16)

Key Points:

The directions for the actual work of mortification are very few. The first is to live wholly and solely in your trust in Christ. The second is to seek the Holy Spirit, who alone mortifies sin.

When you are weary of the struggle and ready to give up, there is always enough in Jesus Christ to give you relief (Philippians 4:13).

Let your soul declare: "I am a poor weak thing, unstable as water . . . the corruption of the flesh is too hard for me to cope with by myself; and then look unto the One who gives strength to the weary and pour to the weak (Isaiah 40:27-31).

Raise your expectations of what Christ can do for you.

He is faithful. His promises are sure. God compares His covenant with us to the ordinances of heaven—the laws which keep the sun, moon, and stars in their courses (Jeremiah 31:35-36).

To receive Christ's help, we need to wait upon Him. It is the expectation in faith that sets the heart to work in the exercise of true prayer and meditation.

Christ gave Himself not only to justify us (save us) but also to sanctify us (without spot, wrinkle, or blemish—Ephesians 5:25-27).

The Holy Spirit convicts the heart of evil and guilt and then points us to Christ. We have His support as we receive from Him the power, life and vigor of prayer. The Spirit is the great go-between and the way for faith to prevail with God.