In this chapter, Owen discusses the third and final basic principle for mortifying sin, which “is that the life, vigour and comfort of our spiritual life depend much on our mortification of sin” (47). Or as the summary at the top of the chapter calls it: “of the usefulness of mortification” (47). Of all these …
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let …
Continue reading Of Prayer, Preaching, Leprosy, & the Messianic Secret | Mark 1:35-45
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. Exodus 13:21 ESV The newly freed Israelites fled quickly from their former masters, the Egyptians, …
If the first two chapters have not yet convinced you of the great value of this book, this third chapter should soundly accomplish that task. The subject at hand is the second of the three big principles for mortifying sin that Owen began to explore in the previous chapter and will conclude in the following. …
And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, …
Continue reading A New Teaching with Authority | Mark 1:21-34
Here in chapter 2, Owen addresses the first of three main principles made about our call to mortify our sin (the next two principles are the subjects of chapters 3 and 4). This first principle is that even the very best believers must still mortify “the indwelling power of sin” each and every day of …
Note: this week I'm reversing my normal schedule for Wednesdays and Fridays, since a brief illness left me unable to finish the recording over chapter 2 of The Mortification of Sin. That post should certainly be ready for Friday, so for today we continue our verse-by-verse meditations through Psalm 119. Confirm to your servant your …
Continue reading Confirm to Your Servant Your Promise | Psalm 119:38
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, …
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37 ESV “The eye is not satisfied with seeing…” (Ecclesiastes 1:8). Despite the very best efforts of streaming services like Netflix, the Preacher’s words still remain true. Our eyes now have literally more content to view than can possibly be …
Continue reading Turn My Eyes from Looking at Worthless Things | Psalm 119:37
Owen begins the book by establishing for us the verse that serves as the premise of the study, Romans 8:13, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Rob Edwards suggests reading Romans 8:1-17 “to …
