Sin does not only still abide in us, but is still acting, still laboring to bring forth the deeds of the flesh. When sin lets us alone we may let sin alone; but as sin is never less quiet than when it seems to be most quiet, and its waters are for the most part deep when they are still, so ought our contrivances against it to be vigorous at all times and in all conditions, even where there is least suspicion.
John Owen, 1616-1683, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers, Chapter 2 (Overcoming Sin and Temptation, Edited by Kelly M. Kapic and Justin Taylor, 2006, Crossway Books, p. 51)
Is this true? How should it affect our lives?
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For me it is all about the dominance of the inner man over the outer one. When we are strong on the inside we are better equipped to overcome the temptation. Hence it is on us to strengthen our inner man.
ReplyDeleteI would agree, but would add the strength of the inner man comes from being connected to the Source of power. As we trust in Him we are able to be strong to stand against the deceitfulness of our sinful nature of the outer man.
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