DISCOURSE: 1868
MORTIFICATION OF SIN
Romans 8:13. If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
IT is of infinite importance to know our state as it is before God, and to ascertain on scriptural grounds, what our condition will be in the eternal world. Numberless are the passages of God’s word which will afford us the desired information; but there is not in the whole inspired volume one declaration more explicit than that before us. It presents to our view two momentous truths, which, as they admit not of any clearer division or arrangement, we shall consider in their order.
I. A carnal life will terminate in everlasting misery—
To “live after the flesh” is to make the gratifying of our corrupt nature the great scope and end of our lives—
[The “flesh” does not relate merely to the body, but to the whole of our corrupt nature. It is used to signify that innate principle of sin, which governs the unregenerate, and continually fights against the spiritual principle in those that are regenerate [Note: John 3:6; Galatians 5:17.]. And its fruits comprehend the actings of the mind, no less than those of the body [Note: Galatians 5:192 Corinthians 9:15.].”]
2. Let us be careful lest we abuse this privilege—
[Doctrines arising from human systems, even though they be true in themselves, must never be pressed into the service of sin, or be brought to enervate the force of declarations, which, though apparently opposite, are equally clear and true.
If some truths are revealed for the confirming of our stability, others are intended to create within us a holy jealousy. Instead therefore of attempting to invalidate the declaration before us, let us flee from those defilements which alone can make it formidable. Let us maintain that purity of heart which God requires, and study to “be holy as God is holy.” Especially must we guard against abusing our privilege by enthusiastic conceits on the one hand, or presumptuous confidence on the other. The Spirit’s operations do not supersede our efforts, but rather encourage them, and work by them [Note: Philippians 2:12-13.]: yet are they not to be discerned, except, like the wind, by their effects [Note: John 3:8.]. Let your life, then, testify that God is with you of a truth. “And I pray God, your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be sanctified wholly, and preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [Note: 1 Thessalonians 5:23.].”]