Mortification: Overcoming Indwelling Sin Through the Spirit
Summary
In our exploration of Romans 8, we delve into the profound and challenging call to mortification, the act of putting to death the deeds of the body. Paul, in verses 12 and 13, urges us to recognize that we are not debtors to the flesh, but rather, we are called to live by the Spirit. This passage emphasizes the ongoing battle with indwelling sin, even as believers who are justified and in union with Christ. The presence of sin in our mortal bodies requires us to actively engage in its mortification.
The mindset of mortification involves three key aspects: acknowledging the presence of indwelling sin, cultivating a desire to deal with it, and recognizing our ability to overcome it through our union with Christ. Sin is no longer our master, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist its influence. The method of mortification begins with saying no to sin, embracing the power of negative thinking as taught in Titus 2:11-12. We must not be content with partial holiness but strive for complete sanctification, setting our minds on the things of the Spirit.
Mortification also requires us to kill sin at its source, which often begins in the mind. We must be vigilant in addressing sinful thoughts and patterns before they manifest into actions. Accountability within the body of Christ is crucial, as sin affects not only the individual but the entire community. We are called to support one another in this journey, recognizing that our collective witness is at stake.
Finally, we must avoid falling into legalism. Mortification is not about earning salvation or God's love, but about living in accordance with our identity in Christ. We put sin to death because it is the right thing to do, and because sin has no place in the lives of those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Identifying and addressing specific besetting sins is essential, as some sins may persist and require a lifelong commitment to overcome.
Key Takeaways:
- Indwelling Sin and the Christian Life: Even as believers, we wrestle with indwelling sin. Acknowledging its presence is the first step in the journey of sanctification. We must recognize that sin still dwells in our mortal bodies and requires our active engagement to overcome. [04:56]
- Desire for Holiness: Cultivating a genuine desire to grow in holiness is crucial. We should strive to be more holy today than we were yesterday, constantly seeking to display the fruits of the Spirit. This desire propels us forward in our spiritual journey. [06:01]
- Empowered by the Spirit: Our union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empower us to deal with sin. Sin is no longer our master, and we have the ability to resist its influence and live in righteousness. [07:32]
- Accountability and Community: Mortification is not a solitary endeavor. We are accountable to one another within the body of Christ. Our sins affect the entire community, and we must support each other in the pursuit of holiness. [17:50]
- Avoiding Legalism: Mortification is not about earning salvation or God's love. It is about living in accordance with our identity in Christ. We put sin to death because it is the right thing to do, and because sin has no place in the lives of those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. [21:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Romans 8
- [00:42] - Resurrection and Sanctification
- [01:16] - Living by the Spirit
- [01:48] - Mortification of the Flesh
- [03:44] - Mindset of Mortification
- [04:56] - Dealing with Indwelling Sin
- [06:34] - Desire for Holiness
- [07:32] - Empowered by the Spirit
- [09:11] - Method of Mortification
- [10:05] - Saying No to Sin
- [11:04] - Pursuing Complete Holiness
- [14:29] - Killing Sin at Its Source
- [16:57] - Accountability in the Body of Christ
- [19:28] - Avoiding Legalism
- [22:40] - Identifying Besetting Sins
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:12-13
- Titus 2:11-12
- Colossians 3:5
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says we are not debtors to the flesh in Romans 8:12? How does this relate to living by the Spirit? [01:16]
2. In Titus 2:11-12, what does the grace of God teach us to say no to, and how does this relate to the concept of mortification discussed in the sermon? [09:50]
3. How does Colossians 3:5 expand on the idea of mortification, and what specific actions does it call believers to take?
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the mindset of mortification, and what are the three key aspects involved? [03:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of mortification challenge the idea of being content with partial holiness, and what does striving for complete sanctification look like in a believer's life? [11:04]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that accountability within the body of Christ is crucial for dealing with sin, and how might this accountability manifest in a church community? [17:50]
3. How does the sermon differentiate between mortification and legalism, and why is it important to avoid falling into a legalistic mindset while pursuing holiness? [21:21]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers to resist sin, and how does this empowerment relate to our identity in Christ? [07:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a specific sin that you struggle with. What steps can you take this week to actively say no to this sin, and how can you involve others in your journey for accountability? [10:05]
2. Consider your current desire for holiness. Are there areas in your life where you have become complacent? What practical changes can you make to cultivate a stronger desire for holiness? [06:34]
3. Identify a thought pattern that often leads you into sin. What strategies can you implement to address these thoughts before they manifest into actions? [15:12]
4. How can you foster a community of accountability within your small group or church? What steps can you take to support others in their journey of mortification? [17:50]
5. Reflect on the balance between pursuing holiness and avoiding legalism. How can you ensure that your efforts to put sin to death are motivated by your identity in Christ rather than a desire to earn God's love? [21:21]
6. Think about a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome a sin. How can you draw on that experience to face current challenges, and what role does prayer play in seeking the Spirit's guidance? [07:32]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to set your mind on the things of the Spirit, and how can this focus help you in your journey of sanctification? [11:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Acknowledging Indwelling Sin
Even as believers, we continue to wrestle with the presence of indwelling sin. Recognizing this reality is the first step in our journey of sanctification. Sin still dwells in our mortal bodies, and it requires our active engagement to overcome. This ongoing battle is not a sign of failure but a call to vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By acknowledging the presence of sin, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God, who empowers us to resist its influence and live in righteousness. [04:56]
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." (Romans 7:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you notice the presence of indwelling sin. How can you actively engage with this sin today, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance?
Day 2: Cultivating a Desire for Holiness
Cultivating a genuine desire to grow in holiness is crucial for our spiritual journey. We are called to strive to be more holy today than we were yesterday, constantly seeking to display the fruits of the Spirit. This desire propels us forward, encouraging us to pursue complete sanctification rather than settling for partial holiness. By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His transformative power. [06:01]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper desire for holiness in your life? How can you set your mind on the things of the Spirit in practical ways?
Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit
Our union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empower us to deal with sin. Sin is no longer our master, and we have the ability to resist its influence and live in righteousness. This empowerment is not based on our strength but on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit working within us. As we rely on Him, we find the strength to say no to sin and embrace the life of holiness to which we are called. [07:32]
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to resist sin? How can you intentionally walk by the Spirit today?
Day 4: Accountability and Community
Mortification is not a solitary endeavor. We are accountable to one another within the body of Christ, recognizing that our sins affect the entire community. Supporting each other in the pursuit of holiness is essential, as our collective witness is at stake. By fostering an environment of accountability and encouragement, we help one another grow in our spiritual journeys and reflect the love of Christ to the world. [17:50]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for accountability and support in your spiritual journey? How can you be a source of encouragement and accountability for someone else today?
Day 5: Avoiding Legalism
Mortification is not about earning salvation or God's love. It is about living in accordance with our identity in Christ. We put sin to death because it is the right thing to do, and because sin has no place in the lives of those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. By avoiding legalism, we embrace the freedom and grace that come from our relationship with Christ, allowing His love to guide our actions and decisions. [21:21]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be slipping into legalism? How can you embrace the freedom and grace found in your identity in Christ today?
Quotes
First of all that we need to deal with indwelling sin. There is sin to be dealt with ongoing, remaining sin in our lives even though we are Christians and we are justified and we are in union with Christ and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Sin still dwells in this mortal body. [00:04:07]
Robert Murray McShane, the 19th century Scottish Presbyterian pastor, died just a few days before his 30th birthday, once wrote that the seeds of every known sin lies within our hearts. We may not be as sinful as we possibly could be, and we have particular sins and what the Bible calls elsewhere besetting sins. [00:05:00]
There ought to be in us a desire to deal with indwelling sin. We want to deal with indwelling sin. We want to grow. We want to flourish as Christians. We want to grow in holiness. We want to be more holy today than we were yesterday, this year than we were last year, this decade than we were a decade ago. [00:05:43]
We want to grow and we want to display the fruits of the Spirit. So we need to deal with sin. We want to deal with sin. And let me pause just for a second and ask, is that perhaps the problem, that we don't really want to grow in holiness, that we're content with the progress in sanctification that we've already made? [00:06:21]
Because we're in union with Christ, because we have died to sin and we live to righteousness, because we have died with Christ and we've been buried with Christ and we've been raised again to newness of life in Christ, so we're in a position now to deal with sin because sin is no longer our master. [00:07:08]
The power of negative thinking, not the power of positive thinking, but the power of negative thinking of saying no to sin. Titus 2:11 and 12, for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness, to say no to sin. [00:09:38]
Sometimes I think as Christians we are content if we get a little victory here and a little victory there, and we know there are vast areas of our lives where godliness does not seem to manifest itself in any credible form. And we're content. We're content with a partial holiness. And I think Paul is saying here, don't be content with partial holiness. [00:10:54]
Kill sin at its source. Where does sin begin? You've noticed the segway from verses 8, 9, 10, and 11 to these verses that we're looking at 12 and 13. And Paul in the previous section had been talking about a mindset, minding the things of the Spirit. He'd been talking about the importance of a Christian mind. [00:14:29]
Be accountable to each other. The verb here is actually in the plural. It's not in the singular. Mortify as a collective, not just individually, because you belong to each other. You are brothers and sisters. You are part of the family of God. You have a relationship to one another. [00:16:57]
Godliness is never just a personal thing. I live in my small corner and you in yours. We are part of the body of Christ, and when one member hurts, the whole body hurts along with it. And when one member sins, the whole body grieves along with it, and our collective witness to the world is marred as a consequence. [00:18:29]
This is a command. This is an imperative. Be killing sin. Be about the business of killing sin. It's what is expected of us. It's what the Spirit wants us to do. There's really no place for the presence of the Spirit of Christ and sin in our lives. [00:19:28]
No, we put sin to death because it's the right thing to do. We put sin to death because sin has no right to be in the presence of those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Can you identify your besetting sin? Is thinking here, I think, not just of having a general thought about sin, but having very specific thoughts about it. [00:22:40]
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