Transforming Through Mortification: Embracing Compassion and Repentance

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound journey of spiritual transformation, focusing on the concept of mortification, which involves allowing the wrongs within us to wither and die. Jesus exemplifies this by stating that the ruler of this world has nothing in Him, a state of being we should aspire to. Our susceptibility to sin often stems from the wrongs already present in our bodies and social situations. This susceptibility can manifest in various forms, such as gossip, envy, or even the misuse of sexuality, as illustrated by the struggles of a minister who found himself in a cycle of sin due to dissatisfaction with his work.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the cues that lead us into sin. By being aware of these cues, we can choose to avoid the "conveyor belt" that leads to sin. This requires a conscious effort to mortify the deeds of the body, as Paul describes in Romans 8:13. The process involves a deep understanding of our social interactions, where attack and withdrawal are common forms of lovelessness and iniquity. The story of the Good Samaritan serves as a powerful illustration of compassion, the antidote to withdrawal.

Furthermore, the message highlights the significance of repentance, which begins with the realization of who we are and the acknowledgment of our tendencies to sin. True repentance involves a transformation of the mind and body, allowing us to respond to cues of sin with actions that align with righteousness. This transformation is supported by practices such as worship, adoration, and obedience, which help us rise above our natural inclinations.

In our Christian communities, we are called to eliminate attack and withdrawal, fostering an environment of love and support. This requires us to be present with others, listen more than we speak, and place our faith in God rather than in people. By doing so, we create a space where individuals can grow spiritually without fear of condemnation.

Key Takeaways:

- Mortification and Spiritual Transformation: Mortification involves allowing the wrongs within us to wither and die, as exemplified by Jesus, who had nothing in Him that the ruler of this world could exploit. This process requires a conscious effort to recognize and address the cues that lead us into sin, allowing us to live a life aligned with righteousness. [05:57]

- The Power of Repentance: True repentance begins with the realization of who we are and the acknowledgment of our tendencies to sin. It involves a transformation of the mind and body, allowing us to respond to cues of sin with actions that align with righteousness. This transformation is supported by practices such as worship, adoration, and obedience. [15:53]

- Compassion as an Antidote to Withdrawal: The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates the power of compassion, which is the antidote to withdrawal. In our social interactions, we must be aware of the patterns of attack and withdrawal and choose to respond with compassion, fostering an environment of love and support. [10:10]

- Creating a Supportive Christian Community: In our Christian communities, we are called to eliminate attack and withdrawal, fostering an environment of love and support. This requires us to be present with others, listen more than we speak, and place our faith in God rather than in people. [29:03]

- The Role of Worship and Obedience: Worship, adoration, and obedience help us rise above our natural inclinations and transform our social relationships. By filling our spare moments with God, we align our bodies with righteousness and create a space for spiritual growth. [12:39]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - Jesus and the Prince of This World
[01:37] - Struggles with Sin
[03:07] - The Plasticity of the Body
[04:10] - The Power of Gossip
[05:10] - Mortification and Spiritual Life
[06:49] - Jesus' Triumph in the Garden
[08:04] - Lovelessness in Social Situations
[09:27] - The Good Samaritan's Compassion
[10:45] - Patterns of Attack and Withdrawal
[12:23] - Rising Above Hurt Feelings
[13:18] - Avoiding the Conveyor Belt to Sin
[15:34] - Genuine Repentance
[17:29] - Recognizing Cues to Sin
[20:12] - Assurance and Temptation
[22:27] - Respecting the Body
[24:36] - Trusting God and Rest
[26:19] - Eliminating Attack and Withdrawal
[29:03] - Assurance in Christian Groups
[31:17] - Meditating on Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:30
2. Romans 8:13
3. Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 14:30, what does Jesus mean when He says, "the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me"? How does this relate to the concept of mortification discussed in the sermon? [00:27]

2. According to Romans 8:13, what is the result of mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit? How does this align with the sermon’s message on spiritual transformation? [05:57]

3. How does the story of the Good Samaritan illustrate the concepts of attack and withdrawal in social situations, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:27]

4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how our social interactions can lead us into sin, and how can we recognize these cues? [06:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for a Christian to have "nothing in them" that the ruler of this world can exploit, as Jesus did? How can believers strive towards this state of being? [00:50]

2. How does the sermon describe the process of mortification, and why is it considered a primary part of the spiritual life in the New Testament? [05:33]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that compassion, as demonstrated by the Good Samaritan, serves as an antidote to withdrawal in our social interactions? [10:10]

4. How does the sermon explain the role of worship, adoration, and obedience in transforming our natural inclinations and social relationships? [12:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel susceptible to sin due to social situations or personal habits? How can you begin the process of mortification in these areas? [01:11]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing cues that lead to sin. Can you identify any specific cues in your life that often lead you down a path of sin? What steps can you take to respond differently? [18:07]

3. Consider your interactions within your Christian community. Are there patterns of attack or withdrawal that you notice in yourself or others? How can you foster an environment of love and support instead? [26:19]

4. How can you incorporate practices of worship, adoration, and obedience into your daily routine to help align your actions with righteousness? What specific changes can you make this week? [12:39]

5. The sermon discusses the power of repentance and transformation. Have you experienced genuine repentance in your life? How did it change your perspective or actions? [15:53]

6. Think about a time when you felt attacked or withdrawn from in a social situation. How did you respond, and how might you respond with compassion in the future? [10:45]

7. How can you be more present with others, listening more than speaking, and placing your faith in God rather than in people? What practical steps can you take to practice this in your relationships? [27:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Mortification as a Path to Righteousness
Mortification involves a deliberate process of allowing the wrongs within us to wither and die, aligning ourselves with the example set by Jesus, who had nothing in Him that the ruler of this world could exploit. This journey requires a conscious effort to recognize and address the cues that lead us into sin, enabling us to live a life aligned with righteousness. By understanding our vulnerabilities and the social situations that trigger sinful behaviors, we can actively choose to step off the "conveyor belt" that leads to sin. This process is not passive but requires active participation in identifying and mortifying the deeds of the body, as described in Romans 8:13. [05:57]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What are the specific cues or situations in your life that lead you towards sin, and how can you actively work to mortify these tendencies today?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Repentance
True repentance begins with the realization of who we are and the acknowledgment of our tendencies to sin. It involves a transformation of the mind and body, allowing us to respond to cues of sin with actions that align with righteousness. This transformation is supported by practices such as worship, adoration, and obedience, which help us rise above our natural inclinations. By engaging in these spiritual disciplines, we create a space for God to work within us, transforming our hearts and minds to reflect His will. Repentance is not merely an emotional response but a commitment to change, supported by the grace of God. [15:53]

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate worship, adoration, and obedience into your daily routine to support your journey of repentance and transformation?


Day 3: Compassion as a Response to Social Lovelessness
The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates the power of compassion, which serves as the antidote to withdrawal and lovelessness in social interactions. In our daily lives, we often encounter patterns of attack and withdrawal, which can lead to isolation and a lack of genuine connection. By choosing to respond with compassion, we foster an environment of love and support, mirroring the actions of the Good Samaritan. This requires us to be present with others, listen more than we speak, and place our faith in God rather than in people. Compassion is a deliberate choice that can transform our relationships and communities. [10:10]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of compassion today, and how can you actively show them love and support in a tangible way?


Day 4: Building a Supportive Christian Community
In our Christian communities, we are called to eliminate attack and withdrawal, fostering an environment of love and support. This requires us to be present with others, listen more than we speak, and place our faith in God rather than in people. By doing so, we create a space where individuals can grow spiritually without fear of condemnation. A supportive community is one where members are encouraged to share their struggles and triumphs, knowing they will be met with understanding and grace. This environment allows for spiritual growth and the development of deep, meaningful relationships. [29:03]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a more supportive and loving environment in your Christian community today?


Day 5: Worship and Obedience as Tools for Spiritual Growth
Worship, adoration, and obedience help us rise above our natural inclinations and transform our social relationships. By filling our spare moments with God, we align our bodies with righteousness and create a space for spiritual growth. These practices are not just rituals but are essential tools that enable us to live a life that reflects God's love and grace. Through worship and obedience, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. [12:39]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to incorporate more worship and obedience into your daily life, and how might this impact your spiritual growth?

Quotes

"Mortification is a primary part of the spiritual life in the New Testament and that means that we allow the things that are wrong in us to wither and die and Paul says in Romans 8:13 if you through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body you shall live now he's not talking about the deeds of the body in the natural sense but the deeds of the body that is saturated in the wrong stuff I'm living out here in the social world where there's so much in you and people can just come by and grab you and make you dance like a puppet on the string because of what's in you." [00:05:49]

"Jesus understood this I remember the circle diagram you see there wasn't Jesus had their circles too and there wasn't anything in those circles that Satan could get ahold of not a thing and he tried the best he could and he came to the garden and tried to kill him in the garden to keep him from going to the cross and the great triumph of Jesus in the garden was that he made it to the cross he wasn't trying to avoid the cross he's trying to get there Satan was trying to stop him because he knew the plan the plan was I if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me." [00:06:49]

"There are really two primary forms of lovelessness and iniquity in social situations and these are attack and withdrawal attack can be a lot of things for example to be preying on someone you know like when when someone is trying to seduce someone or swindle them out of their money or whatever it is that's an attack that's no time or it may just be some sort of frontal assault bad names undermining it can be physical that's all in that category then withdrawal those are the two forms of sin and social relations." [00:07:42]

"The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates both right I mean that's what that story is about a man is going down from to Jericho from Jerusalem and he is set upon by thieves s attack and then there comes the Levite and the priest and what do they do they withdraw some silly person said when they saw he had already been robbed they went by on the other side that their heart was not with him and the one thing that distinguishes the Samaritan was not what he did he had compassion on him he had compassion see that's the opposite of withdrawal." [00:09:27]

"Normal social relations show our bodies poised to attack and withdraw you know you may not be able to take this in or may not believe it as we go through it here just think about it folks just think about it think about it in all of our context and then of course think about the good times too because there are also we experienced not attack but help and care and not withdrawal but people who are really able to be open and with us say but in the normal situation it's a cold cold world folks and just think of where a contempt and anger and looking to lust and envy and resentment are located it's right there in the body language people don't have to think about it to do it it's what we do without thinking." [00:11:07]

"Well we have to be able to stand somewhere to rise above that and that's the place of worship and adoration and obedience and we learned then to turn it around so that our belly is a source of living water that's Jesus's words out of their belly shall flow what do you think that is well that's compassion that is receptivity that's openness and that's what we are looking for as we grow in these areas of our body and social relations it takes some doing it doesn't happen automatically but what we learn to do is to not get on the conveyor belt to sin that's the way sin is it's like the buzzsaw is up here I've sinned here's the conveyor belt if you want to Boyd the buzzsaw don't get on the belt." [00:12:39]

"Peter of course finally figured it out and when he when it came to him that he had done exactly what Jesus said he would do and exactly what he said then he went out and wept bitterly now what he went out and wept bitterly about was he realized who he was he wasn't thinking oh I did it I missed the trick no he said he now he knows who he and that's where genuine repentance sets in is when we realize who we are and then there's some hope and what happens is the old cues the sinning are now cused to avoid it see and like who's Martha Stewart's friend that got her in all this trouble was on you know he was talking on one of the talk shows and explaining how he did this thing that he knew better than doing and it was absolutely no explanation at all." [00:15:34]

"Repentance is where I say I am the kind of person who does that sort of thing and I am that kind of person because of the way I think and the way I feeling where I put my mind and the fact that my body is so accustomed to doing that that it overruns my headlights and does it before I have a chance to think about it No these cues are very important okay so for example if you're troubled with looking to lust you know the construction workers and all that sort of thing we talked about that or if you're troubled with that the way you deal with it is recognize that when you do it you are following cues that have already showed up and said get ready or you're going to miss your chance that's true of gossip that's true of the financial guy you see there are indicators that come up and you take those as cues to do something else." [00:17:29]

"Christian groups should help us and in the Christian group we should totally eliminate attack and withdrawal now that doesn't mean you don't teach the truth and you stand for what is right you do that but you don't attack people that was Jesus a secret you know Jesus said I did not come into the world to condemn the world we should have condemnation totally removed from our Christian settings and condemnation is not what we teach in truth it's how we teach it and condemnation always involves some element of condemned and when that gets going in our families or other wherever that's just wildfire and that's a form of attack and a form of distancing in the same way some of the things we can do dare to be really present to others before the Lord when we're together don't hurry listen more than you talk listening is a is a wonderful wonderful thing to do is to listen." [00:26:19]

"Expect from the Lord not from people my faith is not in you or me my faith is in God and that is why I can be with you and not hurry and I can listen because I'm not trying to run the show and Paul's wonderful statement here from Corinthians I was determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified and that meant primarily for Paul that he was getting beyond his own expertise and brilliance and all of that and he had plenty of it and he said I'm not going to approach these people in Corinth in terms of what I can get them to do what I can convince them all yes I'm going to approach them in terms of what Christ will do in them as I am with them." [00:29:03]

"Fill those spare moments with God they will have a tremendous power in bringing your body into line with righteousness and your social relationships will all look different thank you very much and may God bless this teaching to you now and next week we do mainly on the soul the soul is the deepest part of you and we need to talk about that so." [00:33:17]

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Transcript
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