John Owen points out that “even the best of saints, being left to themselves will quickly appear to be less than men-to be nothing. All our own strength is weakness, and all our wisdom folly.”
Of Temptation, The Nature and Power of it. (Sovereign Grace Publishers, Wilmington, Delaware, 1972) 92
Soul Exercise
What a great word from John Owen on temptation near the end of his little work on the same. I love this part:
“Let a soul exercise itself to a communion with Christ in the good things of the Gospel. Pardon of sin, fruits of holiness, hope of glory, peace with God, joy in the Holy Spirit, dominion over sin, and he shall have a mighty preservative against all temptations.”
(John Owen , Works Vol. 6, p. 144.)
So, let us exercise our souls in this way.
Temptation
John Owen makes this great statement about temptation:
“All sin is from temptation. Sin is a fruit that comes only from that root.”
(Works, Vol. 6, p. 117)
Sin’s Power
We are often carried into sin & overcome by it because we love it. But we also often continue in it because we are afraid of the consequences that might occur should we repent & give full disclosure. Sin is powerful. Watch & Pray!
On What have You Set your Mind?
The mind set on the flesh - is death
The mind set on the Spirit - is life & peace
The flesh may give pleasure now – but its ways are the ways of death – it brings remorse & pain
The Spirit is life-giving & peace–rewarding
Choose life & peace