If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:13
John Owen says that putting your sin to death involves the following:
1. A habitual weakening of sin
Every time you say “no” to the flesh you weaken its power.
2. Constant fighting and contending against sin
Sin’s root remains in us, so don’t expect an end to your struggle with sin in this life.
3. Frequent success over sin
Sin’s activity is less frequent and weaker, and it doesn’t hinder or interrupt your duty or peace.
This is work that God calls you to do, but you do it by the Spirit who lives in you. Owen lists six ways in which the Spirit is at work in killing sin. The Holy Spirit:
- Convinces your heart of the sin to fight against.
- Reveals the provision of Christ for your relief.
- Establishes your heart in the expectation of relief from Christ.
- Brings the cross of Christ into your heart with its sin-killing power.
- Begins and will complete your sanctification.
- Supports all your soul’s prayers to God.
Paul says, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (8:13). This is not salvation by works. He is telling us that the mark of a true Christian is that he or she is fighting against sin. You will have many failures, but you’re walking on the path.
Those who kill sin do it because they’re led by the Spirit. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (8:14). This is the narrow path. Few people find it, but those who do, find life!
Evaluate yourself against each of the 3 things involved in killing your sin.
