Mortification of Sin

Romans 8

12 So then, brothers,5 we are debtors, cnot to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you dput to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 


Romans 8 brings into light the Spirit's power in sanctifying the believer. There are two kinds of people. Those who are in the flesh and are bound for destruction (8:5-8) and those who are in the Spirit and belong to Christ (8:5-6,9). Which kind are you? There is no condemnation if you are in Christ (8:1). But yet we are still faced with the responsibility of making daily choices in regards to sin and temptation. I like verse 13's call to put to death the deeds of the body (or sinful flesh). It offers a sense of certainty, of affirmative action: put to death. This ties back to the condemnation of sin brought about by Christ in 8:3. John Owen, who's book The Mortifaction of Sin in Believers has been recently abridged and republished, says well when he says

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you. Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts. He who doth not kill sin in his way takes no steps towards his journey’s end. He who finds not opposition from it, and who sets not himself in every particular to its mortification, is at peace with it, not dying to it.”

-John Owen, Mortification of Sin in Believers

I still have not read his book, but I fully intend to read the unabridged version which can be acquired via free download here. I am struggling deep within myself, wrestling with my selfish tendencies at the core of my being. My exhortation to you, reader, comes in question form. Are you putting to death your sinful flesh? 

Ramblings on Politics and Religion

        I find that there are three camps people can fall into: Those who are consumed with politics (but never admit it), those who couldn't care less if the country were to collapse (as long as no one says anything), and those who have their quiet opinions (but don't care enough to say anything). 

       Some claim that politics should be private to the individual--but that's not conducive to government for the people by the people. If you think they're private, perhaps you should consider moving to a country like North Korea, where nobody cares what you think. 

      Some claim that if you don't watch the news and C-span every day then you are irresponsible. If this you, then perhaps you should consider moving to a country like Andorra, where you can actually keep tabs on everything that goes on in the country.

      Politics is messy, because differing opinions cause arguments, *ahem* discussions, which can offend people. And heaven help us if someone else offended by your point of view. Enter political correctness.

But I digress

Everyone--including the Christian-- is a part of one of three camps. Don't fight it and look for a middle ground, just accept it and move on. What I want to address is the role--or roles, since we are a multi-faceted body--of the church in the political scene, specifically where the church in the United States finds itself today, in 2011.

First of all, government is set up AND taken down by God. 

Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Daniel 2:21a  He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. 

Knowing that we are to live under government seems to be the extent of the biblical opinion regarding politics. This isn't to say that the believer cannot be a part of the government, or take part in change of the government. For after all, this is what politics is all about--influencing the government to swing one way or another. Taxes, national debt, war, laws, health care, way of life, religious freedom, economy, abortion, homosexuality, etc. Any of these things relevant to the Christian in their own situation.

How much should believers enter into debates regarding matters of state? Shouldn't they be concerned with presenting the gospel rather than marching against abortion? Or shouldn't they care about saving innocent baby's and hit the streets rather than write blogs about politics and the church?

Typically Christianity is associated with words like "tea party" and "republican". I actually think there is something to be said about this. While I hesitate to associate myself with nominal, cultural Christianity (for that also comes with the package), moral lines have already been drawn between the two parties. True Christians associate themselves with moral decisions, even if the parties were to switch sides. Granted, the question of immigration is out there--but that is another debate for another post. Generally speaking, the Republican party embraces values that are more in line with the Bible then does the Democratic party. Why are we so afraid to be labeled? Probably because with labels comes extremism and other stereotypes, which I most definitively do not endorse.

Let me ask you, as a believer what is the main goal in your life? This is something that I struggle keeping in focus, and I have seen many others struggle as well. It is very convicting. What consumes you? How much time do you spend watching TV shows, or listening to music, or playing video games, or collecting various items, or making money? Too much? Don't judge those who spend the same time on politics until you have your priorities sorted out. 

What is the main goal in your life as a believer? This is where I think the discussion needs to be brought back to.

The church functions in any political situation. Paul didn't come to revolutionize the government to provide religious freedom. It wasn't on his agenda. Instead, it was preach the gospel! I've been reading through Pihlippians a lot, and this is relevant: 

Philippians 1:12-18:   ¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[c]and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

 ¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Paul's main focus is the advancement of the Gospel. This should be ours too. Remember that "what has happened to me" refers to Paul's arrest. He's not trying to contact influential people for his release. He's waiting on God. Religious freedom also isn't a priority for anyone in the New Testament. Why are we so up tight about it? Persecution would grow and strengthen the weak church that exists in the US.

But don't be passive: we do have the ability to know what goes on in the world, and there is a responsibility entrusted to us to vote responsibly, and pray knowledgeably. Why not write your congressman when you're concerned about something. Do that rather than complain and do nothing because you don't like politics.

Conclusion to my mad ramblings? Be aware; act on your convictions; don't be afraid to disagree ;and above all, advance the gospel.