Last week I had the privilege of sitting down and having a heart to heart with that great Puritan, John Owen. This week we got together again for another brilliant discussion on how sin works and how to kill it. Here’s the transcript of our conversation:
Stephen Altrogge: John, why do you make such a big deal about fighting sin? Why should I make all this effort to fight my sin?
John Owen: Oh that’s an easy one. I’ll just give you two reasons for now. First, if sin isn’t continually battled, it will give birth to great, cursed, scandalous, soul-destroying sins. Think for a moment: how does adultery happen?
SA: Simple, a guy cheats on his wife.
JO: Wrong. It starts much smaller, in the thoughts. A man finds himself thinking a little longer and more affectionately about a woman at work. If these thoughts are left unchecked they lead to “small” actions, like longer conversations at the water cooler. Conversations lead to lunches, lunches lead to evenings, evenings lead to adultery. With each sinful concession, his heart grows harder and he becomes more deceived. That’s why, by the power of God, sin must be consistently battled.
SA: What’s the second reason I should fight my sin?
JO: So you can be happy! Your spiritual happiness is directly related to your holiness. You want spiritual strength, comfort, power, and peace, right?
SA: That would be a “yes”.
JO: Sin and Satan are in the business of stealing these things from you. Sin will entangle your affections and cloud your communion with God. It will drive out your love for God and suck the life out of your spirit. If you want to be happy you need to be holy.
SA: So John, what hope is there for me?
JO: Oh there is much hope for you my friend. You have the living God at work within you. He, along with you, is making war on your sin. That ultimately is your hope. You fight because God is fighting with you.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
“If these thoughts are left unchecked they lead to “small” actions, like longer conversations at the water cooler.”
Great confirmation for me. For an upcoming post, I’m currently writing about how beliefs lead to action. I often find myself with this same problem: once I realize I’m doing something wrong, the wrongness has actually been present for a while. It always originates with thoughts or beliefs.
Hence the constant fight.
Thanks, John Owen, for taking the time to explain that to Stephen. :>)
Great thoughts Stephen – thanks for breaking down those two points!
This is such a cool idea…are there going to be any similar posts soon? *hint hint*
I loved John Owen’s closing statement. What an awesome hope!
Marshall – John says he’s looking forward to your post.
Nick – Thanks for your encouragement.
Megan – I hope to have some more conversations with Mr. Owen. He’s been saying a lot of good stuff to me lately!