A man may easier see without eyes, speak without a tongue, than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit.
Interpretation
True change and overcoming sin require spiritual guidance rather than mere human effort.
John Owen's quote emphasizes the profound difficulty of overcoming our sinful nature without the aid of the Holy Spirit. It suggests that just as it seems impossible to see without eyes or speak without a tongue, it is even more challenging to truly repent or mortify one's sins without spiritual support. This highlights the fundamental belief in many religious traditions that divine influence is essential for genuine transformation and moral success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon about the importance of spiritual guidance in overcoming personal struggles.
Because he is; that is, because he is an infinitely glorious, good, wise, holy, powerful, righteous, self-subsisting , self-sufficient , and all-sufficient being; the fountain and author of all being and good; the first cause, last end, and sovereign Lord of all; therefore, he is to be worshipped: therefore, are we to admire, adore, and love him; to praise, to trust and to fear him.
If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and of His love.
Mortification is the soul's vigorous opposition to self, wherein sincerity is most evident.
The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work (Prov 4:18). It is an amazing work of God's grace and it is a work to be prayed for (Rom 8:27).
Free will is "corrupted nature's deformed darling, the Pallas or beloved self-conception of darkened minds"
A man may be carried on in a constant course of mortification all his days; and yet perhaps never enjoy a good day of peace and consolation.
When media make war against each other, it is a case of world-views in collision.
Nothing is sadder than laughter; nothing more beautiful, more magnificent, more uplifting and enriching than the terror of deep despair.
For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.
There must be right and wrong answers to questions of morality and values that potentially fall within the purview of science. On this view, some people and cultures will be right (to a greater or lesser degree), and some will be wrong, with respect to what they deem important in life.
I guarantee if people keep mm..supportin' me....Just buying my records, goin to my concerts, just supporting me..I'ma keep givin' money....Like Makaveli, every time it go platinum, I'm putting money up for community centers.
There isn't any me. I'm you. Don't make up a separate me.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.