Seek a constant longing and thirsting to be delivered from the power of sin. Do not let your heart be happy with your present condition, even for a moment.
In natural and civil matters, the desire for change is of no value unless it stirs up a person to use the means leading to the desired end. It is different, however, in spiritual things. The desire, longing, and panting after deliverance is in itself a grace which begins to conform the soul to the likeness of that which is longed for.
The apostle Paul considers the repentance and sorrow of the Corinthians as a work of grace (2 Cor 7:11). In his own case, in Romans 7:24, Paul’s heart breaks forth with a passionate expression of the desire to be delivered from the power of sin. If this is a Christian’s frame of mind concerning the general state of indwelling sin, should not the desire for deliverance be magnified when you add to this the guilt of a particular lust or corruption! Be assured, unless you long for deliverance you will not find it.
Your longing heart will now watch for all opportunities to gain an advantage over its enemy.
It will readily fall in with all the help it can find to accomplish sin’s destruction.
A strong desire is the life-blood of praying without ceasing!
A strong desire sets faith and hope to work, and drives the soul in following hard after the Lord.
Get your heart into a strong longing and panting attitude.
Long for and cry out for, righteousness.
Remember the example of David: ‘O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you’ (Psa 63:1).
—John Owen, The Mortification of Sin (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1656/2004), 81-82.
Read the rest of this great work on Christian sanctification, holiness and mortification of sin (unabridged), here.
If you want to comment, please read the following guidelines. These are designed to protect you and other users of the site.
In order to keep these experiences enjoyable and interesting for all of our users, we ask that you follow the above guidlines. Feel free to engage, ask questions, and tell us what you are thinking! insightful comments are most welcomed.