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.
There is a daily discussion with our servants about the price of food and the number of loaves: a conference with our presbyters to consider the sins of our people is a very rare occurrence.
After a while, you just want transportation, and things like cool cars or motorcycles are all about getting attention. I get all the attention I could ever need, so I kind of like being in a minivan and people not paying so much attention to me.
Always you have been told that work is a curse and labor a misfortune. But I say to you that when you work you fulfill a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born.
You, boy, who owe everything to a name
What a life! True life is elsewhere. We are not in the world.
To use for our exclusive benefit what is not ours is theft.
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