Mortifying Sin

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Summary

Drawing on the classic call to “be killing sin or it will be killing you,” this sermon defines mortification, sin, and the lusts and deeds of the flesh, then presents mortifying sin as a Christian duty. Because God is infinitely holy, growing in holiness means growing in a corresponding hatred of sin, letting Christ reign in the body rather than sin.

The message works through the danger sin poses, warns against trusting the flesh, and shows that in Christ our sin has already been condemned in the flesh, while Christ, who knows our weakness, helps us fight it. It closes with practical rules for mortifying sin — submitting to God, mortifying all sin rather than just one, and confessing sin honestly — as a battle plan for the Christian life.

Essential truths

  1. Growing in holiness means growing in a hatred of sin, because God himself has an infinite hatred of sin.
  2. Mortifying sin, putting it to death, is a Christian duty, not an optional pursuit.
  3. Believers are called to let Christ reign in their bodies rather than let sin reign.
  4. Christ, who knows our weakness, helps us in the fight against sin.

Encouragement and challenge

Take practical steps to mortify sin: submit to God, refuse to spare any sin, and confess it honestly, because unmortified sin will kill if it is not killed first.

Reference verses

  • Romans 8:13
  • Romans 6:12
  • Romans 8:3

About this sermon