John Owen's Advice for Killing Your Sin (Kelly Kapic)
Jan 27, 2025
auto_awesome
Kelly Kapic, Professor of theological studies at Covenant College and co-editor of John Owen's works, delves into the Puritan's timeless insights on battling sin. He highlights the need for vigilance in the struggle against temptation while also embracing the grace of Christ. The conversation explores Owen's teachings on the mortification of sin, addressing deeper issues like addiction and depression, and emphasizes the Holy Spirit's transformative role in believers' lives. Kapic illustrates how Owen’s theology remains profoundly relevant to contemporary faith challenges.
John Owen stresses the importance of actively combating sin, warning that neglecting this struggle can lead to severe spiritual consequences.
Owen's holistic approach to sin incorporates psychological and physical factors, advocating for addressing root issues to achieve genuine transformation.
Deep dives
The Importance of Daily Devotionals
A daily devotional email can serve as a vital resource for spiritual growth, helping individuals stay connected with God amid the distractions of daily life. Such devotionals often include brief reflections based on specific Scripture passages, providing encouragement and strengthening faith. This consistent practice fosters a deeper understanding of faith and the nature of God, especially during challenging times. Additionally, these personal insights can help believers remember their identity in Christ.
John Owen's Insights on Sin and Holiness
John Owen famously stated, 'Be killing sin, or it will be killing you', highlighting the serious and persistent nature of sin in the Christian life. His works delve into the human heart's corruption and the transformative power of the Gospel to combat sin. Owen emphasizes that neglecting the daily fight against sin can lead to significant spiritual consequences, making it essential for Christians to remain vigilant. His teachings invite believers to grasp the gravity of sin while fostering a deeper relationship with God.
The Role of Trinitarian Theology
John Owen's theological contributions emphasize the relationship believers have with the Trinity, specifically highlighting communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Understanding this connection helps Christians see that overcoming sin is more than just willpower; it involves recognizing God's grace and presence in their lives. Owen argues that a robust Trinitarian theology provides a rich context for understanding repentance and growth in holiness. This perspective encourages believers to appreciate the full magnitude of God's love while engaging in the fight against sin.
Holistic Approach to Sin and Spiritual Growth
Owen's approach to sin and temptation takes into account not just the spiritual dimension but also the psychological and physical aspects of human nature. He advocates for examining the symptoms of sin in a holistic manner, considering underlying factors that contribute to struggles such as depression and addiction. By addressing the root issues rather than merely focusing on surface problems, individuals can experience true transformation. Owen encourages a balanced understanding of spiritual growth that recognizes the interplay between the mind, body, and emotions in the pursuit of holiness.
In this episode, Kelly Kapic discusses John Owen's insights on battling sin and temptation and connects them to the issues Christians face today.
Kelly M. Kapic is a professor of theological studies at Covenant College and the co-editor of vol. 15 of The Complete Works of John Owen entitled 'Sin and Temptation' from Crossway.