The Law of Sinful Gravity
The Law of Sinful Gravity
Text focus: Romans 7:21
"I find then the principle that in me evil is present-in me who wants to do good."
This is the "corrupted" state of our current existence. Even when you are at church, even when you are praying, "evil is present." Our flesh is like a corrupted computer program that keeps running in the background. It seeks to hijack our members—our eyes, our hands, our tongues—to serve the old master.
Puritan Insight:
John Owen calls this the "Law of Sin," defining it as a constant downward pressure on the soul. Just as gravity is always active, sin is "present" even during your most holy moments. It is an "operative effective principle" that works by force and deceit to dethrone grace. Owen warns that every "unclean thought" would become adultery if it could—sin always aims at the "utmost".
Practical Application:
Text focus: Romans 7:21
"I find then the principle that in me evil is present-in me who wants to do good."
This is the "corrupted" state of our current existence. Even when you are at church, even when you are praying, "evil is present." Our flesh is like a corrupted computer program that keeps running in the background. It seeks to hijack our members—our eyes, our hands, our tongues—to serve the old master.
Puritan Insight:
John Owen calls this the "Law of Sin," defining it as a constant downward pressure on the soul. Just as gravity is always active, sin is "present" even during your most holy moments. It is an "operative effective principle" that works by force and deceit to dethrone grace. Owen warns that every "unclean thought" would become adultery if it could—sin always aims at the "utmost".
Practical Application:
* Set a Watch: Since sin is a constant "principle," you cannot take a vacation from spiritual discipline. Practice constant "watchfulness" over your heart's specific weaknesses.
* Identify Internal Deceit: Recognize that sin works through "craft" and "force" to draw the mind away from walking with God.
* Mortify the Root: Don't just prune the branches of outward behavior; ask God to help you "mortify" (put to death) the root desires that fuel your sin.
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