The Enticement of Indwelling Sin

From the fourth chapter of Triumph Over Temptation by John Owen as edited by James M. Houston:

The Enticement of Indwelling Sin

The affections are snared when they are aroused by sin. For when sin prevails, it captures the affections completely within it. Sin continually obsesses the imaginations with possessive images. (99)

The enticement of sin is heightened when the imagination dominates over the mind. It implants vain thoughts within the mind and delights secretly i its complacency. when we indulge with delight in thoughts of forbidden things, we commit sin, even though our will has not yet consented to perform the deed. (100)

As we have seen, sin always seeks to extenuate and lessen the seriousness of sin to the mind. "It is only a small offense," it says. "It will be given up shortly." With such excuses it speaks the language of a deceived heart. When there is a readiness on the part of the soul to listen to these silent voices-secret insinuations that arise from deceit-it is evident that the affections are already enticed. (100)

How does sin deceive to entice and entangle the affections?

1. It makes use of the tendency of the mind.
2. It takes advantage of the phases of life and proposes sin to be desirable.
3. It hides the danger associated with sin.

But it[sin] so takes up and possesses the mind and affections with the attraction and desirability of sin, that it diverts the soul from realizing its danger. (101)

What are the remedies for avoiding such deception?

1. Guard our affections by mortifying our members.
2. Fix our affections on the cross of Christ.

When someone sets his affections on the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, and you will find no room for sin. (102-3)

Remember also that the vigor of our affections toward heavenly things is apt to decline unless it is constantly looked after, exercised, directed, and warned. God speaks often in Scripture pf those who lost their first love, allowing their affections to decay. Let us be jealous over our hearts to prevent such backsliding. (103)