True believers are no hypocrites. They crucify the flesh with its evil desires and lusts. Inasmuch as they have not altogether put off the sinful flesh they are inclined to sin. They do not fear or love God as they should. They are likely to be provoked to anger, to envy, to impatience, to carnal lust, and other emotions. But they will not do the things to which the flesh incites them. They crucify the flesh with its evil desires and lusts by fasting and exercise and, above all, by a walk in the Spirit.—Martin Luther, Homily on the Epistle for Trinity XIV, Church Postil
Either I am not a true believer, or Luther is wrong. I hope it is the latter, although I have not done much fasting lately.
ReplyDeletePeace and Joy!
George A. Marquart
George, I've gotten so very good at predicting: "George is not going to like this one!" I really don't try to pick them out to irritate you!!!
ReplyDeleteWill, I would never think that. Besides, “irritation” is not how I would describe my feelings. My concern is about the Gospel and what it means for my own salvation. Luther was a great espouser of the Gospel, but even he went too far with moralism every once in a while. I thought maybe you wanted to point out that Luther was not always right. If there is anything that we see too much of in religious debate is the ad hominem argument. Stalin said some things that were right, and Luther said some things that were wrong. But the important thing is not who said it, but whether it is the truth, particularly when it comes to the Gospel.
ReplyDeletePeace and Joy!
George A. Marquart