"Kill or Be Killed" 2010 Spring Training for Men

In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4.3–7)

"In this we see the deceitfulness of sin. It gradually prevails to harden man's heart to his ruin (Heb. 3:12-13). Sin's expression is modest in the beginning but, once it has gained a foothold, it continues to take further ground and presses on to greater heights. This advance of sin keeps the soul from seeing that it is drifting from God. The soul becomes indifferent to the seed of sin as it continues to grow. This growth has no boundaries but utter denial of God and opposition to Him. Sin precedes higher by degrees; it hardens the heart as it advances. This enables the deceitfulness of sin to drive the soul deeper and deeper into sin. Nothing can prevent this but mortification." John Owen, Mortification of Sin, Banner of Truth Trust, Chapter 2

God's words to Cain reveal that sin is a volitional force. It has intentions to devour. Owen tells us that nothing can stop the intentions of sin that remains alive. We can't harbor a little sin, a little love for it's intentions, without it growing to harden and destroy us. "Be killing sin" Owen reflects "or it will be killing you."

This year's Spring Training for Men entitled "Kill or Be Killed" will take a serious look at sin through the writings of puritan pastor John Owen in his classic "Mortification of Sin" and the life of King David. "Kill or Be Killed" will begin on Wednesday March 24th (6:00am to 7:30am at the Summitview building) and last 7 weeks. Each meeting will consist of book discussion and a short (<30 minute) message the life of David, specifically where David did or did not kill the sin in his life.

Men, this is an issue we cannot ignore. We need more than accountability groups. We need to do more than stop certain behaviors. We must hate and kill the sinful intents within them and, by the power of the Spirit, we can (Romans 8:13). Without this intentional focus, sin will gain ground over time to the destruction of our lives and those around us. Please listen to this introduction and prayerfully consider joining with other men for these 7 weeks.

Reading Schedule*
March 24th - Chapters 1 and 2
March 31st - Chapters 3 and 4
April 7th - Chapters 5 and 6
April 14th - Chapters 7 and 8
April 21st - Chapters 9 and 10
April 28th - Chapters 11 and 12
May 5th - Chapters 13 and 14
*please read the listed chapters prior to each meeting.

If your schedule prevents you from attending email our office and let them know your interest in participating in a discussion group at a different time. We will contact you the week prior to March 24th and help you find a off-time group.

Additional Resources
A Summary of Mortification of Sin from theResurgence
Purchase Mortification of Sin from MongerismBooks.com (we will also have copies available on Sundays for $7)