Heart-Matters
The source of sin is the carnal mind, which pollutes the whole personality, including the intellect, will, and emotions.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that sin originates in the mind, which encompasses not just intellect but the entire personality, including will, emotions, and moral responses. He points out that the carnal mind is in opposition to God and cannot adhere to His law. Tozer references Genesis 6:5 to illustrate that the wickedness of humanity is rooted in the heart, where evil desires and intentions dwell. He urges listeners to recognize that true sin is a matter of the heart, affecting every aspect of a person's being. The sermon calls for introspection and a deeper understanding of the heart's role in our relationship with God.
Text
It will probably be found at last that there is no sin except sin of the mind. It is the carnal mind that is enmity against God, that is not subject to the law of God, neither can be. It should, however, be remembered that when the Bible speaks of the mind it does not refer to the intellect alone. The whole personality is included in the concept; the bent of the will, the moral responses, the sympathies and antipathies are there also, as well as the intellect.
When God saw the wickedness of man, that it was great in the earth, He saw what could not be seen from the outside, that, as it is rendered in one place, the whole imagination, with the purposes and desires of the heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
From this passage alone we may properly gather that sin has its seat deep within the mind where it pollutes the emotions (desires), the intellect (imaginations) and the will (purposes). These taken together constitute what the Bible and popular theology call the heart.
Sermon Outline
- The Mind as the Source of Sin points: - The carnal mind is enmity against God - The mind is not subject to the law of God
- The Whole Personality is Included in the Concept of the Mind points: - Intellect, will, moral responses, sympathies, and antipathies are all part of the mind - The mind is not just the intellect
- Sin Has Its Seat Deep Within the Mind points: - Pollutes the emotions, intellect, and will - Constitutes the heart, as defined by the Bible and popular theology
Key Quotes
“It will probably be found at last that there is no sin except sin of the mind.” — A.W. Tozer
“When God saw the wickedness of man, that it was great in the earth, He saw what could not be seen from the outside, that, as it is rendered in one place, the whole imagination, with the purposes and desires of the heart was only evil continually.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that sin originates from the mind and not just external actions.
- Understand that the heart, as defined by the Bible, encompasses the whole personality, including the intellect, will, and emotions.
- Acknowledge the depth of sin's influence on the mind and seek to renew your mind through faith in God.