We are discussing what mortification of sin is not. Afterwards we will discuss what it is. So next, mortification of sin does not lie in simply refraining from outward ungodliness. The inward motions of sin, if not approved of, it is pleaded are not sin. But those first motions, inclinations of sin are the deeds of the body come to fruition. They flow from the same inward evil principle within. If this be so, they are to be mortified. No, not just not consenting, approving of them. For mortification means much more, the extirpation of them, the putting of them to death (Romans 8:13; Romans 7:24). The next false way of mortification is putting sin to sleep. A sleeping man may look as though he were dead; so too does sleeping sin, until that is,  something causes it to awaken, then it grows stronger than ever before. Saul, you would think, had overcome his wicked malice, when he cries out, "my son David, thou art more righteous than I", but it grew on him, and soon broke forth in even more violence. It may be that, for want of opportunity of a temptation or provocation, you may think your sin mortified, when it is only like waters dammed up, or like fire under the ashes. No, the sin, whatever it be, must be pursued to death, youthful lust, vanity, prodigality or revenge. Either sin kills you or you kill it. Next week we will begin to look at what it is too mortify, to kill sin.