Tag: Pride

Humility in the Disciples of Jesus ~ Chapter 5

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER2 Comments


imagesIf you have been with me from the beginning of this review on Humility you know that we have gotten into something that is beyond any of our speculations. We have learned that humility is not just another commodity that we can add to our purchases in this life.

For a long time I have observed that Christ in Christianity is not just another order that we place before God, but a supernatural work of God in our hearts, minds, and lives, as He is preparing a people with whom to share His kingdom and His glory.

I am now concluding that no one will be a part of His glory without the preparation for it, and this includes the humility of Christ. Yes; are we not learning that humility is the first, the chief, and the root of all His gifts of grace? “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8

Is it not His mercy that brings us to Christ in a supernatural new birth of His Spirit (John 3: 3, Romans 8:1-9) to grow us in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?
(2 Peter 3:18)

His purpose for His grace and our faith is given in Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

As we see this development of God’s grace in the lives of Christ’s disciples in this chapter in Andrew Murray’s Humility (PDF) we are encouraged in the thought of “how real our participation can be in the perfect triumph of Christ’s humility over the pride Satan had breathed into man. “

As we remember key words from this book we see in this chapter the repetition of the word power. We understand that just as we have no power to birth ourselves, whether physically or spiritually (this is the supernatural work that we referred to earlier) we have no power of our own to cast out the power of pride and self; or to grow and to conform ourselves to Christ’s image.

Three points keep us on track in this chapter.
1. How much there can be of earnest and active Christianity while humility is still sadly wanting.
2. How weak all external teaching and all personal effort are, to conquer pride or give the meek and lowly heart.
3. It is only by the indwelling of Christ in His divine humility that we become truly humble.

There were times when Jesus used the expression “O, ye of little faith,” knowing that his disciples were not yet mature in their understanding of His calling. We, like them are eager to serve in our roles as newborns, yet we are not developed in our faith. For most, we leave off the study and devotion that is needed to grow and learn what we need to know. And even with our study and prayer and earnest seeking of the kingdom of God and His righteousness we cannot by these acquire this power of humility.

During this year’s desire for the humility of Christ there has been a continual reminder of our limitations. We are limited by our lack of knowledge, understanding, and power; but more by God’s own will, His choosing, His timing, and His good pleasure.

We see this limitation in Jesus’ disciples. They spent three years with Him, in His presence, seeing His example, and hearing His teachings. They had a limited knowledge and understanding until the supernatural power of God came upon them at Pentecost.

pentecostThose years with Him were only for preparation. The power of the Holy Spirit that came after Jesus’ ascension was the fulfilling of Jesus’ words of the promise of the Father, (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4) after He had finished His redemptive work. It was to establish their leadership of the church, through which the work of Christ would be known, where believers would receive the teachings of Jesus; grow in their knowledge and understanding; and be conformed to His image; and by which others would be brought to follow Christ.

Other Reminders From Jesus’ Ministry
We remember Jesus’ words to Simon Peter before he understood what Jesus and His kingdom was about; “ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Was this not the change that would come after His ascension?
In his pride he responded; “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death”. (Luke 22:31-33) Then he denied Jesus three times.

Jesus’ words in Luke 11:13 reveals the place and need of the Holy Spirit; “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has delivered us from the law of sin and death,” (Romans 8:2) bringing us to the knowledge and understanding of this life in Christ; to experience His nature and disposition in us.

As in all of life we want things immediately, but as this life in Christ is totally different than any we have ever known, we are learning that it does not all come at once. Jesus at one point told His disciples, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12)

The Preparation
From this chapter we see the work of Christ and His Spirit in our hearts and lives for this necessary grace of humility.
1. The teaching (revelation from the written word and the Holy Spirit) and example.
2. Our convictions, our desires, our prayers and our vain efforts.
3. The reality of the Spirit of Christ living in us and producing His own nature and disposition.

“Nothing can avail but that the new nature, in its divine humility, will be revealed in power to take the place of the old. It will become as truly our very nature as the old ever was.

“Pride is ours, from Adam, and rules in us with such terrible power, because it is ourself—our very nature. Humility (from Christ) must be ours in the same way; it must be our very self, our very nature.   As natural and easy as it has been to be proud, it must—it will be—to be humble. The promise is, “Where,” even in the heart, “sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5;20)

How long must we pray, desiring what is promised in His word. It is not for me to say. I pray and wait, even as the disciples did for the promise of the Father. I know that He is doing His work, for I desire to desire what He desires. I live each day in anticipation of His will and His work, grateful for a crumb from the master’s table; waiting for the feast, and telling others about it. I pray this humility of Christ for me and all His people, so that we may receive all that He has promised to us and prepared for us ( 1 Corinthians 2:9).

All the Work of Christ
In whatever category we find ourselves listed at the end of this chapter we can in His timing understand, desire and pray for; and eventually experience the deliverance and victory. Even so, we will always need to expect more of the fullness of Jesus, our Lord, our Savior, our Redemmer.

Jesus life and death was all for this purpose ~ the abundant life that is rooted in His humility. From heaven to earth; from earth to heaven; from heaven, by His own Spirit, to the hearts of His people Christ has come, and continues to live and reign in our hearts and lives ~ in our preparation for His eternal glory.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

 Dear heavenly Father, we wait on you, desiring the fulfillment of the promises that are ours in your Son, for His humility to be revealed in us, for our conformity to His image; for the abundant life that is in Him alone.  Forgive us for our impatience, and anything that may prevent our receiving all that you have prepared for us.

“Of your great goodness make known to me and take from my heart every kind and form and degree of pride; and awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of that humility which can make me capable of your light and your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name I pray.   Amen.

Related Sermon:  Al Martin ~ The Indicatives of Grace

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HUMILITY: Chapter 2 The Secret of Redemption

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Consumer advocates continue to report the dangers of a polluted world. We are told how to avoid certain toxins and how to overcome others.  Our mind-set changes as we gain new knowledge of what affects us physically and personally.

The same is true as we consider what affects us spiritually. For though we need not be ignorant about our physical welfare; and should do what we can to care for this body that is the temple of God’s Spirit, we remember that it is only temporary.  Our spirit with His Spirit returns to Him with all that He has given and grown in us through the power of His grace.  He is here preparing us for His glory by His Spirit, which He has given us.

In the second chapter of his book, Humility, Andrew Murray hones in on the secret and reality of the work of Christ; His power that was in God at the beginning of creation, His continued power throughout history, and now in the lives of His people. (PDF)

In the following chapters of this book we shall see the mystery, the power, and the beauty of God’s grace for mankind revealed in Jesus Christ, His Son.  But first, we must come face to face with the problem and the need of all mankind; the real reason that we all come into this world with a death sentence over our heads.

Along with the prophets, the apostles, and the early church fathers, other believers and advocates for life in Christ continue to seek God’s word and to alert us to their findings of the dangers of a corrupt world.

Murray points out the stark truth that man’s problems come not from the air we breathe or the food that we eat.  These may be toxic, but the poison that is destroying us is within each of us.  We were born with it.

  “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
John 2:24-25

The Deception
“When Satan spoke his words of temptation into the ear of Eve his words carried with them the very poison of hell.”  She believed the lie and the true knowledge of life was hidden from all men.

Her yielding to Satan’s temptation “destroyed forever that blessed humility and dependence on God, which would have been our everlasting happiness.  Instead of this, her life, and the life of the race that sprang from her, became corrupted to its very root with that most terrible of all sins and all curses —the poison of Satan’s own pride.”

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The Need for Redemption
“Wars, selfishness and suffering, ambitions and jealousies, broken hearts and embittered lives, and daily unhappiness are a result of this same wicked pride.  These are the historical and ongoing danger signals of this toxin in man.

“Our insight into the need of redemption will largely depend on our knowledge of the terrible nature of the power that has entered our being; that is working daily—hourly—with mighty power throughout the world.”

No one can escape this pride. We may try in our own power to defy it, but to no avail. No food, medication, or vitamin supplement will overcome the sin of pride within us.  There is nothing in the knowledge of man that will produce an antioxidant for this threatening power.

The only means of detoxification is through Christ.  The only antioxidant is the humility of Christ.  The blood of Christ covers and cleanses all our sin.

 The Power of Pride
Murray uses the word “power” at least ten times in this chapter, comparing two different seeds and roots, two trees, different fruit; imagestwo men  — the first and Second Adam, and the power and nature in each.

 “Pride has its root and strength in a terrible spiritual power, outside of us as well as within us.”

How are we to respond to this truth, this reality?  The knowledge from God’s Word and the power of His Holy Spirit is meant to bring us to the end of ourselves.  In Note B we read that “our salvation consists wholly in being saved from ourselves, or that which we are by nature.

Hence the first unalterable term of the Savior to fallen man:  Except a man denies himself, he cannot be My disciple (Matthew 16:24).  Self is the whole evil of fallen nature; self-denial is our capacity of being saved.  Self-denial is the work of humility in us, so that we may “confess out pride, deplore it, and be aware of its Satanic origin.  This may lead us to despair of every conquering it or casting it out.

But it will also lead us all the sooner to that supernatural power in which alone our deliverance is to be found  — the redemption of the Lamb of God.

All the evils of fallen angels and men have their birth in the pride of self.  On the other hand, all the virtues of the heavenly life are the virtues of humility.”

It is humility alone that makes the unpassable gulf between heaven and hell.”

“We must honestly fix our hearts on our own lack of the humility revealed in Christ’s life.  Only then will we begin to feel what Christ and His salvation truly are.”

The Power of Christ’s Redemption
“Even as we need to look to the first Adam and his fall to know the power of the sin within us, we need to know well the Second Adam and His power to give within us a life of humility as real and abiding and overmastering as has been that of pride.  We have our life from and in Christ, as truly, even more truly, than from and in Adam.”

 How are we to respond to this truth, this reality?  The knowledge from God’s Word and the power of His Holy Spirit is meant to bring us to Christ, our Redeemer, that we may properly comprehend who He is — His chief characteristic — the root and essence of all His character as our Redeemer — His humility. 

Scan 140590000“Jesus said, If ye continue in my word then are ye
my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.” 
John 8:31-32

Pride Free
As we continue in the following chapters we will learn to study the life and work of Christ, and His humility.  He will enable us to remember the original intent of our Creator: that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  (Matthew 4:4)  We will look more diligently at this heavenly attribute of humility in God, who condescended to reveal and share His glory with His creatures; who, has maintained and cared for a people even during our ignorance and rebellion against Him; who, in His timing came to reconcile a people to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ; who, living and dying has saved His people; who continues in His humility to save us, and to sanctify us for His own glory; who lives now at the right hand of the Father, humbly interceding for us, and by His Holy Spirit working His humility in us.

“Have this mind… that is in Christ Jesus…who humbled himself…”
Philippians 2:

Humility is the rock-bottom place where we begin to experience re-creation — new life; and it is not without a struggle between the spirit and the flesh that we live daily; in the strife between pride and humility, the two master powers — the two kingdoms at war for the eternal possession of man.

“The life of God, which in the incarnation entered human nature, is the root in which we are to stand and grow.  It is the same almighty power that worked there, and from then on to the resurrection, which works daily in us.  Our one need (now) is to study and know and trust the life that has been revealed in Christ as the life that is now ours.”

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
John 6:63

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:”
“He that hath the Son hath life;”
1 John 5:10, 12

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things
that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
2 Peter 1:3

“..we have the mind of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:16

Dear Father, open our minds and hearts to see that it is not what goes into us that defiles us, but what is in us and comes from us.  Please work in our hearts to believe that Christ  —whom You have given us — will work in us, overcoming our sin of pride; making us what You want us to be.  Return us to that place of humility, of full dependence on You, for the life that You planned for us.  Bring us to look beyond this world to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, our Redeemer and life eternal.
“Of your great goodness make known to me and take from my heart every kind and form and degree of pride; and awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of that humility which can make me capable of your light and your Holy Spirit.”  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

There is much more that could be said about this chapter.   Your comments are welcome.
Fran

Related Posts
A Year for Humility: Preface
HUMILITY: Chapter 1  The Glory of the Creature

HUMILITY: ~ The Glory of the Creature Chapter 1

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, MUSIC, PRAYER, Uncategorized4 Comments

The following story is a result of God’s working in three particular areas  ~ ~
in my studying and praying for this first chapter on humility;
in my praying for wisdom to write a letter to encourage our granddaughter, Kourtney, who is turning eighteen this month, and graduating from high school this year;
and in my memorizing, playing and singing our Hymn of the Month, O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus.

You may want to read the story; later read the first chapter from the PDF or the book; then come back for the remainder.  They fit together, but may be too long for one sitting. Remember, we have all month for meditation on this first chapter.

THE LITTLE BOAT 

 “Michael was a young man who, as a child, heard and read about, and saw movies, of distant places.  It became his heart’s desire to see the world.  So, getting an education, then a job, he saved his money.  Forgoing marriage until he realized his dream, he made his plans; and one day booked his passage on the largest cruise ship that he could find.
Having come to the day of fulfilling his dream, he arrived with his luggage at the place of departure.  The gigantic ship Pride was appropriately named.  Even from a distance its size and presence took his breath away. There was this huge world within a world, beckoning him to enter, to come away, and enjoy his success.  How proud he was to see his plans coming to fruition.  The ramp into the ship was ample for the multitude that was boarding upward into his dream.
Awe-struck, he practically tripped over himself as he carried his stuff to the ship.
As he struggled toward the ship another young man standing by asked if he needed help.
He said, “No, I can handle it.”
At the same time a small sign next to the man caught his eye  ~
~~~It read, “Boat to Paradise.”
“You have a boat?”  Michael asked.
“Sure,” the young man answered, pointing to the end of the pier.
Michael said, “I don’t see it.”
“Would you like to?”  the man asked.
He replied,  “Sure, I have a few minutes before my ship leaves.”
Walking to the end of the pier he saw this small fishing boat with a set of oars.
Snickering to himself Michael said “So, you take people to Paradise in your little boat?”
Understanding his cynicism the man answered,  “Yes, I do, one at a time.”
Now that his curiosity was stirred Michael asked,  “How many people have you taken to Paradise?”
The man answered,  “Only a few; not many people believe me, and so miss out on this one; most prefer the big ship, and all the other places.”
Then Michael’s interest was more than he could control and so, questioned once more, “How much do you charge for your little excursion?”
The man replied,  “There is no money in exchange; just understanding that you have to leave your baggage here.  You don’t need to take anything with you; everything you will need is provided for you.  You must also be willing to follow instructions.    You must listen to my directions.  I must teach you how to get through the rough waters; how to survive the long, slow passage; and prepare you for your arrival.  Without this dependence on me you will not make it; nor would you appreciate what you experience when you get there.”
Michael had one more question as he looked out over the ocean.  He saw beyond the cruise ship the brightness of the sun, but in the direction of the small boat  there were clouds.
“Do the cruise ships dock at Paradise?”
In reply the man said, “ The cruise ships are too big.  The inlet is only large enough for this small boat.”
Michael by then was intently drawn to this man; somehow he believed that what he was offering was true.  The man was not forceful.  He was not arrogant.  He was meek in his manner, yet very strong.
Michael, out of the corner of his eye, saw the cruise ship Pride move away from the port as he, with the help of the man’s hand, stepped down into his little boat.
As the man moved the oars across the waves, rippled by Pride, the little boat became steady.  Michael watched as his dream ship got smaller and smaller.  Further out he saw the ship sink into the horizon engulfed with flames and smoke.
Far out in the ocean, beyond sight of land, they passed through rough waters. They experienced rain, thunder and lightning, yet without fear or harm.
After the settling of the storm Michael and the man talked about life.  They compared the differences in each of theirs.  Michael learned much that he had not been taught in the schools he had attended.  The man told him that Paradise was a place owned by his father, who sent him to invite and accompany those whom he wanted to share his huge estate.  Each one there had been given a portion of his kingdom, and had the means and the liberty to go and come, as they desired.  Some brought others back with them to receive the same blessings.
Even before they arrived at their destination Michael’s dream had changed. He believed that there was a place, a Paradise, which had been deserted, and now restored; and revealed to only a few.  He learned that humility was the only means of getting there.  Reaching this destination meant trusting the one who invited him, and was taking him there.”

Not everybody will need an explanation of this parable, but for those who might  ~~ Michael represents those who trust in, and follow Christ, with whom God planned to save His people.  His Son knows the way of humility.  Having been born in humble surroundings of poor parents, brought up as a carpenter’s son, Jesus, the Son of God and Man, lived humbly, and so died humbly, by the pride and hands of men.  By His mercy He saves us from the sin of pride and destruction; by His grace He gives us a portion of His kingdom, and brings us to live with Him eternally.

Only He can teach us, and lead us in the way of humility.  There is no way to God except in Him and the power of His Spirit working in us to loose us from pride; that we may see it for what it is, to loathe it; to love and cling to the Savior.  It means total dependence on Him; not on ourselves, on others, or the things of this world.

In the reality of Christ our fantasies fade away.  True joy in this world is living in light of the promises of that eternal paradise with Him; each day humbly waiting on Him, as He works His will in us and prepares us for His glory.

Humility is accepting all things as they come; believing in His sovereignty and plans for us, praising Him in all things as we seek His kingdom and righteousness, anticipating that He will lead us to know Him and what He desires for us.  One on one with Christ is sometimes a lonely life, away from the business and frills of the world; but this alone is true life and happiness.  In His plans for us He brings us together with others who are following Him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

First Things First in the First Chapter of Humility

“Thou art worthy, O Lord,
to receive glory and honor and power:
for thou hast created all things,
and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Revelation 4:11

The treasure of humility is not easily seen in the world today.
To find “that which was lost” it is fitting that we return to the beginning, so that we understand what we are looking for.   In this first chapter Andrew Murray takes us back to God, the Creator, to reveal His purpose for our creation.

(Following the above story I had hoped to do a quick review, but after trying to shorten it there seemed to be something missing. Much of it is repetitive; but all relative to understanding Murray’s main points.)  Throughout this chapter he uses key pronouns and words that help us to see; so that we are able to sense our need of humility and its reality in our individual lives.  Here are the key words in the proper order.

                                                    GOD (Creator/Redeemer/Power)
                                             Relationship
                                                     Life
                                                    Man  (Creature)

GOD (Creator)
Before there was creation and a need for redemption there was God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; three in One.  There was relationship.  There was life, without earthly creatures.  There was the glory of God shared with the angels.  There was nothing so glorious as what they had been given in their relationship. But some wanted more; some wanted God’s place.

Relationship
(I have underlined ship, because it helps me to think of any word that ends in ‘ship’ as a place where there is unity, where two or more come together in the same mind, heart and spirit, with the same destination; relationship, fellowship, membership, etc. There is a captain, and passengers.)

 When God created the heavens and the earth, He made man in His image.  Men, not angels, were to be His image-bearers.  Through man He would reveal “the glory of His love, His wisdom and His power.”

“As God is the ever-living, ever-present, ever-acting One — who upholds all things by the Word of His power  (Hebrews 1:3) —the relationship of man to God could only be one of unceasing, absolute, universal dependence.

“As truly as God by His power once created so truly by that same power must God every moment, maintain.”

 Life
There is no true life apart from this relationship.

“The life God bestows is imparted not once and for all, but each moment continuously, by the unceasing operation of His mighty power.”

Pride
“When the serpent breathed the poison of his pride  —the desire to be like God—into the hearts of our first parents, they, too, fell from their high estate into all the wretchedness in which man is now sunk.”
By leaving them to their own will, God proved that apart from Him they were unable to follow His instructions and fulfill their purpose.

Here is where Satan and man wanted to be; on the same level with God.

 GOD   Satan and Man
XXXXXX
DEATH

 The relationship between God and man was shipwrecked; they were removed from the life and joy that God had intended for them.

 It is at this point that we must see “Pride, or the loss of this humility, as the root of every sin and evil; the sufficient explanation of every defect and failure.”

“The truth is this — pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.  Do not look at pride as only an unbecoming temper, or at humility as only a decent virtue.  The one is death, and the other is life; the one is all hell, the other is all heaven.  As much as you have of pride within you, so you have of the fallen angel alive in you.  As much as you have of true humility, so you have of the Lamb of God within you.”


 God (Redeemer)
Apart from our creation there is a second blessing and power for the Christian —
“the restoration of our lost humility, the original and only true relationship of man to God.”

“Jesus came to bring humility back to earth, to make us partakers of it, and by it to save us. Here on earth ‘He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death’ (Philippians 2:8).  And now the salvation He imparts is nothing less than a communication of His own life and death, His own disposition and spirit.”

“His own humility has become the ground and root of His relationship to God and His redeeming work.  Jesus Christ took the place and fulfilled the destiny of man by His life of perfect humility.  His humility is our salvation.  His salvation is our humility.”

 “And so the life of the saved ones, of the saints, must bear this stamp of deliverance from sin, and full restoration to their original state.  Their whole relationship to both God and man must be marked by an all-pervading humility.  Without this there can be no true abiding in God’s presence or experience of His favor and the power of His Spirit.  Without this there can be no abiding faith or love or joy or strength.”

It is here that we must meet our Creator and Redeemer –— admitting, “that there is nothing so natural to man, nothing so insidious and hidden from our sight, nothing so difficult and dangerous as pride.  Let us feel that nothing but a very determined and persevering waiting on God and Christ will disclose how lacking we are in the grace of humility, and how weak we are to obtain what we seek.”

If we are to experience “this highest virtue, our only happiness, now and through all eternity we must present ourselves as empty vessels in which God can dwell and manifest His power and goodness; the form and the vessel in which the life and glory of God are to work and manifest themselves.”

“Humility is simply acknowledging the truth of our position as man and yielding to God His place.  It is the sense of entire nothingness, which comes when we see how truly God is all, and in which we make way for God to be all.”

 “Such humility (the humility of Christ) is not a thing that will come on its own.  It must be made the object of special desire, prayer, faith, and practice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 “If you could see what a sweet, divine, transforming power there is in humility, how it expels the poison of your nature, and makes room for the Spirit of God to live in you, you would rather wish to be the footstool of all the world than lack the smallest degree of it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 As we continue each month in this pursuit and joy of humility “let us study the character of Christ until our souls are filled with the love and admiration of His humility.  And let us believe that, when we are broken down under a sense of our pride, and realize our inability to cast it out, Jesus Christ Himself will give us this grace as part of His wondrous life within us.”

                                                                                          “For whom he did foreknow,
              he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
                           that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
                                                              Romans 8:29

Gracious Father in heaven, we thank you for bringing us to your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer; and for the power of your Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and lives for repentance, redemption, reconciliation and renewal.  As we continue our study in the life of the Lamb let us experience this grace that works His humility in us through your word and divine power.

“Of your great goodness make known to us and take from our hearts every kind and form and degree of pride; and awaken in us the deepest depth and truth of that humility which can make us capable of your light and your Holy Spirit.”  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,   Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me,
Underneath me, all around me,   Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward   To Thy glorious rest above.

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,   Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,   Changeth never, nevermore;
How He watches o’er His loved ones,   Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,  Watcheth oe’r them from the throne.

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,   Love of every love the best;
‘Tis an ocean vast of blessing,   “Tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,   ‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,   For it lifts me up to Thee.
(Words by Samuel Trevor Francis, 1875; Music Ebenezer, Thomas John Williams, 1890)

 Related article: A Year for Humility  Preview of Preface to Humility by Andrew Murray

A Year for HUMILITY

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY6 Comments

Andrew Murray’s book Humility is a time-honored publication, reprinted throughout the last century and this one.  From his writing we see humility as the least taught and sought, and the most needed virtue of the Christian life; so it is not surprising that God is still leading His children in this area.

Having this book for at least twenty years I have taken it Scan 140020000off my bookshelf occasionally to re-read and pray for God’s working of this virtue in my life.  Not only seeing the need in my own life for this nature of Christ, but studying it, I see how far short I fall of this “cardinal virtue” and how much I need to make it a special request.

This year I plan to do more than just read these twelve short chapters.  By the Lord’s leading and my commitment I have already begun in the Preface to study, meditate and memorize the main points of the truths found here.

Believing that others also struggle in this area, and without it forfeit the blessings that come with it, my review and study will be posted here.  I will be sharing this review only once a month (a chapter a month) so as to keep my other commitments.
This will allow us to become more familiar with the truths of God’s word that He uses to renew our minds and to conform us to the image of Christ, His Son.  I invite you to join me; to see these truths as a reality in your own life.

Unless you want to order your own paperback you can follow the whole text with this PDF, or a copy here from the archives.
The main points for meditation and  memorization in this study will be in bold print.

The stronger points in the Preface  ~

Murray suggests that there are motives –  “three great motives that urge us to humility”  –  which means that it is something that we do not have, and that when we realize the need, will desire it and pray for it.

“The first we see in the heavenly hosts, in unfallen man, in Jesus as the Son of Man.”

“The second motive appeals to us in our fallen state, and points out the only way through which we can return to our right place as men.

“In the third motive, we have the mystery of grace, which teaches us that as we lose ourselves in the overwhelming greatness of redeeming love, humility becomes to us the consummation of everlasting blessedness and adoration.”

This third motive is Murray’s emphasis in his book.  As I have memorized, and continue to meditate on this “mystery of grace” and “the overwhelming greatness of redeeming love”  I see humility as the middle ground between Christ’s initiative (His blessedness) and my response (adoration.)  It seems that this would be the normal Christian life.
Humility is necessary if we are to receive all that God has prepared for us, from the new birth, and throughout our sanctification.  Without it we are ruled by pride, which keeps us from the good things that the Lord has for us.  If Christ truly lives within us, He will give us the desire, and work the nature of humility in and through us.

Murray speaks of the ordinary Christian teaching, that puts “the second aspect of man as sinner in the foreground.”  There seems to be the thinking that “we must keep sinning if we are indeed to remain humble.  Others have thought that the strength of self-condemnation is the secret of humility.  And the Christian life has suffered loss, because believers have not been distinctly guided to see that nothing is more natural and beautiful and blessed than to be nothing, so that God may be all.  It has not been made clear that it is not sin that humbles us most, but grace.”

“It is the soul led through its sinfulness to be occupied with God in His wonderful glory as God, as Creator and Redeemer, that will truly take the lowest place before Him.”

“If humility is to be our joy it must be understood apart from all sin as a covering with the very beauty and blessedness of heaven and of Jesus.”

“When we see that humility is something infinitely deeper than contrition, and accept it as our participation in the life of Jesus, we will begin to learn that it is our true nobility.
We will begin to understand that (even as Jesus was a servant) being servants of all is the highest fulfillment of our destiny, as men created in the image of God.

Humility  should be “sought after as the distinguishing feature of the discipleship of Jesus.”

It should be “esteemed as the cardinal virtue; the only root from which the graces grow; and the one dispensable condition of fellowship with Jesus.”

lamb1-150x150“There is a call to all earnest Christians to prove that meekness and lowliness of heart are the chief marks by which they follow the meek and humble Lamb of God.”

At the back of the book is a prayer suggestion for those who would be a part of this study.

Dear Father, “Of your great goodness, make known to me, and take from my heart, every kind, and form, and degree of pride; and awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of that humility that will make me capable of your light and your Holy Spirit.”

I hope that you will join me, add your comments, and share your own experience of how the Lord is working in your life this year.  You might want to share this with a friend, or   with the book, use it in a small group.  Let me know if you want to be a part of this review  ~  LIKE,  COMMENT, or email, so that I know to whom I am accountable; and for whom I will be praying this year.  Please pray for me.

In Christ  ~  Fran

Lamb photo –  courtesy of Josette Brouwer

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