“How, for the rest of my life, can I deliberately and diligently mortify pride, and pursue humility on a daily basis?â€
Here are some practical ways to tremble at the Word of God (Is. 66:2) from C.J. Mahaney:
1. Study the attributes and character of God – the incommunicable (those not shared with man) attributes.
- ~Infinite: everywhere, equally present
- ~Independent:Â self-sufficient
The effect of even brief contemplation of the attributes of God is an awareness of the differences between God and man – humility.
2. Each day, survey the cross on which the Prince of Glory died.
- ~How can anyone be arrogant when they stand beside the cross?
3. Study the doctrines of grace.
- ~To be theologically reformed and personally arrogant is a contradiction.
4. Study the doctrines of sin.
5. Apply the doctrines of sin.
- ~Specificity in confession of sin
- ~Are you appropriately confessing sin and/or temptation? Or, are you presenting an “edited†version of yourself to others?
6. Invite and pursue correction.
- ~There is a connection between wisdom and correction.
- ~Are you easy to entreat? Or, do people avoid correcting you because of the stubbornness that they encounter?Â
***These next few points were directed mainly at the pastors (or seminary students) at the conference, but there are still some great insights for any believer who desires to minister (as we all should) to others.***
7. Seize the humbling task of preaching.
- ~There is a difference between being dissatisfied with a sermon, and discouraged about a sermon.
- ~Underneath discouragement is pride.
8. Use unflattering illustrations of yourself in your sermons
- ~An appropriate confession of your struggles imparts hope to those who are listening.
9. Recognize your theological limitations.
10. Prepare to be replaced.
11. Recognize your relative unimportance.
12. Play lots of golf. (This was obviously one of those points directed to the pastors…)
***
More practical ways to pursue humility as part of our daily routine coming tomrrow…Stay tuned!