Discussion Thread
Humility
Ed Price
DSMN 815 Personal Spiritual Formation
October 2022
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Discussion Thread: Humility
What is Murray’s central thesis in the book?
Murray’s central thesis in the book is the concept of humility being the singular
characteristic of Jesus that believers need to emulate to see the full promises of God. The author
refers to, ‘Humility is the bloom and the beauty of holiness. The understanding that holiness can
lead to pride as opposed to a servant heart that can inspire and manifest humility. Murray offers,
‘how much proof there is that humility is not esteemed the cardinal virtue, the only root from
which graces can grow, the one indispensable condition of true fellowship with Jesus’.1
Murray contends that Jesus came to bring humility back to earth to make us partakers of
this humility which in turn will save us.2 The author asserts Jesus was humility incarnate. In His
example and in His life, Jesus came down and humbled Himself as the example and role model
of humility. Jesus demonstrates and then instructs us that the last will be first and the first last.3
The author also exhorts us reminding us there are two things needed to conquer pride and allow
humility to flow and grow. These two things are, ‘Do what God says is your work: humble
yourself and trust Him to do what He says is His work and He will exalt you.4
1 Andrew Murray, Humility (Buckingham: Rickfords Hill Publishing Ltd, 2015), 2.
2 Ibid, 3.
3 Stephen Arterburn, Dean Merrill, and Tyndale House Publishers, Every Man’s Bible: NIV; New International
Version. (Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 2014), Matthew 20:16.
4 Murray, Humility, 39.
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“If humility be the first, the all-including grace of the life of Jesus, if humility be the secret
of His atonement, then the health and strength of our spiritual life will entirely depend
upon our putting this grace first too and making humility the chief thing we admire in him,
the chief thing we ask of him, the one thing for which we sacrifice all else.”
Agree or disagree with this statement and how is this argument developed in the book?
This is a tough question to answer with a simple yes or no. I agree that humility is a
grace that is extended and encouraged by Jesus in studying His life. Jesus is clearly humility
incarnate. In His life and His ministry, we see humility on display and recorded in Scripture.
The author takes the time to unpack scripture to show where Jesus offered humility and referred
to humiliation as, ‘the only ladder to honor in God’s Kingdom’.5 Murray refers to humility
being, ‘the first and foremost essential element of discipleship’.6 I love when the author tells us,
“come and let us flee to Jesus, and hide ourselves in Him until we be clothed upon with His
humility’.7
Murray tells us the three ways to cultivate humility; focus on Jesus as redeemer and
author, lose yourself in exchange for Him, and humbly serve. In doing so the author contends
that our humility must be the life of Christ, the Lamb of God, within us.8 I would offer that
sanctification and the Christian life offers so much more to be richly appreciated and of course
includes challenges. The challenge for me is Murray seems to imply to the reader if you are not
all about the pursuit of humility than your salvation could be questioned. I would offer that
humility is part of the process of becoming more like Jesus after accepting Him.
5 Andrew Murray, Humility (Buckingham: Rickfords Hill Publishing Ltd, 2015), 14.
6 Ibid, 14.
7 Ibid, 25.
8 Ibid, 25.
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Where in Scripture could it be argued that “humility be the first, the all-including grace of
the life of Jesus”?
In chapter four Murray takes the time to highlight the humility in the teaching of Jesus.
Whether Jesus was washing His disciples’ feet at the last supper9, speaking of the least of these10,
or in the beatitudes we hear the meek shall inherit the earth.11 Murray also describes humility as
the place of entire dependance on God.12 In His crucifixion we see how our Lord humbled
himself to the point of death on a cross, the ultimate example of humility. It could be said that all
of Jesus’ ministry and life were an example of the all-inclusive grace that is humility. His
coming to earth as a man, a carpenter, rather than an exalted ruler, show great humility and
posture. How Jesus asked ordinary men to ‘follow me’ so that they could connect to a living god.
Which chapter was the most convicting and why?
For me chapter six was the most convicting chapter for me. Humility will be the measure
by which God looks back at how we reflected Him in our walk. How we treat other men will the
test, not how we humbled ourselves in posture to God. Humility before God is nothing if not
proved in humility before men.13 To be honest, I find it easy to love those that love me. The
difficulty lies in loving those with whom there is conflict or strife. To compound my faith
journey by
Which chapter was the most encouraging and why?
Simply enough chapter six was also the most encouraging to me. I came to Christ in my
forties and often feel like I am consuming milk and not meat.14 When I come across situations,
9 Stephen Arterburn, Dean Merrill, and Tyndale House Publishers, Every Man’s Bible: NIV; New International
Version. (Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 2014), John 13:14.
10 Ibid, Matthew 23:11.
11 Ibid, Matthew, 5:5.
12 Andrew Murray, Humility (Buckingham: Rickfords Hill Publishing Ltd, 2015), 3.
13 Ibid, 19.
14 Ibid, 1 Corinthians 3:2.
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(most often people), that cause me to be challenged, I will take it to the Lord in prayer. I’ve also
been discussing this concept of humility with my bride Nancy in our morning quiet time, with
my men’s small group, and with my team of peers at the ministry where I am blessed to serve.
The simple notion of my actions towards other men will be how my walk with Christ will be
reckoned has made it challenging to love those that I don’t love. The encouraging part of that is
the clarity that simplicity allows. I’ve always known right from wrong but before Christ I didn’t
always make the appropriate choices. Now in the moment I can capture each thought15 and bring
awareness to that thought to allow me the heart to appreciate what my brother or sister might be
feeling. Murray states. ‘Jesus has taken the place of self, and it is not an impossibility to forgive
as Jesus forgave.16 For me the hope that I can walk out my faith and work towards one day being
able to forgive as Jesus forgave is an incredible promise.
15 Stephen Arterburn, Dean Merrill, and Tyndale House Publishers, Every Man’s Bible: NIV; New International
Version. (Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 2014), 2 Corinthians 10:5.
16 Ibid, 20.
