WE come now to the 11th chapter in Principles of Spiritual Growth, (Complete Green Letters, Part 1) titled Self-Denial. I’m a little hesitant to enter into this and the next chapter because I don’t completely share all of what is being said here. There is truth here to be sure, and important and needful information. But the author is a little needlessly polemic against some aspects that contribute to our Christian walk, and in my view somewhat short sighted in a few of his comments. There is also something else bothersome, which I’ll bring that up later on.
“In essentials unity, nonessentials liberty, in all things charity”
Rupertus Meldenius
HOWEVER, it is good to be exercised by these things, and consider the valuable teachings that are contained here. One thing I have learned over the years is that this thing we call the Christian faith and walk has many facets to it, all of which need to be explored, studied, and possessed. Think of the many ways in parable and stories our Lord presented the Gospel. The narrative of redemption is a multi-faceted never-ending story, with in untold depth, height, breadth, and horizon that is almost impossible to box in. How did Paul state its wonder? Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33) … that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:17-19)
I ALWAYS get somewhat suspicious when someone lays claim to one all-inclusive answer and solution to this complex matter we call the Christian walk. I have a quote by Spurgeon which provides a pointed thought here:
“It seems odd that a man who would speak so often of what the Holy Spirit had revealed to him, would completely ignore what the Holy Spirit had revealed to others.” -CHS
SO it is that we need to remain open, but pray for discernment as we examine all things, including our personal life and thoughts, in the light of Scripture.
AS we look to these next couple of chapters, may we do so prayerfully with discernment. Even though the author complains against a few of the attempts and methods used to deal with the self-life, these may be found useful to the Lord in dealing with the flesh with the right understanding, perspective and thoughtful approach in mind. With that said, let us begin our consideration.
With highest regards in Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10; Isa. 30:15; Jas. 1:2
***********************
Chapter 11—Self-Denial
When a believer begins to discover something of the awful tyranny of the self-life or has been endlessly struggling against that tyranny, he becomes intensely concerned about the denial of self with the resultant freedom to rest and grow in Christ. Man has many ways of seeking to escape the thralldom of self; God has but one way. First, then, some of these man-centered methods.
Mortification
Denying oneself certain things for a time, or even for all time, is not even close to the answer since the old nature will adjust and thrive under any conditions—anything short of death to self. “There have been those who have thought that to get themselves out of the way it was necessary to withdraw from society; so they denied all natural human relationships and went into the desert or the mountain or the hermit’s cell to fast and labor and struggle to mortify the flesh. While their motive was good it is impossible to commend their method. For it is not scriptural to believe that the old Adam nature can be conquered in that manner. It yields to nothing less than the death of the cross. It is altogether too tough to be killed by abusing the body or starving the affections” (A.W. Tozer).
Conquest
Probably the most drawn out and exhausting effort of all is the believer’s struggle to conquer and control this rebel self. More meetings, more Bible study, more prayer are all resorted to, but neither are these God’s answer to this problem.
Training …to be continued
