The More the Lord Will Sustain You
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 5:00AM I'm reading through Calvin's Institutes right now. I really appreciated these insights as I read them yesterday.
When viewing our miserable condition since Adam's fall, all confidence and boasting are overthrown, we blush for shame, and feel truly humble...
I have always been exceedingly delighted with the words of Chrysostom, "The foundation of our philosophy is humility;" and still more with those of Augustine, "As the orator, when asked, What is the first precept in eloquence? answered, Delivery: What is the second? Delivery: What the third? Delivery: so, if you ask me in regard to the precepts of the Christian Religion, I will answer, first, second, and third, Humility." By humility he means not when a man, with a consciousness of some virtue, refrains from pride, but when he truly feels that he has no refuge but in humility ... "When any one knows that he is nothing in himself, and has no help from himself, the weapons within himself are broken, and the war is ended." All the weapons of impiety must be bruised, and broken, and burnt in the fire; you must remain unarmed, having no help in yourself. The more infirm you are, the more the Lord will sustain you.
This can be awfully threatening, but it can also be liberating. Not everyone has what it takes to be great. But everyone has what it takes to be infirm. When we're freed from the need to prove ourselves, the war ends, and we find what we need in the Lord.
Reader Comments (7)
The highlighted section at the end of the quote you provide is one of the most encouraging truths that I have ever read. It sure helps prove that discussing Calvin is not a waste of time.
Love the quote! Thanks for finding it.
Darryl, could you give the reference for this?
Tim:The first paragraph is from Book Second, Chapter 1, Section 1 (p.147 of the edition I'm using).The second paragraph is from Book Second, Chapter 2, Section 11 (pp. 164-165).
Thanks bro. Our formation team is reading Andrew Murray's book Humility and this would seem to augment that really well. :)
I identify with the sentiments expressed here, particularly your phrase, Darryl, "everyone has what it takes to be infirm."I wonder though, does Calvin leave room for other ways and means to humility? Is it not possible for a man to have other options? To be less than fully broken? Is humility in thought and action achievable through love's ways, for love's sake?And if it were possible, what would we say with regards to a person, who had other compelling options, other seemingly attractive choices, but instead chose to live a humble life as inspired by the Lord? Is the sacrifice unworthy? Unattainable?I believe that part of what Jesus did for us all on the Cross, was to give us a choice? All brokeness was rendered unto Him.I don't think it has to be that way for us. I don't think He wants it that way. I think we give greater honour to His sacrifice when it isn't that way.
Paul:I don't want to get into Calvinism too much in this post, except to say that Calvinism is easily misunderstood. It's not that God takes away our choice, but that he enables our wills to desire him.Looking forward to seeing you Monday.