Hypocrisy is the pretense of being religious without true devotion. It manifests in two types: gross hypocrites, who deceive others but not themselves, and close hypocrites, who are self-deceived. Various degrees exist, from general profession of faith to extraordinary displays of piety lacking sincerity. The following practical directions show how authenticity in heart and life is crucial for genuine faith.… Read More How To Avoid Hypocrisy
Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of not overvaluing one’s initial spiritual knowledge or holiness, but instead recognizing the need for growth and maturity in faith. He cautions against the dangers of pride, presumption, and neglecting further learning and humility. These errors can lead to rebellion, contentiousness, hypocrisy, and a distorted understanding of true Christianity.… Read More Avoiding Spiritual Pride: A Guide to Balanced Perception
Richard Baxter cautions against excessive involvement in religious controversies, advising to prioritize essential, biblical truths over divisive debates and unprofitable questions. He warns that premature engagement in controversies can divert one’s attention from greater spiritual needs, corrupt the mind, and lead to pride and erroneous beliefs. Baxter stresses the continual focus on fundamental religious truths as the foundation for spiritual growth.… Read More Caution About Religious Controversies
Augustine calls humility the mother of the graces. A humble soul is emptied of all swelling thoughts of himself. A humble soul thinks better of others than of himself. A humble soul has a low esteem of his duties. A humble man is always giving bills of indictment against himself. A humble man will justify God in an afflicted condition. A humble soul is a Christ-magnifier (Phil. 1:20). He gives the glory of all his actions to Christ and free grace. A humble soul is willing to take a reproof for sin. A wicked man is too high to stoop to a reproof. A humble man is willing to have his name and gifts eclipsed, so that God’s glory may be increased. A humble saint is content with that condition which God sees is best for him. Test yourself: are you humble?… Read More A Godly Man Is A Humble Man
The whole Christian life is compared to a warfare, and fitly so. And the most eminent Christians are the best soldiers, endued with the greatest degrees of Christian fortitude. And it is the duty of God’s people to be steadfast and vigorous in their opposition to the designs and ways of such as are endeavoring to overthrow the kingdom of Christ, and the interest of religion. But yet many persons seem to be quite mistaken concerning the nature of Christian fortitude. It is an exceeding diverse thing from a brutal fierceness, or the boldness of the beasts of prey. True Christian fortitude consists in strength of mind, through grace, exerted in two things: 1) in ruling and suppressing the evil and unruly passions and affections of the mind; and 2) in steadfastly and freely exerting, and following good affections and dispositions, without being hindered by sinful fear, or the opposition of enemies.… Read More Christian Fortitude is Meek
Purely Presbyterian 