(Audio Book) Having A Humble Opinion Of Self (Clip)
Thomas a Kempis teaches that true wisdom and spiritual growth come from humility, self-knowledge, and fearing God rather than from mere intellectual knowledge.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and the pursuit of knowledge with a fear of God. It warns against pride in intellectual pursuits and the need for a good life and clean conscience over mere knowledge. The message highlights the significance of understanding one's limitations, admitting ignorance, and valuing others above oneself. It also cautions against judging others and encourages a humble view of oneself in light of God's judgment.
Full Transcript
Every man naturally desires knowledge, but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed, a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men. If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God who will judge me by my deeds? Shun to greater desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion.
Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which led to salvation is very unwise. Many words do not satisfy the soul, but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.
The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill, rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know.
Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you? If you wish to learn and appreciate something worthwhile, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing, truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel, to think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good a state.
All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Limitations of Knowledge
- Knowledge without fear of God is futile
- Intellectual pride harms the soul
- True wisdom is fearing God and living rightly
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II. The Value of Humility
- Knowing oneself leads to humility
- Do not seek praise or elevate yourself
- Consider others better and yourself as nothing
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III. The Danger of Pride
- Greater knowledge brings greater judgment
- Fear your talents and gifts
- Admit ignorance and avoid affectation
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IV. Practical Christian Living
- Live a good life with a clean conscience
- Trust in God through humility
- Recognize human frailty, especially your own
Key Quotes
“Every man naturally desires knowledge, but what good is knowledge without fear of God?” — Thomas a Kempis
“He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.” — Thomas a Kempis
“If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God who will judge me by my deeds?” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Practice humility by recognizing your own limitations and avoiding pride in your knowledge or talents.
- Focus on living a holy life that pleases God rather than seeking human approval or intellectual accolades.
- Cultivate a healthy fear of God that guides your pursuit of knowledge and daily conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Thomas a Kempis emphasize humility over knowledge?
Because knowledge without humility and fear of God leads to pride and spiritual ruin, while humility fosters true wisdom and salvation.
What does it mean to have a humble opinion of self?
It means recognizing one's own weaknesses and limitations, avoiding pride, and valuing others above oneself.
How should Christians view their talents and knowledge?
They should fear the judgment that comes with greater knowledge and use their talents responsibly with humility.
What is the relationship between knowledge and judgment according to the sermon?
The more knowledge one has, the stricter the judgment will be unless accompanied by a holy life.
How can one apply this sermon in daily life?
By living humbly, avoiding pride in learning, and focusing on a life that pleases God rather than seeking human praise.