Growing Downward: The Path of Christ-Exalting Humility
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Author Nick Thompson recognizes that pride is our worst enemy. If pride is our chief foe, then humility is our chief friend, even though its company may be painful. But spiritual growth is a descent—we must grow downward. Defining humility as “the downward disposition of a Godward self-perception,” Thompson walks us through the practical implications of this definition, leading us to embrace a God-centered perspective on the self. With winsome illustration and warm pastoral instruction, Growing Downward shows us that the path of humility, though difficult, is the way to true meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction: Toward a Definition of Humility
Part One: Existential Humility
1. Dependent Creatures
2. Covenantal Creatures
3. Temporal Creatures
Part Two: Ethical Humility
4. Fallen Sinners
5. Delusional Sinners
6. Hopeless Sinners
Part Three: Evangelical Humility
7. Represented Believers
8. Foreloved Believers
9. Adopted Believers
Part Four: Ecclesiological Humility
10. Devoted Members
11. Imperfect Members
12. Missional Members
Part Five: Eschatological Humility
13. Grave-bound Mortals
14. Judgment-bound Mortals
15. Eternity-bound Mortals
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- Distinguishes biblical humility from “self-loathing” or “poor self-esteem.”
- Challenges the modern obsession with self-improvement and “upward mobility.”
- Argues that spiritual maturity is not about “climbing the ladder” to greatness, but about descending into deeper humility.
- Dependent Creatures
- Covenantal Creatures
- Temporal Creatures
- Fallen Sinners
- Delusional Sinners
- Hopeless Sinners
- Represented Believers
- Foreloved Believers
- Adopted Believers
- Devoted Members
- Imperfect Members
- Missional Members
- Grave-Bound Mortals
- Judgment-Bound Mortals
- Eternity-Bound Mortals
Part I: Existential Humility
Part II: Ethical Humility
Part III: Evangelical Humility
Part IV: Ecclesiastical Humility
Part V: Eschatological Humility
“Christians can become lopsided, leaning towards either how to think, live, or feel better. Thompson’s teaching on humility teaches us to view ourselves more accurately and realistically, affecting every aspect of our lives. His impressive breadth of application makes his teaching concrete rather than abstract. This book establishes the right way of thinking and living in light of who God is and who we are. What more could one want in any book on theology, or on Christian living?”
—Ryan M. McGraw, Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
“When I was a child, my mother used to tell a fable about a man who won a medal for humility but had it taken away the moment he wore it. The point was obvious and has been proven by time: we are never as humble as we ought to be, nor even as humble as we wish to be. Yet by God’s grace we can be humbler than we are right now, and it’s for that reason that I recommend Growing Downward, a book that mines the Scriptures to show how to display a humility that is empowered by Christ and exalts the name of Christ.” — Tim Challies
“Growing Downward is the most robust, biblical, theological discussion of humility I’ve seen. Nick roots the discussion exactly where it needs to begin—with a theology of God. He defines humility as ‘the downward disposition of a Godward self-perception.’ Humility happens when we see ourselves in light of the grandeur and grace of God. There is nothing trite about this book. It is a mini theology, covering topics from the character of God to the nature of sin, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology—all of it pointing to the magnificent glory of God and the joy of true humility before Him. The benefit of this book is that it doesn’t merely talk about humility; it actively helps readers experience humility as they are brought before the truth of God. While the material is weighty, Nick uses personal illustrations, stories, and notes that keep it moving along. But this is not a book to be read quickly. The truths are too deep. It would make for a great small group Bible study. Highly recommend!” — Dale VanDyke, senior pastor, Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Wyoming, Michigan