Growing Downward
The Path of Christ-Exalting Humility
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.
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 (blogger, author, and book reviewer)
Nick Thompson
is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he resides with his wife and three sons.
“The great need of the church in every age is Christ-exalting humility. To the degree the church possesses this, it will be alive and advancing with vigor.”
—Nick Thompson
Listen to the sermons that laid the groundwork for Growing Downward!
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
Doctrinally penetrating, consistently pastoral, and highly readable, Growing Downward is as edifying as it is deeply searching.”
— Richard B. Gaffin Jr., professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary
“In this much-needed, well-written, easy-to-read book on a critical subject for every Christian, Nick Thompson reminds us that real humility springs from knowing God and ourselves as both truly are. His book is a model of how theology should be applied to practical Christian living.
— Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Growing Downward is the most robust, biblical, theological discussion of humility I’ve seen. 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.
— Dale VanDyke, senior pastor, Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Wyoming, Michigan