Humility by Andrew Murray
Week 9: Chapter VIII — Humility and Sin
Read Chapter VIII of Humility by Andrew Murray. Key texts: 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9–10; Ephesians 3:8; Romans 7–8.
Previewing Week 9 of Humility
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Murray takes on a question that sits under the whole book: if humility is not mainly about sin, what role does our sinfulness play? His answer is subtle and important — and it reshapes how we think about both confession and grace.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Murray notes that Paul consistently describes himself as 'chief of sinners,' 'less than the least of all saints,' 'not worthy to be called an apostle' — but these are not confessions of current daily sinning. What are they? And why is that distinction important for understanding humility?
2.He points out the remarkable fact that Paul never confesses particular failures or sins in his letters — yet speaks of himself in the most humbling terms. Murray takes this as evidence of a life 'in the power of the Holy Ghost.' What does that suggest about the relationship between genuine holiness and genuine humility?
3.Murray writes: 'It is not sin, but grace, that will make me indeed know myself a sinner.' What does he mean? How is this different from simply being reminded of your failures? Have you experienced humility produced by grace rather than by guilt?