Pride and Humility at War: A Biblical Perspective

by J. Lanier Burns

Publisher:

P&R

, 2018

Overview

Is pride a necessary tool to achieve significance? Is humility a form of self-hatred? In contrast to the world, the Bible consistently presents humility as the supreme virtue, while pride is the underlying depravity behind specific sins. Pride and humility are at war . . . and humility, not pride, has the advantage.

Humility’s surprising essence is God-centeredness—living for the glory of God rather than self. On the basis of this biblical principle, Christ’s example, and the contemporary need, J. Lanier Burns argues for an unfamiliar connection between true significance and a humble dependence on the Lord.

Key Features

• Presents a compelling vision for biblically centered humility
• Emphasizes the message of scripture in understanding pride
• Forward by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Contents

• God-Centeredness or Self-Centeredness in the Pentateuch
• The Humiliation of Pride in the Wisdom Literature
• The Oracles against Pride in the Prophets
• The Great Reversal in the Gospels
• Christlike Humility in Paul’s Epistles

Praise for the Print Edition

Dr. Lanier Burns, along with Dr. Howard Hendricks, has been one of the most sought-after professors at Dallas Theological Seminary. His integrity, his spiritual maturity, and his biblical insight make him more than qualified to pen Pride and Humility at War. . . . While his professional and academic credentials are without question, I would like to commend him to you as one who genuinely practices what he preaches—with humility.

—Anne Graham Lotz, author of The Daniel Prayer

Too often we Christians exhibit pride in our interactions with others, both in the church and outside. Lanier Burns reminds us through a careful exposition of a host of biblical passages that humility is the way of our Lord Jesus Christ. This book not only informs us but, through a careful study of Scripture, leads to our personal transformation.

—Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Lanier Burns has put us in his debt by producing a carefully researched and thoroughly biblical study. Years of teaching and theological reflection are evident throughout and enrich the work with depth and maturity. It is particularly gratifying to have a substantive study—not something trite and trivial—that puts the heel of its boot squarely on the neck of self-promotion and pride: a ‘new virtue’ that threatens our lives and churches. Read it and find ‘the way of wise living, godly significance, and eternal meaning in a dying world.’ I recommend it with fear and trembling.

——Jay Smith, professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Pride and Humility at War: A Biblical Perspective
• Author: J. Lanier Burns
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 240
• Christian Group: Reformed
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Biblical Theology

About J. Lanier Burns

J. Lanier Burns (ThM, ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Texas, Dallas) is senior research professor of theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. Since 1973, he has served as the president of the Asian Christian Academy in Bangalore, India.

Sample Pages from Pride and Humility at War: A Biblical Perspective