One of my favorite contemporary authors is Paul Tripp. I like him because he makes me hurt and sing. He shows me sin and gospel. Earlier today he tweeted the following:
Humility is admitting that my greatest, most long-term personal dilemma is inside me, not outside me and I can’t free myself from it.(sin)
I think this is a very helpful quote. As I sat and chewed on it a bit, I couldn’t help but pile on…
Humility is admitting that my greatest, most long-term personal need is outside of me, and I cannot earn it (righteousness), it must be given (grace).
When we truly look inward we are horrified over our deficient righteousness. This is to see reality. This drives us to a righteousness that is outside of us. This righteousness is earned by the doing and dying of Jesus and given by the tender chords of love, grace & mercy. It is apprehended by faith and secured by the unchanging character of God.
As it has been said before, the gospel wounds and heals, it sings and stings.
