Spurgeon on Holiness

Although this quote was included in Sunday's sermon, it is well worth meditating on further.  It was first preached by Charles Spurgeon.
"When a man gets a clear view of the holiness of God it is all over with all claim of personal excellence. From that day he abhors himself in dust and ashes. I might have thought myself pure, but how can I be when I find that the heavens are not clean in God’s sight? I might have thought myself wise, but how can I be when I read that He charged His angels with folly?"
The idea that we think less of ourselves the more we catch a glimpse of God's holiness is a significant suggestion.  It is a humbling concept that often flies in the face of our personal and cultural expectations.  However, a quick scan of the times in the Bible where people caught a glimpse of God confirms Spurgeon's suggestion.  Each time the viewer is struck by God's magnificence and perfectness their lives are drastically changed; not just how they think of God, but also how they think of themselves.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
  • Why is Spurgeon's thought particularly important for our lives and culture?  Is there a particular area of your life in which you find this especially challenging?
  • In his sermon Spurgeon asks, "Did you ever pray for holiness, and really mean that you wished to be considered holy?  Have you ever prayed in public with great fervour, with a half-suppressed wish to be thought a special man of God?"
  • How might we gain a deeper understanding of God's holiness?  How does that affect your prayers?
  • How does a clearer view of God's holiness impact how you pray 'Holy be Your Name'?
If you are keen, you can find Charles Spurgeon's sermon here.