John Owen: Vain Curiosity and Carnal Boldness (Spiritual Mindedness - Banner of Truth)

Vain Curiosity and Carnal Boldness

John Owen

"Vain curiosities and carnal boldness are two attitudes which will destroy all reverential fear of God. It is amazing how men will enter into vain speculation about the nature, properties and purposes of God, intruding into things God has not thought fit to reveal. Such vain speculations have only corrupted and made useless these great doctrines. When the minds of men are taken up with such speculations, 'God is not in all their thoughts', even when all their thoughts are of him. When men enter into vain speculations about God, they bid farewell, for the most part, to all godly fear and reverence. Others are so under the power of carnal boldness that they show no more respect to God than they would to worms of the earth like themselves. There is no holy awe in their minds and souls when they mention his name. So carnal boldness also destroys reverential fear of God."

John Owen: Spritual Pride and Self-Exaltation - Two Temptations to Watch Out For

"Two temptations are ready to trip up Christians. Those are spiritual pride and self-exaltation. So Paul would not admit 'a novice' - one inexperienced in the ways of grace and decits of sin - into the office of ministry, lest he should be 'lifted up with pride' and 'fall into the condemnation of the devil' (1 Tim. 3:6). Paul did not consider himself to be free from this danger (2 Cor. 12: 1-7). This temptation to spiritual pride waits to trip up those who have many spiritual gifts and who are having great success in their ministry and are riding on the wave of popularity. The best of men find it hard to fight against pride, especially when they are successful and are being applauded by men. The only way to keep a balanced walk is to remember our vileness in the sight of God. Every minister needs to remember his own vileness and the duty of mortification, or else he will not glorify the Gospel."