The Spiritual Life: Undeniable Ways to Conquer the Flesh and Grow in Christ

by Andrew Murray

"THROUGHOUT THE CHURCH of Christ there is a universal complaint of the feebleness of the Christian life, and there are tens of thousands of souls longing to know how to lead a better life. They find in God’s word promises of perfect peace, of a faith that overcomes the world, of a joy that is unspeakable, of a life of ever abiding communion with Christ, hidden in the hollow of God’s hand, and in the secret of His pavilion. But alas, thousands say they know not how to obtain it. Our meetings have just this one object: to try and find out what are the possibilities of the Christian life as God has revealed them in His word, what are the hindrances that keep the majority of believers out of that life, and what are the steps by which to come in and take possession."

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1895

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.

He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).

Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.

Reviews

[William Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given 3.5 stars if possible. While I enjoyed Murray's emphasis on the filling of the Holy Spirit, at times I felt as if I was reading the same ideas and concepts over and over. Though this book certainly had its share of memorable quotes, it was a bit of a let down to what I expected. I take nothing away from who this man was spiritually - I am very grateful for his ministry work including these sermons; it's just not book material to me.

[Chakib Miraoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of lectures by an eminent South African lecturer is very exhaustive of Christian spirituality. I enjoyed much of it, and was blown away by the creativity of the text. No repetition of ideas anywhere in the book for such a supposedly limited scope.

[Wayne Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures a series of lectures Murray gave to pastors and students. It's inspirational, instructive, and a must read for anyone in ministry.

[Charles Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 1979 edition selected from god' Best Secrets by Andrew Murray......

[Jason Snelgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Spiritual Life: Undeniable Ways to Conquer the Flesh and Grow in Christ" by Andrew Murray is a timely and transformative guide for Christians seeking a deeper and more vibrant spiritual life. Murray addresses the prevalent complaint within the Church of Christ regarding the perceived feebleness of the Christian life and offers practical insights on how to lead a more fulfilling and victorious Christian existence.

In this book, Murray delves into God's Word and explores the promises it holds for believers. He unveils the possibilities of a life marked by perfect peace, unwavering faith that overcomes the world, indescribable joy, and a continual communion with Christ. Murray acknowledges the deep longing within the hearts of thousands of individuals who desire to experience these spiritual heights but struggle to attain them. With a compassionate and knowledgeable approach, he guides readers on a journey to understand the hindrances that hinder believers from entering into this abundant life and provides actionable steps to overcome these obstacles.

Murray's writing is characterized by its depth, clarity, and spiritual insight. He skillfully combines biblical truths with practical wisdom, enabling readers to grasp profound spiritual concepts and apply them to their daily lives. With a genuine desire to help believers grow in their relationship with Christ, Murray provides invaluable guidance and encouragement.

"The Spiritual Life" offers hope to those who feel dissatisfied with their current spiritual state and are yearning for more. It serves as a reminder that the abundant life promised by God is not elusive or unattainable but rather a reality that believers can experience through a deeper understanding of His Word and a closer walk with Him.

[Stephanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Word

What an awesome read on cultivating a deep inward spiritual life in God. I really pray that I, with the help of the Holy Spirit, be able to put these precious instructions and insights into practice in my own life. My biggest take from this book is that anything spiritual that I attempt to accomplish on my own feeble strength, I will fail, and that is why God sent us the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ to come and live in us and work through us. We have to be mindful of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us every day all day.

[Joyce Jarrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Murray's writing and preaching are superior to what we read and hear today, despite the many excellent writers and preachers in our modern era. He cuts down to the very core of the spiritual life. Wow. I read with a bible study group. All we did was read aloud and discuss when we chose, and it was wonderful. I need to reread this frequently. I have 3 big volumes of his writings which I need to read as soon as possible. If you are a serious Christian, this is the real deal..

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like his books however this was good i just felt that he repeated himself

In this one!!! I still would recommend the book, I read this book because it was referenced from another one of his books!! It helps you understand the contrast between the carnal and the spiritual with scripture.

[H.T. Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long winded sermon

The book doesn’t reveal anything really new and unique, but I wonder if that’s because we’re looking for a step by step formula. The pursuit of a spirit led life takes work and discipline which this book reminds of, but there was a lot of repetition so although good to hear, could have been said with far fewer words.

[Tonya Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Life

This book was very relevant to me in my walk with God. It perfectly explains the error in my walk and the “two” conversions in the life of a Christian. Excellent read for those wanting to know how to draw near to God.

[Kenneth Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot On

Everything from start to finish ministered and bore witness to my spirit, this man knew Our God and I too want to have this life in Christ. To understand and walk these truths out!

[janaki sugathadasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual life

Wonderful book Anyone who wants to grow spiritually must read this book. He brings us closer to God. Thank you

[bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read all of his books over and over. Nuggets of gold

[Noa Levinbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.

wow. Glory to God so much mana here in this book. I enjoyed how everything was delivered so rich, Hallelujah.

[Lisa]

I don't think Murray was well known when he was alive. He was a prolific writer, living in S. Africa, I think. This book was first published in 1896. I am reading the 1997 edition that was not on Goodreads. I was in Charlotte when I started the book and shared with someone "The state of prolonged infancy." He has so many good illustrations of spiritual thoughts. "At first a Christian may be carnal for he is young and does not know what sin is. However when a man has been a Christian for some time..and he does not grow but remains at the same place where he started there is something wrong..." If an infant does not grow, there is something terribly wrong with the child, a disease. Murray says that an Christian that does not grown has the disease of a carnal mind. I find that word carnal is rather anathema now. No ones uses that word, too offensive, i guess.
Another illustration was about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is like air. The air is in us (I Cor 3:16) as well as all around us.
Luke 15:31 (a verse to really ponder) You are ever with me and all that I have is yours.

[Jamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Murray has been the most life changing author I have been exposed to. His books are enlightening and challenging, yet surprisingly gentle. “The Spiritual Life” is a transcription of a series of Murray’s lectures given around 1800. As you can guess, due to the nature of its creation it had a few grammatical errors, but the message was excellent. Murray illuminates Biblically how to walk in the Spirit, what is missing in your life if you are still (as a Christian) trapped in sin, and how to take your Christian life to the next step. A few themes that I already knew of Murray put in a new light, while always depending on what Scripture taught on the matter. Throughout the entire book I was challenged, forced to wrestle with what I had previously believed, and brought nearer and nearer to God.
I highly, Highly recommend it.