Growing Downward: The Path of Christ-Exalting Humility

by Nick Thompson

Author Nick Thompson recognizes that pride is our worst enemy. If pride is our chief foe, then humility is our chief friend, even though its company may be painful. But spiritual growth is a descent—we must grow downward. Defining humility as “the downward disposition of a Godward self-perception,” Thompson walks us through the practical implications of this definition, leading us to embrace a God-centered perspective on the self. With winsome illustration and warm pastoral instruction, Growing Downward shows us that the path of humility, though difficult, is the way to true meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.



Table of

Preface

Toward a Definition of Humility

Part Existential Humility

1. Dependent Creatures

2. Covenantal Creatures

3. Temporal Creatures

Part Ethical Humility

4. Fallen Sinners

5. Delusional Sinners

6. Hopeless Sinners

Part Evangelical Humility

7. Represented Believers

8. Foreloved Believers

9. Adopted Believers

Part Ecclesiological Humility

10. Devoted Members

11. Imperfect Members

12. Missional Members

Part Eschatological Humility

13. Grave-bound Mortals

14. Judgment-bound Mortals

15. Eternity-bound Mortals



Author

Nick Thompson is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he resides with his wife and three sons.



Endorsement

“Christians can become lopsided, leaning towards either how to think, live, or feel better. Thompson’s teaching on humility teaches us to view ourselves more accurately and realistically, affecting every aspect of our lives. His impressive breadth of application makes his teaching concrete rather than abstract. This book establishes the right way of thinking and living in light of who God is and who we are. What more could one want in any book on theology, or on Christian living?” — Ryan M. McGraw, Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“When I was a child, my mother used to tell a fable about a man who won a medal for humility but had it taken away the moment he wore it. The point was obvious and has been proven by we are never as humble as we ought to be, nor even as humble as we wish to be. Yet by God's grace we can be humbler than we are right now, and it's for that reason that I recommend Growing Downward, a book that mines the Scriptures to show how to display a humility that is empowered by Christ and exalts the name of Christ.” — Tim Challies
“In this much-needed, well-written, easy-to-read book on a critical subject for every Christian, Nick Thompson reminds us that real humility springs from knowing God and ourselves as both truly are. His book is a model of how theology should be applied to practical Christian living. He offers no manual on how to act humbly but provides biblical motivations to be humble. May God use this essential book in all of our lives so that we may genuinely confess with John the Baptist, ‘[Christ] must increase, and I must decrease.’” — Joel R.

Genres: Christian, Discipleship

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2022

Reviews

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Here is the unvarnished truth: pride is your number one enemy at every stage of the game. This is true of you regardless of your vocation; your economic, political, or social status; and your age, ethnicity, or education... I begin here because it is only as we come to understand pride as our greatest enemy that we will learn to embrace humility as our greatest ally.

WHAT'S GROWING DOWNWARD ABOUT?
The Publisher's Description is:

Author Nick Thompson recognizes that pride is our worst enemy. If pride is our chief foe, then humility is our chief friend, even though its company may be painful. But spiritual growth is a descent—we must grow downward. Defining humility as “the downward disposition of a Godward self-perception,” Thompson walks us through the practical implications of this definition, leading us to embrace a God-centered perspective on the self. With winsome illustration and warm pastoral instruction, Growing Downward shows us that the path of humility, though difficult, is the way to true meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Thompson is thorough at arriving at his definition of "the downward disposition of a Godward self-perception"—looking at other definitions offered by notable authors and theologians along the way—evaluating and critiquing them.

From this point, he works out the implications of that definition by looking at Existential Humility, Ethical Humility, Evangelical Humility, Ecclesiological Humility, and Eschatological Humility.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GROWING DOWNWARD?
As far as the reading experience goes—this is fine. The writing is crisp, it's clear, it's accessible, and Thompson makes certain the reader gets his point.

As far as the content? Ehhhhh, I'm not sure. The Introduction and the first part of the book? Those were really, really strong and convincing—and Thompson had me with him there. But after that? It's complicated to explain, but I'll try. I liked the individual chapters, and the topics he covered in them. But they seemed disconnected from the whole. Not all of them even seemed that focused on the idea of humility or Godward self-perception. Good material, but to what end?

Instead of an argument built on several lines of reasoning, which is how the book seems to be designed. It seemed to me to be one argument made, with some essays loosely attached to the topic added on. I can see where a lot of these trains of thought can lead back to the main argument. But I look to an author for that work, to show how

The one thing I tripped on more than once was Thompson's tone—it frequently struck me as less-than-gracious or compassionate. Generally, within a couple of pages, he'd say something to mitigate what I perceived as harshness (or something like that). But I think it'd be best to not need that mitigation.

That said, I fully expect to be in the minority on this. I think many readers will benefit from this book and not get hung up on those things I did.

I liked enough of this to recommend it to you—but just enough. If you do read it, come back and tell me where I'm wrong, okay?

[Matthew Gasperoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always interesting to read—and even more so to review—a book on humility. How does one choose the right words without undermining the very subject? Perhaps the best question is whether the book clearly illuminates biblical humility, shows what it truly looks like, and encourages the reader to pursue it. By that measure, this book succeeds.

Several chapters stood out more than others, and the final sections in particular drove home some sobering truths—especially as they relate to humility in light of the grave, hell, and eternity.

Biblically sound, deeply encouraging, and well worth the read.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. You can also look up his sermons on humility on Sermon Audio. Very thought provoking and convicting. An excellent partner to “rejoice and tremble” because he makes a case for the fear of God being connected directly to humility. I read this all the way through, then reread all highlights, and I’m sure I’ll be revisiting it in the future, as I certainly do not have enough of this virtue.

[Danieltituscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent look at the downward disposition of humility in light of Christ. While reading this book won't make one humble, Nick Thompson equips the reader to move towards humility. I used this book as a daily guide for my thoughts and prayers, and it proved to be quite profitable. I would recommend others do the same.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thompson unpacks the virtue of humility by taking the reader on a Biblical and theological journey. The book is divided into five parts that deal with the varying aspects of a Christian worldview/systematic theology. In each part, Thompson unpacks varying ways in which humility operates in each of these areas.

This is a convicting book. We are brought face to face with our prideful nature as human beings. But it is also a book filled with hope. The second half clearly presents the gospel as the ultimate antidote to our pride, the ultimate fuel for humility as Christ is held out in his saving work. The book ends with the ultimate hope of living in a renewed world in God's presence.

Although a little repetitive at times, this is a well written book on a very important topic. In it, Thompson helps to fill a void in Christian living literature in his presentation of humility.

[Matthew Rumbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is fairly dense and heavy on theological language, but all in all I’m glad I read this book. His definition of humility is super helpful. I still think there’s a book to be written on what this looks like in practical day-to-day discipleship, but as a place to start about proper humility, and understanding who we are before God, I found this helpful.

[Todd Burgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite book of the year! Practical, convicting, and encouraging on an essential character-quality in the Christian life! A must read!

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on humility.