Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
William Law warns that pride can “grow as well upon our virtues as our vices,” especially for people making “advances in a pious life”—what are realistic examples of pride feeding on obedience, sound doctrine, separation from the world, or “being more biblical,” and how do those show up in conversations about other churches?
Another way to ask: What are some real ways pride can grow from doing “good” Christian things like obedience, right beliefs, or being “more biblical”? How does this show up when people talk about other churches?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker’s point is that spiritual progress itself can become fuel for self-superiority—thinking, “we do things right,” or “I’m closer to Jesus than others.” This shows up when believers talk about other churches with contempt, or when “being biblical” becomes a badge of status.
- William Law warning: “pride can grow as well upon our virtues as our vices… in all occasions.”
- The speaker says those pursuing Christ can think: “I’m following Jesus so closely. What about the rest of them?”
- He critiques churches claiming they are “the one true church,” calling that “prideful.”
- He mentions claims like: “our church is the most biblical,” and especially “at the forefront of God’s kingdom,” which he labels a prideful statement.
- John Wesley rejects the heathen maxim: “The more you value yourself, the more others will value you… Not so… both God and man resist the proud.”
- Scripture used: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs/1 Peter), framing pride as spiritually dangerous even when religious.