In this week’s installment from Off the Record with Martin Luther, Luther extols the hidden treasures of God:
5017. Holy Scripture demands a humble reader, who trembling shows reverence to God’s Word, who constantly pleads: “Teach me, teach me, teach me!” The arrogant oppose the spirit. And even though some may study diligently, and unerringly preach Christ for a time—as soon as they become proud, God closes the church to them. Wherefore, every proud person becomes a heretic, if not actually, then for all practical purposes. It is difficult for a person who has excellent gifts not to become arrogant. Those upon whom God bestows great gifts, He plagues with great torments, to teach them that they are nothing. Paul was given a thorn in his side, so that he would not become arrogant…Pride drove the angel [the devil] from Heaven; that is why we need humility in the study of Holy Scripture. (p. 362).
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