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Scripture Reading:  Philippians 2:5-11

Character Building: Humility (Part 4)

 

Intro.

1.  Col 3:12 (humbleness of mind, kjv): Low-lying; “not rising far from the ground...of a low degree, lowly in spirit...”the having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness” (Thayer).

2.  God requires humility, Micah 6:8; 1 Pet 5:5-6; Eph 4:1-2.

3.  The challenge of humility: At the very moment we see ourselves as achieving humility, pride tempts us (“We're so proud to be so humble!”).

 

I.  THE MIND OF CHRIST: HUMILITY, Matt 11:29; Phil 2:5-8.

  A.  Eliminate Selfish Ambition, Phil 2:3 (Christ, 2:6-7).

    1.  The glory of Deity (form: “the special or characteristic form or feature”), Phil 2:6; Jno 17:5.

    2.  Warned against the pride of life, 1 Jno 2:16.

  B.  Eliminate Conceit, Phil 2:3 (Christ, 2:6): Over-high estimation of oneself, cf. Rom 12:16, 3.

  C.  Esteem Others Better than Ourselves, Phil 2:3 (Christ, 2:7; 2 Cor 8:9)

  D.  Look to the Interests of Others, Phil 2:4 (Christ, 2:8).

 

II. THE ACTION OF HUMILITY: LIFE OF SERVICE, Micah 6:6-8.

  A.  The Worship of God Demands Humility, Lk 18:9-14.

    1.  Avoid: Prideful motives in worship, Matt 6:5-7; Psa 138:6 ( 95:6).

    2.  In worship, the humble heart:

      a.   Prays with spirit and understanding (1 Cor 14:15).

      b.   Sings with praise in his heart (Eph 5:19).

      c.   Remembers the Lord’s death in LS (1 Cor 11:28).

      d.  Gives with a cheerful heart (2 Cor 9:7).

      e.  Hears the word of God without itching ears (2 Tim 4:3-4).

  B.  The Service of Man Requires Humility, Jno 13:12-17.

    1.  Can only serve when we are submissive in heart, 1 Pet 5:5.

    2.  Submitting to one another is a call to serve each other, Eph 5:21 (Matt 20:26-28). Never accomplished when self reigns!

    3.  Humility serves others through such things as:

      a.  Godly living, Acts 20:18-19. (Example of righteousness)

      b.  Promoting unity among Christians, Eph 4:1-3.

      c.   Rescuing a soul overtaken by sin, Gal 6:1-2.

 

III.  THE REWARD OF HUMILITY: EXALTED BY GOD, 1 Peter 5:6.

  A.  The Humble Person:

    1.  Is regarded by God, Isa 66:2 (God is near, Psa 34:18).

    2.  Possesses the kingdom of God, Matt 5:3 (18:1-4).

    3.  Obtains grace from God, Jas 4:6 (1 Pet 5:5).

    4.  Is lifted up by God, Jas 4:10.

    5.  Is remembered and vindicated by God, Psa 9:11-12.

    6.  Is honored, Prov 18:12.

 

Conclusion

1.  Prov 21:4: “A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.” (Targum: “the swelling of the heart with pride and vanity....”) God hates a “proud look” (Prov 6:17).

2.  God resists the proud – because the proud resist Him!

3.  Give ourselves over to humble hearts and lives: Develop the mind of Christ, give ourselves to lives of service to God and man and receive the reward of the humble.

 

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3