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