Devotionals
January 6th, 2007
Humility Before God (Patrick Simpson)
Definitions (from Wikopedia):
humility - the quality of being humble
humble - 1. Marked by weakness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit, not arrogant or prideful.
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect (a humble apology)
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly (a humble cottage)
What does God have to say about humility?
Old Testament:
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33
You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. 2 Samuel 22:28
Takeaways:
1. God wants us to be humble.
2. God favors those who are humble.
3. Be humble.
New Testament:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. Matthew 11:29
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11
"Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus
replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who
glorifies me." John 8:53-54
Takeaways:
1. Jesus calls himself humble.
2. God's economy is backwards of our intuition - if you want exaltation, humble yourself, and vice versa.
3. Who does the humbling is very important.
Other New Testament comments:
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:@
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of
you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Takeaways:
1. An attitude of humility is closely tied to one of love and community.
2. Caring for others.
3. Fits the theme,
Some scriptures on pride in the New Testament:
We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so
that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 2 Corinthians 5:12
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions.
Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his
own load. Galatians 6:3-5
Takeaways:
1. Pride is brought up here.. isn't pride always bad?
In 2 Cor... Paul's intention is to show others that they can be confident in their teachers. He isn't doing this for
his own self confidence.
In Gal... He is warning against using other people as a measuring stick. "Carrying his own load" here is
reference to doing what he can do.
Summary thoughts:
Humility is all about relationships.
It is what we are created for
If we fall into pride, we risk losing relationship with Him because we are deceived into thinking we are self-reliant.
People who are self-reliant don't NEED God, so they don't want God. They miss out on their true purpose in life.
If we fail to recognize it, he rebukes/corrects us. He wants us to get it, not punish us.
Price of pride is high -> Isolation from God.
Humility does not mean we are worthless! Rather our worth is reflected in relationship. None of us is anything
unto ourselves.
We're a branch -> He is the vine (John 15)
We're pottery -> we have a maker (Romans 9)
We're children -> we have a Father (John 1)
Since our worth is found in relationship, that is why it is critical to allow others to honor us, and not to do it
ourselves -> goes back to warnings against pride.
Jesus models it, allowing the Father to glorify him (John 8).
Ultimate act of humility:
Your attitude should be the same as hat of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider
equality something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in
human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -
even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above
every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11.
We want to hear God's affirmation:
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you
in charge of many things. Come and share your mater's happiness!" Matthew 25:21