CENTRAL THOUGHT
Humility is a virtue that must be seen in the life of every Christian.
HYMN: JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS
TEXT: John 5:30-34, John 13:3-16, Phil. 2:1-11
INTRODUCTION
It is a fact of scripture that God desires that those who come to HIM should be like HIS SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This entails walking in the steps of the LORD.
Humility is one of the footprints of the LORD JESUS. Therefore, a believer in CHRIST ought to be humble.
It is a virtue every Christian must cultivate. Humility is a basic requirement for honor in GOD’s Kingdom. In this study we will examine some exemplary display of humility by the LORD and what should be our obligations as believers with respect to this virtue.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1. Know what humility is.
2. Be able to differentiate true humility from false humility
3. Have an understanding of how the LORD demonstrated humility while on earth.
4. Examine some ways people manifest pride today.
5. Highlight the blessings of a humble life.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT IS HUMILITY AND HOW IS TRUE HUMILITY DIFFERENT FROM FALSE HUMILITY? Rom. 12:3, Phil. 2:3 Humility is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as “The quality of not thinking that you are better than people, the quality of being humble”. It is explained in the Wycliffe Bible Dictionary as “a mental attitude of lowliness” (Eph. 4:2, Phil. 2:3); the opposite of pride. It is that specific grace developed in the Christian by the SPIRIT of GOD wherein the believer frankly acknowledges that all he has and is, he owes to the Triune GOD who is dynamically operating on his behalf. He (the believer) then willingly submits himself under the mighty hand of GOD (James 4:6-10, 1 Pet. 5:5-7). Thus, humility should not be equated with a pious inferiority complex. Such a complex may make an individual withdraw to himself/herself but in pretense displays an external pious disposition. However, for such individuals, when the factors causing the inferiority complex are assuaged, perhaps by acquisition of wealth or educational certificates, the external display of a pious attitude vanishes (disappears) and the deep seated pride in the heart begins to manifest. Essentially therefore, humility is a disposition that is not puffed up. Humbling oneself is the first step in true revival for GOD Himself, the high and lofty One delights to dwell with him who has a contrite and humble spirit in order to revive him (Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15).
Q2. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THE LORD DEMONSTRATED HUMILITY WHILE ON EARTH? John 13:3-17
The LORD JESUS is our supreme example of humility. He demonstrated humility in several instances in the Bible. In John 13:3-17, He showed humility in serving the disciples by washing their feet. It is noteworthy that the LORD JESUS did this after “knowing that the Father had given all things into HIS hands and that HE was come from GOD and went to GOD” (John 13:3b). Rather than become proud by reason of having been given all things, He humbled Himself and served the disciples.
Also, the LORD never sought the glory of men. He was more interested in doing the will of the FATHER and seeking HIS glory. There were instances in scriptures where HE performed miracles and asked the recipients of such miracles to go their way telling no man (Mk. 5:43, 7:36 Luke 5:14). At a point in scripture men sought for Him to crown Him king but He wisely escaped from them (Jn. 6:15).
In Phil. 2:5-8, we read “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”. These verses clearly reveal that the LORD JESUS was and remains an epitome of humility. Our response should be that of being like Him in humility and serving Him wholeheartedly.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST expects us to follow His example of humility. If we are opportune to be Leaders in His house, we must not become lords over His own heritage. Our Leadership style must portray humility ( Mt. 20:25-27, 1 Pt. 5:3). As believers, the Lord encourages us to have the disposition of children if we are to make progress in the things of the kingdom of God (Mt. 18:1-5). We are not expected to be jostling for positions in our churches (denomination). In humility we should acknowledge that we are unprofitable servants in the things of the world, doing the will of our LORD which is our duty to do (Lk. 17:7-10). We should be gentle among God’s flock and not put a burden on anyone (1 Thess. 2:6-9).
We ought to recall frequently the old inscription by Arch Bishop B.A. Idahosa at the Church of God Mission Int’l Inc., Iyaro which reads “IF CHRIST BE GOD AND HE DIED FOR ME, THEN NO SACRIFICE CAN BE TOO GREAT FOR ME TO MAKE FOR HIM”. Arising from today’s lesson, each and every one of us need to sacrifice our pride and embrace His humility.
Q3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS PEOPLE MANIFEST PRIDE TODAY?
Many things make the average human being proud. Some are proud by reason of their privileged achievements. These achievements bring them recognitions which make them proud. Such pride often times is manifested in their attitude towards others whom they look down upon and consider irrelevant. This is also true of persons who become proud because of their positions in society/community. There are people who are proud because of their family background. Such persons maintain a carriage (disposition) of nobility around them which despises other people and perhaps even consider others as slaves who are to be brought in subjection. Pride arising from tribe consciousness (a feeling that one’s tribe is better than others) can also make one despise other people.
Possession of material things like money, houses, vehicles etc. make many proud. And occasionally such pride is revealed in the utterances of such persons and their treatment of the less privileged with disdain and ignominy.
Also, ministerial gifts make some believers proud and rather than point people to the LORD and draw their attention to HIM, they begin to draw people’s attention to themselves.
It is pertinent to mention that there are some persons in the Bible who had the privilege mentioned above and yet practiced humility. John the Baptist had a wonderful privilege in ministry. He was the forerunner of the LORD JESUS; rather than become proud, he gladly pointed people to CHRIST the Messiah and concluded by saying “He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn. 1:29, 3:30). The centurion (Mt. 8:8) with all his attainments felt unqualified to have the LORD JESUS come under his roof.
Q4. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OR CONSEQUENCES OF PRIDE? Job 40:11, Prov. 15:25, 16:18, Dan. 4:28-33, James 4:6
The Bible says “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). A proud man will be resisted by GOD, while “HE gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
When an individual is taken over by pride, he becomes isolated from the generality of the people. The person loses touch with the people and if he/she is in leadership position, it becomes difficult for the people to reach him. In both spiritual and secular circles, that type of situation may have adverse effects because information that may be needed for effective leadership will not get to such a leader.
The great danger/consequence of pride is that it leads to destruction. What a big price to pay for not practicing humility. Nebuchadnezzar learnt the hard way (Dan. 4:28-33).
Q5. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS/BLESSINGS OF A HUMBLE LIFE? Prov. 15:33, 18:12, 22:4
We read in Prov. 22:4 “By humility and the fear of the LORD are the riches and honor and life”. Humility brings honor and riches and life to the individual who is humble.
The LORD also declares in scripture that the one who humbles himself will be exalted (James 4:10, 1 Pet. 5:6). He promised to give grace to the humble. Such grace will bring blessing, promotion, favor etc. to the believer who makes a practice of humility.
As stated earlier in this lesson, humility is the first step in true revival (2 Chro. 7:14) because GOD Himself, the high and lofty ONE delights to dwell with him who has a contrite and humble spirit in order to revive him (Psalm 51:17, Is. 57:15).
It may also be important here to state that a humble disposition makes a leader accessible to those he is privileged to lead by the grace of God. Such a disposition is highly needed in our local assemblies because it makes for effective leadership.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Humility should be manifested in our relationship with the LORD JESUS. We must humble ourselves under His mighty hand. Humility should also be evident in our relationship with one another at home, in the church bearing in mind “in honor preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10) and in our work places/society. If we are clothed with humility, there will not be schism, jealousy, envy etc. as we relate with people. In practicing humility, we should learn to acknowledge/admit our sins/faults. A humble person does not try to save face or cover his sins/faults.
Humility is a virtue that must be cultivated by all believers. Therefore, let us resolve to be clothed with humility (1 Pt. 5:5). Humility opens doors to greater fellowship with God, attainment of greatness, receipt of more grace from God, peaceful coexistence with men, and above all, eternal rest for the soul. Therefore, let humility be in us and manifested through us as was in our LORD and manifested through Him.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Pride leads to destruction.
Prov. 15:25, 16:18
Tuesday: Pride brought Nebuchadnezzar low.
Dan. 4:28-33
Wednesday: Humility brings blessings.
Prov. 15:33, 18:12, 22:4
Thursday: God revives the humble person.
Psalm 51:17, Is. 57:15
Friday: Leaders should be humble.
Mt. 20:25-27, 1 Pt. 5:3-4
Saturday: Keep the disposition of children.
Mt. 18:1-5