CENTRAL THOUGHT
Humility is a virtue to be possessed by all believers.
TEXT: MATT. 11:28-29, LUKE 14:7-11, PHIL. 2:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
This lesson deals with humility as a pathway to glory. It is often said that the way up is down; the way to receive is by giving, the way to the crown is through the cross; the way to get is by letting go and the way to life is by dying! Although they seem ironic, these statements are true and can be substantiated from the Bible. Similarly, the way to exaltation or the pathway to glory is the way of humility. Humility is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary as the “quality of not thinking that you are better than other people; the quality of being humble”. This definition is true and certainly can only find full expression in a life completely yielded to the LORD Jesus. As revealed in scripture, humility is an attitude of the mind (Col. 3:12, Acts 20:19); a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and a way to honor and riches (Prov. 22:4). Thus, humility is an attribute expected of the believer and truly any believer who chooses to go the way of humility has chosen the path to greatness and honor.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
It is hoped that this lesson will help an individual to:
- Understand what humility is.
- Learn from the examples of some individuals in the Bible who exhibited
humility. - Know how to demonstrate humility in specific areas of his life.
- Appreciate the benefits of living a humble life.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT IS HUMILITY?
Rom. 12:3 declares “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary’s definition of humility is “the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people” appears to agree with the above scripture. Thus, humility is an attitude of the mind. It is not a hypocritical display of a quiet exterior cosmetically covering a hostile and proud heart. Often times the arrogance of the inner heart hypocritically dressed in reserved external behavior is revealed when so called “reputation” or “image” of the individual is touched upon. Such individuals break down in tantrums and utterances that expose the real nature of the person. On the other hand, humility as an attitude of the mind represents a self-enticing attitude, not wanting to attract attention to one’s self or one’s abilities. A humble individual considers others better than himself and even in glaring situations when he seems to have excelled, such an individual still speculates that given the same situation/environment, there is likely to be an individual somewhere who would have done better than himself. An attitude of humility listens to and accepts the views of others. He acknowledges his mistakes, and he never claims to know it all. An individual believer walking the path of humility is willing to learn from his own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Above all, he seeks to give all the glory, honor, and praise and thanks to God for everything.
QUESTION 2) WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THESE PERSONS IN SCRIPTURE WHO SHOWED HUMILITY?
We shall quickly examine some instances in scripture where certain persons displayed humility. Please note that these are not the only examples in scriptures but just few of the several instances where godly people in the Bible demonstrated humility.
a.) Abraham: Gen. 13:1-13, Gen. 18:23-33 The above scriptures refer to two occasions when Abraham showed humility. First Abraham showed humility in his relationship with Lot, his nephew. Both of them had become wealthy and their herds had increased to such an extent that their herdsmen began to strive for grazing land. Abraham, though older, initiated peace. In doing this, he gave his nephew Lot (a much younger person), the right to choosing the land to dwell in first. Many in his days (and certainly in our days too) would have considered this a foolish thing to do. Sometimes the path of humility demands that we do things that are foolish in the eyes of men but wise in the sight of God. Years later, events proved that Abraham did what was godly and wise. The second occasion was when he had to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah in the presence of God. He realized that the access he had to God was purely based on grace and mercy bestowed upon him from God. This is a lesson for all to learn. Many today address God in prayer as if they are talking to a colleague or classmate. We must realize today that we stand in grace and learn to approach God with reverence and appreciate the awesomeness of His presence.
b) Moses- Ex. 3:11, 32:7-14 When God first called Moses, his first reaction was that of inadequacy. He didn’t pride himself in the training he had received in the Egyptian palace. Rather he felt unqualified to lead the great people of God. This is an example of a humble attitude. Unlike many today who do not wait for God’s call but assume that University degrees and/or Bible school certificates qualifies them to lead God’s people. No wonder many of such soon get puffed up and make shipwreck/disaster of their ministries. Also, Moses demonstrated humility when he chose to intercede for Israel when they (Israel) sinned against God. God had asked Moses to allow Him pour his wrath on Israel and make a great nation out of Moses. Rather than scream or reel out (as many of us would have done today), Moses chose to intercede for Israel and God hearkened to him. No wonder God Himself described him as the meekest man “above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” Num. 12:3.
c.) Daniel- Daniel 2:24-30 Daniel demonstrated humility when he gave glory to God for the gift of interpretation of dreams which God gave him. He made the king and the Babylonians realize that God was the One who had the ability to interpret dreams. It is not uncommon today to find people who on exhibition of a spiritual gift begin to set up ministries themselves. Such persons become swallowed by pride and no wonder that sooner or later the gift ceases to be in operation. Let us learn the lesson of humility from Daniel and give all the glory to God for the gifts He has bestowed on us.
d) Elizabeth- Luke 1:43 Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist and was an older cousin to the virgin Mary (the mother of our LORD Jesus Christ). When Mary visited her, Elizabeth acknowledged the gift of God in her (Mary) when she declared “And whence is this to me that the mother of my LORD should come to me?”. Though older than Mary, Elizabeth in humility acknowledged God’s favor upon her. There are many Christians today who despise some ministers being used of the LORD either because they are older than them or they became Christians before these ministers. In certain situations, some Christians have refused to submit to their church authorities simply because they feel they are older that the Pastor or “the pastor is a small boy”. That kind of attitude reflects pride in their heart and such people should learn the lesson of humility from “Sister Elizabeth” in the Bible.
e.) John the Baptist- Luke 3:15, 16, Jn. 1:29,30, 3:29,30 John the Baptist was another character in the Bible who exhibited remarkable humility. He was humble both in ministry and in lifestyle. When John appeared on the scene in Israel and sensing the people’s expectation of the Messiah, it would have been easy for him to sway them and perhaps set up a big ministry for himself. He did not. He realized his ministry. He accepted his position and pointing the people’s attention away from himself, he deliberately pointed them to Christ who must increase while he (John) must decrease. In his words “…but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire” (Lk. 3:16) and also in Jn 3:30 “ He (the LORD Jesus) must increase, but I (John the Baptist) must decrease”. Every believer must learn from John’s humility. We should accept the position God has given us in the ministry and pray for and desire the progress and prosperity of other people’s ministries. f.) Peter- Lk. 22:54-62 In the above scripture, Peter realized his fault and repented. In Gal. 2:11-14, Peter was not showing good example as a leader. When the Jews are around, he would abstain from eating (mixing) with the Gentile Christians but when the Jews are not around, he would eat (mix) with them. Paul noticed this and pointed it out to him. In humility Peter accepted. He did not give excuses for his action or begin to rebuke Paul for rebuking an older Christian. In fact, Peter acknowledged Paul as one who received great revelations from the LORD.
g.) The LORD JESUS: In concluding this section, it must be borne in mind that the LORD Jesus is our perfect example of humility. The Bible declares of Him: “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…” (Phil. 2:6-7). Humility is an attribute of God Himself. Although incomparably great, He humbles Himself to take note of created things (Psalm 113:4-6).
QUESTION 3) HOW CAN BELIEVERS DEMONSTRATE HUMILITY IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS?
a.) Church- Matt. 20:25-28 Believers are expected to demonstrate humility as they relate with one another in church/ denominational/ fellowship settings. The leaders of the church should realize that they are servants. It is not enough to have the perception of servanthood but church leaders in practical terms must demonstrate humility in serving the people. A church may call for labor in church premises or in the site of the church building project. It will be absurd if the pastor/elder/deacons/deaconesses stay back at home and ask “the boys” to go and do the job. The pastor and other leaders should be in the forefront of doing the job. In addition, our relationship with each other should reveal humility. We should not look down on brethren or despise them. We should be ready to take instructions from our leaders in the church even if we became Christians before them or we were ordained before them or we are older than them. Also, the leaders should realize that they are not lord over God’s heritage (1 Pet. 5:3). Let us follow the example of the LORD Jesus (Jn. 13:1-17).
b.) Home- Eph. 5:21, 22, 6:5-9 The home setting is also a place where believers ought to show humility. The husband (father), wife (mother), children, etc. should relate to one another in humility. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of the God” is a scripture which if imbibed by every party in the home will help maintain peace as we relate in humility. In practical terms we should learn to defer it. Submit to the opinion or decisions of another. An atmosphere of humility will sustain peace in the home.
c.) Office/School/Business/Vocation- Rom. 12:13 The situations above represent Christian relationship in the larger society. The LORD still expects us to show humility in our dealings with people who are not Christians. We must ensure an atmosphere of peace between us and colleagues, business partners, classmates, fellow traders etc. Humility in relationship is a virtue that ensures peaceful coexistence. When stopped by police, traffic officers etc. at “checkpoint”, let us be humble enough to provide our vehicle papers if demanded for. Let us not use abusive words on fellow road users, classmates, colleagues etc. A believer should avoid sinful outbursts of anger that degenerates into malice, hatred, and enmity. In our relationships in the large society, let us avoid creating an air of pride around us that scares people away from us. This may hinder our evangelism/preaching of the gospel to others. When we maintain humility, people will readily have access to us, and we can reach them with the gospel.
QUESTION 4) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HUMILITY?
PROV. 11:2, 13:10, 15:33, 29:33, MATT. 18:4, LK 14:7- 11, 18:9-14
There are very many beliefs accompanying a life lived in humility. A humble man enjoys peace with himself and peace with his neighbors. Humility when exhibited by all parties involved brings peace in the church, home, and the larger society. Most times a humble attitude brings promotion in life. This is amply stated in scripture. God Himself ensures the promotion of such individuals spiritually and materially. The characters discussed above (Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and Peter) got elevated in life. Humility was their pathway to honor. Apart from theses, others like Jacob, Joseph, David, Job etc. were men who through humility were honored by God. Humility still remains a pathway to glory today. Also, when life on earth is over, the believer who lived in humility will experience eternal rewards.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The admonition in scripture is that believers should put on humility. Humility has been and is still a pathway to glory, honor, and peace. The LORD Jesus Himself, is our perfect example of humility. Although incomparably great, He humbles Himself to fellowship with us (Psalm 113:4-6) and the Bible says of Him- “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.” (Phil. 2:6-8).
MEMORY VERSE:
1 PETER 5:6
“Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
MON: Abraham’s example of humility. Gen. 13:1-13
TUE: Moses’ example of humility. Ex. 32:7-14
WED: Daniel’s example of humility. Dan. 2:24-30
THU: Elizabeth’s example of humility. Lk. 1:43
FRI: John the Baptist’s example of humility. Lk. 3:15, 16, Jn 1:29-30, Jn. 3:29-30
SAT: The perfect example of humility, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:6-8