"How to Experience True Revival Part II"

1 Peter 5:5-6 “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. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

I. Intro

Last week, we began a message on experiencing true revival. It is a message that not only each of us need, but our country as a whole needs. Revival is when God sends down His Holy Spirit to renew us and rejuvenate us. Who doesn’t want to be renewed? Who doesn’t want to feel the Holy Spirit moving in this place today? To achieve true revival, we must first come to a place where we understand and truly repent of our sins. Today, I want to speak to you about having a humble heart. Humility is a virtue that is often overlooked in our society. We live in a world that encourages us to be proud of our accomplishments, to show off our wealth, and to seek the admiration of others. But as Christians, we are called to live differently. We are called to have a humble heart, to put others before ourselves, and to recognize that all that we have comes from God. So what does it mean to have a humble heart? First and foremost, it means recognizing our own limitations. We are not perfect, and we never will be. We make mistakes, we fall short, and we need the grace of God to sustain us. When we recognize our own weaknesses, we are able to turn to God for help and guidance. Having a humble heart also means putting others before ourselves. Jesus himself modeled this kind of humility when he washed the feet of his disciples. He showed us that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or recognition. When we put others before ourselves, we demonstrate that we value them as children of God, and we reflect the love of Christ to the world. Finally, having a humble heart means recognizing that all that we have comes from God. Our talents, our wealth, our health, and even our very lives are gifts from God. When we acknowledge this truth, we are able to live with gratitude and contentment. We are able to use our gifts for the benefit of others, rather than hoarding them for ourselves. But let us be clear, having a humble heart is not easy. It goes against our natural inclination to seek our own interests and to assert our own will. It requires us to constantly surrender ourselves to God and to be open to his leading. But the reward for humility is great. James 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

II. Having a humble heart doesn’t happen overnight.

Cultivating a humble heart is a process that requires intentional effort and practice.

Acknowledge our limitations: It's important to recognize that we are not perfect and that we have weaknesses and flaws. We need to be honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and accept that we don't have all the answers.

Being honest with ourselves about our shortcomings is essential for personal growth and development. It allows us to acknowledge areas where we need improvement and take steps to address them. Without this honesty, we may continue to repeat the same mistakes and struggle to make progress.

Practice gratitude: A grateful heart helps us to recognize the blessings we have received in life and reminds us that we don't deserve them. Gratitude helps us to cultivate a sense of humility and to acknowledge that we are dependent on God and others.

By practicing gratitude, we can become more aware of the many blessings in our lives and develop a greater appreciation for what we have. This can help us to cultivate a sense of humility by recognizing that we have been given much, and that we are not entitled to anything. It can also help us to see the value in others, as we recognize the contributions that they have made to our lives.

Serve others: When we put the needs of others before our own, we demonstrate humility. Serving others helps us to recognize that we are not the center of the universe and that we have a responsibility to help those around us.

In a sense, putting the needs of others first requires us to set aside our ego and our own sense of importance, and to focus instead on the well-being of others. It can be a powerful way to show humility and to demonstrate our willingness to serve others. By doing so, we are recognizing that our needs are not always the most important, and that we are not the center of the universe.

Jesus Christ: Perhaps the ultimate example of humility in the Bible is Jesus Christ himself. He set aside his divine power and became a human being, living a life of humble service to others. He washed his disciples' feet, healed the sick, and ultimately gave his life on the cross for the sake of others.

Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness requires humility because it involves acknowledging our own faults and extending grace to others who have wronged us. When we forgive others, we demonstrate that we don't have all the answers and that we are willing to let go of our own hurt and bitterness.

When we forgive someone, we are essentially saying, "I recognize that I too am a flawed human being who has made mistakes, and I choose to extend grace and mercy to you, even though you have hurt me." Forgiveness also requires humility because it often involves setting aside our own desire for revenge or justice, and instead choosing to show kindness and compassion to the person who has wronged us. This can be a difficult choice to make, especially when we feel deeply hurt or betrayed. But by choosing to forgive, we can break the cycle of anger and resentment that can damage our relationships and our own well-being.

Have you ever tried to grow a plant? Maybe you planted a seed, watered it, and watched it grow over time. Just as we can cultivate a plant, we can also cultivate a humble heart. When we plant a seed, we prepare the soil by removing rocks and weeds that can hinder its growth. Similarly, when we want to cultivate a humble heart, we need to remove the obstacles that can prevent us from growing in humility. These obstacles may include pride, selfishness, and an over-inflated sense of self-importance. Once we have prepared the soil, we plant the seed and water it regularly. In the same way, cultivating a humble heart requires regular nourishment and attention. We need to spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and reflecting on our actions to ensure that we are growing in humility. As the plant begins to grow, we need to ensure that it has enough sunlight and nutrients to thrive. Similarly, as we cultivate a humble heart, we need to ensure that we are surrounding ourselves with people who will encourage us and hold us accountable. We need to seek out mentors and accountability partners who can help us to grow in humility. Just as a plant needs to be pruned and cared for over time, cultivating a humble heart is a process that requires patience and persistence. We may experience setbacks and challenges along the way, but if we remain committed to the process, we can see our hearts grow in humility and Christ-likeness. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” May we all seek to cultivate a humble heart, so that we can better love and serve others as Christ has called us to do.

III. Conclusion

In conclusion, humility is a crucial virtue for Christians to cultivate in their lives. It allows us to recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, and to turn to God for strength and guidance. Humility also enables us to serve others with love and compassion, putting their needs before our own. Through the example of Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate model of humility. He willingly gave up his divine status and became a human being, living a life of humble service and ultimately sacrificing himself for the sake of others. By following his example, we can learn to cultivate a sense of humility in our own lives, seeking to serve others with love and grace. In a world that often values self-promotion and personal success, humility may seem like a countercultural choice. But as Christians, we are called to follow the way of Christ, who demonstrated that true greatness comes from serving others with humility and compassion. May we all seek to grow in humility, recognizing our own need for grace and extending that grace to others in our lives.