A Lesson in Humility

Humility is: an attitude of lowliness and obedience

“For those who would learn God’s ways, humility is the first thing, humility is the second, humility is the third. — Augustine of Hippo

God commands humility

Verses:

Mic 6:8 “8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”

Jas 4:10 “10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

1 Peter 3:8 “8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;”

Examples:

Moses and Aaron went to Pharoah in Exodus 10:3 and said “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

Rom 12:3 “3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

Context

Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke all come to the city of Philippi at approximately 51 AD. Paul’s general practice was to find synagogues and begin his preaching to the Jews. Philippi; however, had no synagogue. Paul and his companions ask regarding the whereabouts of a Jewish place of worship. The information gained led them to a river outside of town where women met to pray (Acts 16:13). Lydia is converted after hearing the preaching of Paul and his companions at this gathering (Acts 16:14-15).

A Humble Purpose: a desire to unify (1-4)

Paul makes it clear in these verses that Christians need to be “of one mind.” WHAT!?

Spiritually, they were on the same page, and more then that they shared common interests and likings, there were no disagreements at this time because truth was being preached.

1 Cor 1:10 “10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

If you wish to be unified in all things.. you must begin by being humble

Humility is a foundation for growth in the church.

Notice the 4 Motivationals here in (2:1)

IF.. there is encouragement in Christ

A big part of the way we live our Christian life, RESTS in the encouragement we gain from the reconciliation of Christ!

Paul had just said in Phil 1:21 that “To live is CHRIST!”

Based on the FACT... that we have been so richly blessed in Christ Jesus.. you should be encouraged to serve!

Most people find encouragement by scrolling through Facebook

… Watching a youtube video, or by drinking coffee to kickstart your day

These can serve as great encouragements in a physical sense, but not in a spiritual sense!?

The consolation found in Christ leads us to a humble purpose.

IF.. there is any comfort from love

It was the love of God that brought about the salvation of mankind.. and the salvation of these Christians in Philippi!

Paul would say to the Ephesians in the second chapter:

Eph 2:1-5 “1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”

Eph 4:1 “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called”

The comfort from love leads us to a humble purpose

IF.. there is any participation in the Spirit

Or in other terms: any fellowship in the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit

Is GOD

Was present in creation.. “Let US create man in OUR image” - Gen 1:26

Present in salvation.. He is our seal Eph 1..

and notably, He guided the apostles and prophets into ALLLL truth! - John 16:13

If there be any fellowship in GOD.. or in the truth of his Word.. that leads us to a humble purpose.

IF.. there is affection and sympathy.

If you have the same tender spirit of affection that Christ demonstrated on the cross!!! .... Verse 2!

Phil 2:2 “2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Paul says “If these things be true!!!… then complete my joy!”

“I want you to be active! I want you to be fulfilling what might be lacking in your heart!”

Whats our humble purpose?

Paul says to be of one mind.. we have things in common

Paul says to be of the same LOVE.. do you share the same zeal for God than the person on the pew beside you does?

Rom 12:10 “10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;”

Paul says to be of the same Spirit!.. the Spirit of God

Paul says to be of the same, PURPOSE

Now this is important!

We all go to the grocery store to buy groceries.. but we each have a different purpose (making a cake, dinner plans, etc.)

I personally like going to the gym! But everyone goes to the gym for a different purpose (lose fat, gain muscle, stay healthy, talk for an hour, etc)

Paul says that the CHURCH.. has one purpose.

Unity, in the complexity, of God

To further this purpose of unity in the Church.. look at verses 3 & 4!

Philippians 2:3–4 (NASB95)

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

The world will tell you to:

Promote yourself

Love yourself

Be yourself

Satisfy yourself

Please yourself

Yet THESE 2 verse stand in OPPOSITION to the DEPRAVATION in our world today! God says: BE… humble! Be humble

When you get in a disagreement with someone? … Be humble

When you consider yourself more highly than others? … Pray for forgiveness

In restoring unity to the church.. its clear that our purpose is to be humble

Don’t be selfish or proud, arrogant, boastful, SELFISH.

Don’t merely look out for your own personal interests, but ALSO.. the interests of others (v. 4)

How much do you care about your brothers and sisters here?

Do you love them?

Do you know whats happening in their lives?

Do you know how they feel?

You see, we live in a culture that doesn’t care how you feel, it’s all about me. And i’m afraid that in many ways, that culture has infiltrated the Church to say: “I’m here for me.”

I hope and pray that you aren’t here for just you this morning.

For “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:5

My prayer is that we all share a humble purpose thats much bigger than ourselves… a DESIRE… to unify.

A Humble Sacrifice: a desire to die to self (5-11)

Many, assume these verses to be a poem that Paul recites. It’s theological in its nature and exalting in its content…

It describes a sacrifice that CANNOT be described!

So Paul, as he’s writing to Christians in Philippi is reminded of an example of humble service that cannot be matched..

Consider these 3 lessons we can learn from the humility of Christ.

#1 His Attitude:

Phil 2:5-6 “5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”

Prior to His entry into the human race, Christ was in the FORM of God!

YET “He did did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped!”

Jesus could have HELD ON to his form!

Jesus could have STAYED with the Father

Jesus could have DISCARDED the evil human race.

BUT… HE… DIDN’T!!

Paul says I want you to have this attitude. I want you to SEE how blessed you are in the circumstances you’re in

I don’t need to be all high and mighty!

I don’t need to interested in myself alone!

I NEED… humility. I NEED… a different attitude. I NEED… the mind of Christ.

#2 His Action:

Simply put, he emptied Himself (v. 7)

How? By taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.

His attitude led to action.

You see, most of the time we don’t take action because we don’t have the right attitude to begin with! But it’s more than just having the right attitude… we have to act on it!!

Matthew 19:16–22 (NASB95)

16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?”

17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness;

19 Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

It’s not ENOUGH to have the right attitude

I can contemplate how nice it would be to give Bobby a million dollars and think about that for weeks on end… but what GOOD is that if i don’t DO it?

I can think about loving our sister in Christ, but you know? I just don’t feeling like saying anything to her this week!

I can say in my heart, “I KNOW I need to go to church, I KNOW I need to make it right with the Lord, I KNOW I need to mend a broke relationship, I KNOW I can be more selfless and genuinely about the needs of the saints.”

But if you don’t DO anything about it!!!! Then what good are you?

Look at the example of Christ.

He emptied himself.. became a bond-servant.. left the glories of heaven to suffer on a cross for you. Talk about real action. Talk about real love.

#3 His Obedience:

Phil 2:8 “8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus. Illustrates the willingness we should display, in our obedience to God.

He “humbled” himself when He didn’t have to. He did it, not because we were lovely in His sight.. but because we were unlovely.. ungodly hostile sinners.

In Christ’s obedience to the Father, he displays a type of obedience that we should have today.. one that lasts to the point of our death!

Gal 2:20 “20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Luke 9:23 “23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

Or in other words.. we have a sacrifice to give too.

Don’t embellish in the cross if you aren’t willing to embellish in the WORK of the cross!

Which is the ministry of humble service and humble presentation of the Gospel.

This life we live is but a vapor.. that withers away like the petal of a flower.

Who am I to make it about myself?

…

Consider the Attitude.. Action.. and Obedience of Christ. For in His humble sacrifice for mankind, He not only reconciled us to God, but gave us a blueprint and desire.. to die to self.

For if we wish to rise with Christ… we must also descend with Christ… in our humble sacrifice for the brethren.

A Humble Command: a desire to obey (12-18)

Obedience is a primary responsibility of the Church.

Deut 11:1 “1 “You shall therefore love the Lord your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.”

John 15:14 “14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”

2 John 1:6 “6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”

12-13

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!”

That we are to work out our salvation doesn't mean that we in any way earn it.

We simply “meet the conditions” God set! Our salvation depends on personal choice and commitment. No one can obey for us!

… obedience is taught throughout the entire Bible… true obedience is one of the toughest requirements of the Christian life. Apart from obedience, there can be no salvation, for salvation without obedience is a self-contradictory impossibility.8

A. W. Tozer

14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing!

What do we have to be upset about!!!!!

Why do we continue to GRUMBLE.. DISPUTE.. you are children of GOD!!! … act like it.

We live in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation!

Deut 32:5 “5 “They have acted corruptly toward Him, They are not His children, because of their defect; But are a perverse and crooked generation.”

Mat 17:17 “17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.”

We are to shine as LIGHTS in the world!

Mat 5:14-16 “14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Eph 5:8 “8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light”

Phil 2:16 “16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”

I think its natural for us to ask this question. Am I doing all of this for nothing? Why be obedient? Why labor so intensely? Why must I love and serve and HUMBLE myself for the Lord?

Paul says its worth it.

You recieved mercy

You will receive an inheritance

A place is being prepared for the faithful!

But is it really worth it? It’s HARD and DIFFICULT to live this life, is it REALLY worth it?

Paul says it is.

You and I cannot BEGIN to fathom the spiritual blessings God has in store for us who remain faithful.

Hold fast to the word of life.. hold fast to the TRUTH.. and although we don’t deserve it.. God will reward us.

‌Phil 2:17 “17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

2 cor 8:9 “9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”

2 Tim 4:6 “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

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2 Cor 8:9 , 2 Tim 4:6 (17)

The responsibility was to live in accord with their salvation, letting the implications of their relationship with Christ transform their social relationships. — Richard R. Melick, The New American

To live like Christians, the Philippians were to have an attitude of obedience. The church members were to solve their problems as an act of obedience to God.Such obedience confirmed the fact that they were saved

Not only obedient.. but SOBER (fear and trembling).. conduct their lives in seriousness and in reverence unto God
Work OUT because God works IN!

2. "positive steadfastness" (14-16)

The Israelites murmured against God and Moses, and they were punished for doing so. Exodus 16:7

We have no light of our making. We are like the moon that reflects the light of the sun.

3. "participate in Paul's joy"

A Humble Example: a desire to serve (19-30)

Rom 12:1 (30)

Timothy (19-24) and Epaphroditus (25-30) serve as further examples of the mind of Christ

2 individuals that Paul felt represented that character and had especially been selfless in their service to God

Concerning Timothy.. 3 evidences of his character

1. Genuine interest in the affairs of the church at Philippi

2. Sought the things of Christ.. not himself
3. Commitment to Paul
Paul commended him why? Because of his value to ministry

after thinking about Christ’s servanthood, he remembered that he lived with a servant, Timothy, who had the same disposition — Richard R. Melick, The New American Commentary

Epaphroditus

brother, worker soldier... familial, vocational, and military terms.. each provides insight as to how Paul viewed the gospel

His sickness was severe (26, 27, 30) It almost cost Epaphroditus his life, and Paul understood that kind of service

Certain men deserve honor. (29-30) He did what others could not or would not do

Additional notes:

Philippi was predominantly a Roman city.. Greek and Latin.. acts 16:13 there was most likely no synagogue there since it took 10 male heads of the household

Church was founded on Paul's 2nd missionary journey from Antioch, Syria around 51AD

3 main events.. Conversion of Lydia.. exorcism of demons from a slave-girl.. Paul and Silas in Jail

A Lesson in Humility

Humility’s opposite is not just pride, but arrogance.

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We live in a world where arrogance is rewarded…

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But where humility is ignored

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You cannot ignore humility and still live a Godly life

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Mat 16:24 “24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

“Just the reminder of the cross is enough to drop us to our knees” — Charles Swindoll

Don’t be a jerk! degree, money

If you learn this you’ll be miles in front of many

Mark 10:43–45 (ESV)

43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)

5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

illustration:

Appetite says, “Be sensuous, enjoy yourself.”

Education says, “Be resourceful, expand yourself.”

Materialism says, “Be satisfied, please yourself.”

Psychology says, “Be confident, fulfill yourself.”

Pride says, “Be superior, promote yourself.”

Humanism says, “Be capable believe in yourself.”

God says, “Be wise, humble yourself.”

A lion was awakened from sleep by a mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught the mouse and was about to kill him, when the mouse said, “If you spare my life, I will repay your kindness someday." The lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him with strong ropes. The mouse, recognizing the lion’s roar, came, gnawed through the rope, and set him free. The mouse then exclaimed: “You did not think that I would ever be able to help you. You now see that is possible for even a lion to need the help of a mouse.”