Humble Hearts, Open Hands

Read James 4:1-10

PRAY

-We are continuing our Kingdom Values this morning. Over the last few weeks we have unpacked how we are to truly love God and His people and how to live righteous lives we the covered forgiveness last week. Today we are going to tackle humility and being a servant

Todays sermon is titled:Humble Hearts, Open Hands

1 Peter 5:6–10 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”

-Anybody in here like being the center of attention?

Or when you do something good you like to hear your praise about how good of a job you did? and the pride you have for all the hard work you put into something.

-There is nothing wrong with being complemented on doing something well, or being proud of the hard work you put in to achieve a goal.

-it becomes an issue when we obsess over it and long to hear our praise from others. It a problem when we become so full of ourselves that we gloat about all that we have done and we feel like we are great because of this and we forget who gave us our gift and abilities.

-Or when we find our value in what others think about us more than we value what God thinks about us.

-In today’s society, self-centeredness and pride seem to permeate every facet of life. With social media, individualism has been amplified, leading many to focus primarily on self-promotion and validation.

-People curate their lives online, showcasing only the highlights while obscuring the struggles and challenges that are part of the human experience.

-This relentless pursuit of recognition fosters a culture where worth is often measured by likes, followers, and accolades rather than genuine relationships and character.

-The consumer-driven nature of our world encourages a mindset of entitlement and self-interest.

-Advertisements bombard us with messages that equate happiness with material possessions, urging us to prioritize personal gain over communal well-being.

-This fosters a competitive spirit, where individuals vie for resources, status, and attention, often at the expense of others.

-In such an environment, humility can feel like a weakness, while boasting about achievements is celebrated.

Lets break down some of the barriers that can hinder us from being humble and the Scripture that counters that barrier:

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Cultural Influence: The dominant culture often promotes individualism and self-promotion. From social media to corporate environments, success is frequently measured by personal achievements and accolades. This societal pressure can make it challenging for Christians to adopt a humble mindset, as they may feel the need to compete for recognition and status.

Philippians 2:3–4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” This passage reminds us to prioritize serving others over individual success.

Pride and Ego: Pride is a natural human tendency, and it can easily infiltrate our hearts. Even well-meaning Christians may find themselves wanting to showcase their accomplishments or to feel superior to others. This internal struggle can overshadow the call to humility, making it hard to genuinely serve others without seeking personal validation.

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” This verse highlights the dangers of pride, encouraging us to remain humble and focused on God rather than our own accomplishments.

Fear of Vulnerability: Humility often requires acknowledging our weaknesses and limitations, which can feel uncomfortable. Many people fear that showing vulnerability will lead to judgment or rejection. This fear can create a barrier to humility, as individuals may prefer to project an image of strength and competence rather than embracing their authentic selves.

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” This scripture reassures us that our weaknesses can be avenues for God’s strength, allowing us to embrace vulnerability without fear.

Misunderstanding of Humility: Some may view humility as synonymous with weakness or passivity, leading to a reluctance to adopt this quality. If Christians perceive humility as diminishing their value or authority, they may resist it. Understanding that true humility is about recognizing our worth in Christ and serving others can help reshape this misconception.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” This verse affirms that humility is a strength and a blessing, countering the misconception that it equates to weakness.

Desire for Control: A desire for control and self-sufficiency can conflict with the humble posture of reliance on God. Christians may struggle to surrender their plans and desires, clinging to the illusion that they can manage their lives independently. This struggle can hinder their ability to embrace humility, as it requires letting go of the need for personal control.

James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” This encourages reliance on God rather than clinging to control, reminding us that true elevation comes from surrendering to Him.

Comparison with Others: In a world that thrives on comparison, Christians can easily fall into the trap of measuring themselves against others. This habit can breed envy, competition, and pride, making it difficult to celebrate others’ successes or to see their own value apart from comparison. Humility calls for a focus on God's grace rather than our performance relative to others.

Galatians 6:4–5 “Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.” This passage encourages us to focus on our own journey rather than comparing ourselves to others.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity:

Humility is often a gradual process that requires ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. Christians may find it challenging to cultivate humility consistently, especially in the face of life's challenges and temptations. Developing a humble heart often involves intentional practices like prayer, reflection, and accountability, which can take time and effort.

1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,” This reminds us that humility is a process supported by God’s grace, which fosters our spiritual growth over time.

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- The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self. The Greek word translated “humility” in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means “lowliness of mind,” so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance.

-Jesus said that those who are “poor in spirit” would have the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means that only those who admit to an absolute bankruptcy of spiritual worth will inherit eternal life. Therefore, humility is a prerequisite for the Christian.

-As Christians, we are called to live counter-culturally. The teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of humility and selflessness. In Philippians 2:3-4, we are reminded to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

-This radical shift in perspective challenges us to place the needs of others above our own and to celebrate their successes rather than coveting them. Our identity should not be rooted in personal accolades but in our relationship with Christ, who exemplified perfect humility.

The biblical narrative consistently highlights the dangers of pride. In Proverbs 16:18, we read, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

-This stark warning serves as a reminder that when we elevate ourselves above others, we set ourselves up for failure. In contrast, Jesus, who was without sin, humbled Himself to serve humanity, ultimately laying down His life for us. This model of servanthood challenges us to follow His example, embracing humility as a path to true greatness.

-Boasting in ourselves distracts from the glory of God. In 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul urges us to boast in the Lord, for our accomplishments and strengths are gifts from Him. By recognizing that every good thing in our lives is a result of His grace, we shift the focus from our own abilities to His faithfulness. This not only fosters a spirit of gratitude but also cultivates an attitude of worship, reminding us that our lives are to reflect His glory, not our own.

-When we come to Christ as sinners, we must come in humility. We acknowledge that we are paupers and beggars who come with nothing to offer Him but our sin and our need for salvation. We recognize our lack of merit and our complete inability to save ourselves. Then when He offers the grace and mercy of God, we accept it in humble gratitude and commit our lives to Him and to others. We “die to self” so that we can live as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

-We never forget that He has exchanged our worthlessness for His infinite worth, and our sin for His righteousness. The life we now live, we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). That is true humility.

Ultimately, embracing humility as Christians is an act of obedience and a reflection of our faith. It allows us to build authentic relationships, foster community, and share the love of Christ with the world.

-As we let go of the need for self-promotion and embrace a life of humility, we demonstrate a radical love that stands in stark contrast to the self-centered nature of our culture. In doing so, we point others to Jesus, the true source of our worth and identity.

Humility leads us to live a life of servanthood and have an open hand towards others!

To be a Servant: Open Hand Section

Mark 10:42–45 “Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

-As Christians, we are called to a radical way of living that stands in stark contrast to our world and its values and self-serving mentality prevalent today.. However, Scripture challenges us to adopt a servant’s heart, reflecting the teachings of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). This call to servanthood invites us to lay aside our own ambitions and invest in the well-being of others.

-Jesus is our model. Just as He did not come to be served, but to serve, so must we commit ourselves to serving others, considering their interests above our own (Philippians 2:3). This attitude precludes selfish ambition, conceit, and the strife that comes with self-justification and self-defense.

- Jesus was not ashamed to humble Himself as a servant (John 13:1-16), even to death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). In His humility, He was always obedient to the Father and so should the humble Christian be willing to put aside all selfishness and submit in obedience to God and His Word. True humility produces godliness, contentment, and security.

-Living as servants to God means recognizing that our lives are not our own; they are a gift entrusted to us for a greater purpose. Romans 12:1 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

-This act of surrender involves seeking His will above our own and understanding that our time, talents, and resources are meant to be used for His glory. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we find clarity in how to serve others, allowing His love to flow through us in tangible ways

Here are some reasons Why we struggle to live as servants :

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Self-Centeredness: Human nature tends to prioritize personal needs and desires. This instinct can make it challenging to focus on serving others. Christians may find themselves caught in the cycle of wanting to fulfill their own ambitions and comforts, which can overshadow the call to love and serve those around them.

Busyness and Distraction: Modern life is often filled with commitments and distractions that can lead to a lack of time and energy for service. With work, family, and personal obligations, it’s easy to overlook opportunities to serve. The fast-paced nature of life can make it hard to prioritize the needs of others and to be present in moments of service.

Luke 10:41–42 “The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”” This scripture reminds us to focus on what truly matters, encouraging us to prioritize serving others amidst our busy lives.

Fear of Rejection: Serving others can expose us to vulnerability and potential rejection. Christians may hesitate to reach out or offer help, fearing that their efforts will not be appreciated or welcomed. This fear can prevent them from stepping outside their comfort zones to serve effectively.

Romans 15:7 “Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” This encourages us to serve without fear, knowing that acceptance is rooted in Christ’s love, not in others' responses.

Lack of Confidence: Many Christians may feel inadequate or unsure about their abilities to serve. They might doubt whether they have the right skills or resources to make a difference. This lack of confidence can lead to inaction, as they may believe they cannot contribute meaningfully.

Philippians 4:13 “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse reassures Christians that they can rely on God’s strength to serve effectively, overcoming feelings of inadequacy.

Misplaced Priorities: Sometimes, Christians may unintentionally prioritize other pursuits—like career advancement, personal projects, or social status—over serving God and others. This misalignment can distract them from their core mission and lead to a focus on self rather than on the needs of the community.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” This passage encourages Christians to prioritize God’s mission and the needs of others over personal pursuits.

Unresolved Personal Issues: Personal struggles, such as grief, anxiety, or unresolved conflicts, can make it difficult to focus on serving others. When individuals are consumed by their own challenges, it can be hard to extend love and support to those around them. Healing and personal growth are essential before one can effectively serve.

2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” This verse highlights how our own healing can empower us to support others, showing that personal struggles can be transformed into sources of service.

Cultural Conditioning: In a society that often values individual achievement and competition, the call to servanthood can feel countercultural. Christians may find it difficult to resist societal pressures that promote self-advancement over selflessness. Overcoming this conditioning requires intentional effort and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” This scripture calls Christians to resist cultural pressures and embrace a mindset of servanthood, reflecting Christ's values instead.

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-Serving others is an expression of our faith, demonstrating the love of Christ in action. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, emphasizing that our love for one another will be the mark of true discipleship.

-When we actively engage in serving those around us, whether through acts of kindness, support, or advocacy, we embody Christ’s character and extend His grace to a world in need. This commitment to service fosters community and connection, breaking down barriers of isolation and division.

Furthermore, living as servants allows us to cultivate humility and empathy. As we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we begin to see the struggles and joys of those around us more clearly.

-This perspective encourages us to listen, to understand, and to respond with compassion. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us to consider others' interests above our own, which not only enriches our relationships but also transforms our hearts to mirror the love of Christ more authentically.

Ultimately, embracing our identity as servants to God and others is a powerful witness to the world. In a culture often marked by self-promotion and competition, our humility and willingness to serve can shine brightly.

-By living out our faith in action, we reflect the heart of Jesus and invite others to experience the transformative power of His love. In doing so, we contribute to the Kingdom of God, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes not from serving ourselves, but from giving ourselves in service to Him and to those He places in our lives.

QUESTIONS:

1.In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the tension between humility and pride in your life or in society?

2.What barriers do you face in being humble and having a servant’s heart?

3.Can you share a time you chose to serve despite feeling busy or distracted?