Sermon Tone Analysis

Here is a wonder!

God is on high; and yet the higher a man lifts himself up, the farther he is from God; and the lower a man humbles himself, the nearer he is to God.

Of all souls, God delights most to dwell with the humble, for they do most prize and best improve his precious presence.

THOMAS BROOKS

The best of God’s children have abhorred themselves, like the spire of a steeple … the least at the highest.

THOMAS MANTON

In every way, this passage seems to be helping us to see the value and blessing of being a humble believer.

Peter gives us four results of humility that help us to see that there is great value in humility for each of us:

1. Humility Brings Submission (5)

A. To Elders

B. To One Another

I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility that they are willing in words to debase the creature, and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of.

Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit.

Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines, as well as upon works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace.

JOHN NEWTON

2. Humility Obtains God’s Grace (5)

A. God resists the proud

B. God blesses the humble

3. Humility Leads to Christian Advancement (6)

A. Follow God First

A. Follow God First

B. Do things God’s Way

C. Wait of God’s Timing

4. Humility Overcomes Anxiety (7)

A. Anxiety is not overcome humanly

A. Anxiety is not overcome humanly

B. Realize God’s Care for you

C. Cast your cares on the Lord

CONCLUSION:

“We are not worthy to unloose the latchets of Jesus' shoes, because, if we do, we begin to say to ourselves, "What great folks are we; we have been allowed to loose the latchets of the Lord's sandals."

If we do not tell somebody else about it with many an exultation, we at least tell ourselves about it, and feel that we are something after all, and ought to be held in no small repute.”

― Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Humility and How to Get It