The Attitude of Humility

The Attitude of Humility

Text: Philippians 2:5–8 (KJV 1900)

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Introduction:

Definition of Humility:

* An attitude of humility is the absence of the attitudes of Pride and Arrogance.

*A Christian who does not have an attitude of humility will attempt to better himself at the expense of others, to acquire more than others, to strive for honors others currently enjoy. These are all examples of proud and arrogant behavior.

* Humility is the opposite of arrogance.

* Arrogance is acting superior to others because we fail to recognize that all we have or are comes from God.

* The attitude of humility refuses to humiliate others!

* The attitude of humility does not insist on personal rights!

* The attitude of humility does not trample other’s rights!

* The attitude of humility will cause us to submit to those in authority over us!

* God hates pride, and a person with an arrogant attitude stinks to us humans as well!

* The attitude of humility is claiming neutrality in the competition of life.

* The goal of humility is not to humiliate yourself, but refusing challenge the honor of others.

Illustration:

“Have you ever said to yourself “Well just who do they think they are!” If you have you just got a whiff of the stink of arrogance! I remember saying this about a preacher once…

* I am afraid that as people and churches have grown in size and popularity, that they have become arrogant!

* I can remember growing up in a church that said “This is the only church in this county that God has His hand on in a mighty way. If you want to be where God is working, this is the place you need to join.”

* I saw as this little church grew in leaps and bounds by the hand of God in the beginning, then as the church and pastor began to look at themselves as better than other churches, I saw God remove his hand.

* This morning God will judge an individual or a church that becomes lifted up with pride.

* This is exactly what happened to the church at ladocia in the book of Revelation.

* Each of the church in the letters to the churches in Revelation also refer to a time in the history of the church. The church a Ladocia represents the state of the church right before Jesus comes back.

* Listen to what pride has done to the churches in the last days before Christ comes back:

Revelation 3:15–19 (KJV 1900)

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. * I want to take a few moments to look at the attitude of humility in the life of a Christian, and of a church.

I. Humility is an attribute of God Himself.

* The importance of the attitude of humility is that it springs from the fact that it is found as part of the character of God. * In Ps. 113:5–6 God is represented as being incomparably high and great, and yet he humbles himself to take note of the things which are created,

Psalm 113:3–9 (KJV 1900)

4 The Lord is high above all nations, And his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high,

6 Who humbleth himself to behold The things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, And lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8 That he may set him with princes, Even with the princes of his people. 9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, And to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

* Jesus used his last sermon on this earth to teach his disciples the attitude of humility:

* Previously the disciples had been arguing over who would be the greatest in heaven.

John 13:2–5 (KJV 1900)

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

* Jesus was referring to the custom of that day that the slave, or servant, would wash his master’s feet. John the Baptist was referring to this very same custom when he said he was not worthy to loose Jesus shoes.

Mark 1:7 (KJV 1900)

7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

II. Humility is not to be confused with weakness.

* An Attitude of humility does not imply a lack of dignity.

* The Greek philosophers despised humility because to them it implied inadequacy, lack of dignity, and worth-lessness.

* This is not the meaning of humility as defined by the Bible. Jesus is the supreme example of humility, and He is completely adequate and of infinite dignity and worth.

* Biblical humility is not a belittling of oneself, but an exalting or praising of others, especially the praise of God.

* Humble people focus more on God and others, than on themselves.

A. We tend associate humility with weakness.

* Meekness, which could be substituted for the word humility, is an attitude of humility toward God and gentleness toward people.

* The attitude of Meekness, or humility, springs from the knowledge that God is in control of our lives, not us.

* At first glance, meekness looks a lot like weakness.

* Although weakness and meekness may look similar, they are not the same. Here’s the difference:

* Weakness is due to negative circumstances, such as lack of strength or lack of courage.

* Meekness on the other hand, is due to a person’s conscious choice.

* Meekness, or an attitude of humility, is strength and courage under control.

B. Those who reviled Jesus mistook a humble attitude for weakness.

* A good example of mistaking a humble attitude for weakness can be found at the crucifixion of our Lord.

* The people who spat upon Jesus and shouted “you saved others, but you cannot save yourself” made the mistake of thinking Jesus was weak because He refused to defend himself.

Matthew 27:39–44 (KJV 1900)

39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

* Jesus displayed the ultimate courage and strength when restrained Himself from taking vengeance on those who taunted Him. Because He knew that His father was ultimately in control, and would in His time avenge him.

Psalm 58:9–10 (KJV 1900)

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Philippians 2:5–11 (KJV 1900)

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

* The people who reviled Jesus made the sad mistake of thinking Jesus was weak because he did not defend himself on the cross.

* The attitude of humility in a Christian will cause him, not to rush to defend himself, but to let God handle matters. Jesus had the power to utterly destroy those wicked people who taunted him and spit in his face, but instead he submitted Himself to God. He knew that the father was totally in control.

Romans 12:18–21 (KJV 1900)

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

C. An attitude of humility does not mean we cannot act with strength and authority.

1). Jesus displayed strength and authority when He cleansed the temple.

* He was angry with a righteous anger, he turned the money changer’s tables over and chased the out of the temple!

John 2:13–17 (KJV 1900)

13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

2). Moses displayed strength and authority when his leadership was opposed.

Numbers 12 (KJV 1900)

12 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.

3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4 And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again. 16 And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

Numbers 16:28–35 (KJV 1900)

28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me. 30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. 31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. 34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. 35 And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

III. A person with an attitude of humility will have the right view of himself.

* It is interesting to note here that we were created from dust.

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.

* How should we view our selves this morning?

A. We should think of ourselves as insufficient.

* We should see ourselves as insufficient to save ourselves.

Ephesians 2:7–10 (KJV 1900)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…

* We should see our righteousness us in-sufficient.

Isaiah 64:5–7 (KJV 1900)

5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, Those that remember thee in thy ways: Behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: In those is continuance, and we shall be saved. 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, That stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: For thou hast hid thy face from us, And hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

* We should think of ourselves as insufficient to live the Christian life.

John 15:4–6 (KJV 1900)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

B. We should think of ourselves as children. * We are to humble ourselves before God as child. A child has no reason to think he is self-sufficient.

Matthew 18:1–4 (KJV 1900)

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

C. We should think of ourselves as un-profitable servants:

Luke 17:5–10 (KJV 1900)

5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him?

I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

V. Warning against false humility.

* People who have false humility are proud of how humble they are.

Matthew 23 (KJV 1900)

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎23 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted

Luke 18:9–14 (KJV 1900)

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Colossians 2:8–23 (KJV 1900)

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

VI. Many times God uses affliction to teach us humility. * Parents can remember times when they had to allow their children to experience hardships they might easily have removed.

* Some things can’t be learned through lectures; they must come at the cost of burned fingers or skinned knees.

* Fathers and mothers are tempted to hover over a child, swooping in to save their child from hardship or pain.

* love prevents them from doing that. Wise parents love their children enough to allow them to experience pain,

* Shocking pain can teach things the wisest words of parents can’t. As much as parents suffer when their children are hurting, they would suffer more if their children were never allowed to grow into all the wisdom and maturity intended for them.

* We need to understand the fact that God is another Parent—a perfect one—who must allow suffering in His own children to facilitate their growth.

* As a loving parent, who is pacing the floor and praying intently for their child who is suffering, God watches the struggles of His children.

* It’s important to understand that God doesn’t coldly stand aside during the trials we experience.

*God knows His beloved children will come out of it wiser and more mature.

* God sends trouble into our lives to strengthen us and to make us better children in His family. David recognizes this.

Psalm 119:70–75 (KJV 1900)

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. 73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; Because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

‎‎‎‎‎‎Illustration: “A velvet thundering hand” from the song “leader of the band.” By

‎‎‎‎‎‎

‎‎‎‎‎‎An only child alone and wild A cabinet maker's son His hands were meant for different work And his heart was known to none He left his home and went his lone And solitary way And he gave to me A gift I know I never can repay A quiet man of music Denied a simpler fate He tried to be a soldier once But his music wouldn't wait He earned his love through discipline A thundering, velvet hand His gentle means of sculpting souls Took me years to understand The leader of the band is tired And his eyes are growing old But his blood runs through my instrument And his song is in my soul My life has been a poor attempt To imitate the man I'm just a living legacy To the leader of the band

Conclusion:

* Are you a sweet smelling savor to God this morning, or do you smell of lack of humility?

Outline Summary

Text:

Introduction:

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

Conclusion: