Christ’s attitude

“Complete my joy, feeling the same, having the same love, unanimous, feeling the same thing. Do nothing out of strife or vainglory; rather with humility, each one estimating the others as superior to himself; not looking each one for his own, but each one also for what belongs to the others. Let there therefore be in you this mind that was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God to be something to cling to, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men; and being in the condition of a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, and death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Earth; and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more now in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is the one who produces in you both to want and to do, for his good will. Do everything without grumbling and strife, so that you may be blameless and simple, children of God without blemish in the midst of an evil and perverse generation, in the midst of which you shine as lights in the world; clinging to the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can boast that I have not run in vain, nor have I labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:2,16)

When we have a humble heart, we reflect the heart of God.

—June Hunt

“What is pride?”

The word pride has two meanings:

  • The spirit of pride that is believed superior to others (negative characteristic)
  • The spirit of pleasurable satisfaction for having an adequate value (positive characteristic)
  • In Greek, the word huperephanos means “arrogant, haughty, or superior” (huper means “over”, phainomai means “to appear”). In the New Testament, the word pride almost always has a negative connotation, as it communicates haughtiness, disdain and pride.

“For there will be men who are lovers of their own selves, greedy, vainglorious, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, ungodly.” (2 Timothy 3:2)

“What is humility?”

The word humility has two meanings:

  • A spirit of respect, deference and meekness (positive characteristic)
  • A spirit of insignificance, subordination and inferiority (negative characteristic)

In Greek, the word tapeinos means “humble in spirit or meek.” In the New Testament, humility almost always has a positive connotation, communicating lowliness (in a good way) or lowliness of mind.

“So whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

External causes of pride

Follow the concept that the world dictates about success (Psalms 52:7)

  • Achievements
  • Acceptance
  • Wealth
  • Ability

Hiding low self-esteem and trying to meet the following emotional needs without regard for God (Ezekiel 33:31,32):

  • Unconditional love
  • Sense of personal value
  • Security

Freedom from the guilt of sin through personal achievement (Romans 10:3)

  • Reject Christ’s sacrifice for sin
  • Self justification
  • Good works
  • perfectionism

Focus on yourself (2 Timothy 3:2)

  • Personal interests
  • Self-confidence
  • Pursuit of pleasure
  • Personal satisfaction
  • Self esteem
  • Respect for oneself
  • Self-punishment

“Because ignoring the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3)

Proof of true humility

  • Do you feel joy when others are honored?
  • Do you honestly and openly admit your sin?
  • Do you seek to hear the truth from others about your own weaknesses?
  • Do you welcome criticism?
  • Do you take all worry and anxiety to the Lord?
  • Do you respond with humility when you have been replaced?
  • Do you seek to do everything to please God?

Key verse to memorize

“But he gives greater grace. This is why he says: God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Key verse to read and meditate on

Luke 18:9,14

“Pride is before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Ask God for a humble heart

Consider that humility is the most divine garment for the Christian. (1 Peter 5:5)

Own God’s perspective on pride. (Proverbs 8:13)

Pray asking God to show you your hidden mistakes. (Psalms 139:23,24)

Focus your attention on the character of Christ and not on your own sin. (Hebrews 12:2)

Respond humbly to God’s leading in your life. (Proverbs 3:11,12)

  • by people in authority
  • on the advice of family and friends
  • by the discipline of God

Gratefully accept all that God allows in your life. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Develop a servant heart towards others. (Matthew 23:11)

Respond positively to rebuke and submit your life to Christ’s purpose for you. (Galatians 2:20)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and guide me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23,24)

The humility of Christ compared to human pride by…

Prestige

“Despised and rejected among men” (Isaiah 53:3)

Popularity

“If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)

Recognition

“Glory of men I do not receive.” (John 5:41)

Social position

“Because the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

Possessions

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

The power

“Not as I want, but as you.” (Matthew 26:39)

 

Video: The value of humility