Study on Humility for Sunday July 27

The Discipline of Humility

Discipline in Focus

Thomas Brooks, an old Puritan pastor, once said that "The most holy men are always the most humble men." Isaiah 66:2 says, "This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." Humility is something that causes God to look our direction. God is drawn to humility. C.J Mahaney says, "The person who is humble is the one who draws God's attention, and in this sense, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace -- His unmerited kindness." God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

What is Humility? Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness. Humility is rooted in God's holiness and our sinfulness. Our pursuit of seeing ourselves honestly in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness should be motivated by the fact that humility holds out the promise that God gives grace to the humble.

In order for us to understand humility it would help us to look at pride. Pride is one of the Christians greatest enemies. Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him. When we are being prideful we are fighting against God longing to be King; we are glorifying ourselves. God hates pride because it attempts to rob him of the glory he deserves. God opposes those who are proud (James 4:6). God is actively against those who are proud.

Humility is serving others for the glory of God.
Pride is serving ourselves for our own glory.

C.J. Mahaney says that in order to learn true humility we need more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death. Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." By Jesus' great sacrifice he has made it possible for us to achieve and experience true greatness in God's eyes. Our serving others exists only to draw attention to the source of our love and service -- our crucified and risen Lord.

Jesus's death and resurrection has opened a way for sinners to have peace with God, and be transformed to live lives of humility. The one thing that will transform us and make us into the humble people that God wants us to be is not a meeting, church service, discipleship group, or mission trip. Those things are awesome and can help, but what really transforms us is a person: Jesus Christ. When we seek to know him humility will follow.

Scripture on Humility
James 4:6, Isaiah 66:2, Proverbs 8:13, 16:5, Mark 9:35 1 Peter 5:6-7, Phil. 2.


Practical Things You Can Do - It is important to be purposeful about fighting pride and learning humility.

1. Reflect and Meditate on Jesus Christ and the Cross - This is extremely important. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, but when we come to the cross and think about what Jesus did for us and why we shrink back to our true size. Carl Henry once asked, "How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross?"
2. Begin your day acknowledging your need for God - Try and intentionally let your first thought of the day be "God, I need you for everything today." Don't wait for pride to ambush you. Go on the offensive and attack sin by confessing your total dependence on God. Martyn-Lloyd Jones once said, "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself." Speak the truth to yourself at the beginning of each day.
3. Begin your day expressing gratitude to God - An ungrateful person is a proud person.
4. Practice the Spiritual Disciplines - Bible Study, Prayer, Meditating, and Fasting. Practice these consistently.
5. Seize the Bus Ride - In other words, use the trip to school or work as time to memorize and meditate on Scripture. Don't allow your mind to wander. Focus it on Jesus.
6. Laugh often. Especially at yourself.
7. At the end of the day thank God for all the grace given to you and your family. Give all the glory and praise to God. He is great.

Respond
1. Do you understand your need for God? What are you trying to accomplish with your life? Are you aware of your need for God's grace to give your efforts lasting value?
2. What does God think about pride? What does he think about humility? (Read James 4:6)
3. Have you seen any good examples of humility lately? What happened?
4. Where would you be today if Christ had not died for you? How would your life be different?
5. Would you describe yourself as being humble? Why or Why not?
6. How was Jesus humble? (see Philippians 2).
7. If I crossed your path this afternoon would I find someone who is thankful for what they have been given or would I find someone who always complains?
8. If a first grader asked you what humility was what would you tell them? What would you tell them about pride?
9. How does pride show itself in your relationships? Is it hard for you to admit when your wrong?
10. On a scale from 1-10, how much do you really think you need God?
11. What are some things you can do this week to cultivate humility in your life?