- Phil 2:1-11
- being transformed in humility
- Andrew Murray re: humility, “…the sense of entire nothingness which comes when we see how truly God is ALL and in which we make way for God to BE all…”
- v1: “if” = since
- “full accord” = one body
- we need to worship and serve together for God’s glory, not our own!
- 3 ingredients to nurture humility:
- Lower self (v3-4)
- Romans 12; conceit is setting up self-idol
- KJV, “vain glory”
- Isa 14:13; Satan was the father of self-exaltation
- “Pride is spiritual drunkenness…a proud man is a self-worshipper.”
- God hates pride (Prov 8:13)
- pride is…
- sickness of heart
- offensive to God
- direct opposition of God
- highly deceptive
- consequences of pride…
- opposition from God
- will be brought low
- followed by destruction and disgrace
- Jonathan Edwards, “…deadliest viper in our heart…”
- C.S. Lewis, “…something everyone hates to see in others but are blind to in themselves…”
- pride brings division between us and God, but also with the church
- lowering self:
- Admit you have a pride problem
- in what ways do we want to be 1st?
- in what ways do we want to be above God?
- giving up status, praise, recognition
- Study attributes of God
- seek what He has to say in His glory to recognize how lowly we are
- study doctrine of sin, especially how it creeps in and creates barriers!
- Study God’s grace
- recognize everything from God is a gift
- Admit you have a pride problem
- Romans 12; conceit is setting up self-idol
- Live for others (v3-4)
- esteem others higher than self
- what does God have to teach us about humility?
- it is before God
- submission to God’s reign and rule
- “before me”
- “low”; being low in sight of God
- direct contrast to pride; frequently juxtaposed with each other in same verse
- it is before God
- Micah 6:8; God loves humility
- God responds to humility! It attracts His gaze and ear
- honour others
- speak well of them
- serve them well
- be others-focused
- start your day ascribing glory to God
- a thankful heart is a humble heart
- Look to Jesus (v5-11)
- He was king and left His heavenly throne to come down to us and live as a servant man
- He humbled himself
- v5-8; most theological reminder
- how can you empty yourself today?
- exaltation follows humiliation
- God will reward the faithful who humbles selves and lives to exalt others
- the ones who are under the earth and bow to Jesus do it out of despair; will you bow in joy as a believer?