110 likes | 314 Views
Learning Humility. God Gives Grace to the Humble. Humble Leaders. Humility is often overlooked in good leaders Elders must be humble (1 Tim. 3:6; Ti. 1:7) A minister must be humble (2 Tim. 2:25) Moses was the most humble man on earth (Num. 12:3)
E N D
Learning Humility God Gives Grace to the Humble
Humble Leaders • Humility is often overlooked in good leaders • Elders must be humble (1 Tim. 3:6; Ti. 1:7) • A minister must be humble (2 Tim. 2:25) • Moses was the most humble man on earth (Num. 12:3) • Jesus is the perfect example of humility (Phil. 2:3,5)
Humility Before God • Jesus teaches this with a parable • Read together Luke 18:9-14 • Notice His intended audience v. 9 • Does the Pharisee’s prayer (v.11-12) reflect our attitude? • Do we put confidence in our works? • Rom. 4:1-4
Humility Before God • Notice the publican’s attitude (v.13) • Also, notice that he was justified (v.14a) • When approaching God, appeal to His mercy! • Do not ask God to repay your good deeds • God owes us nothing (Luke 17:10) • Notice the conclusion of this parable (v.14b)
Humility Before God • Lessons and Questions • Prayer itself should flatten us! • Do I make my righteousness well known to others? • Do I remind God of my obedience? • Do I ever question the righteousness of God? • Do I ever question the reasonableness of any of God’s commands?
God Appreciates Humility • A proud heart cannot please God • God shows mercy to any who humble themselves before Him • Even Rehoboam (2 Chron. 12:6,7,12) • Even Ahab (1 Kin. 21:29) • Even Manasseh (2 Chron. 33:12-13) • Even Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:37) • Even me!
Humility Before Man • Jesus teaches this with a parable • Read together Luke 14:7-11 • The audience again is Pharisees • Do we seek honor and recognition? • If so, we may be embarrassed • If not, we may be honored • Note again the conclusion of this parable
Humility Before Men • There is such a thing as false humility (Col. 2:18, 23) • Putting yourself down is not humility • Low self esteem is not humility • Thinking negatively of yourself is not humility • Humility is not thinking of yourself at all!
Humility Before Men • Questions • Do I look with disdain upon others? • Do I try to impress others? Do I try to make others feel inferior to me? • Would I serve others if nobody knew? • Do I get my feelings hurt easily? • Do I get jealous when others receive honor? • Am I guilty of violating Matt. 7:3-5? • Do I hold grudges?
Two Aspects of Humility • Humility before God • Giving honor to His goodness • Recognizing our need for His grace • Submission to His will • Obedience to His commands • Humility before men • Not thinking of myself • Giving preference to the needs of others
Conclusion • Our attitude toward God shapes our attitude toward our fellow man • Where is our confidence? OUR obedience or God’s mercy? • Those who believe they are shown great mercy will be merciful to others • The Pharisees in their pride showed no mercy • They condemned the guiltless (Matt. 12:7) • They shunned the sinners (Matt. 9:11)