Overcoming False Humility And False Change Of Heart Series

As believers, we are often encouraged to cultivate humility and to seek a change of heart. However, the Bible warns us about the dangers of false humility and false change of heart. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility and false change of heart, and providing guidance on how to overcome these counterfeit spiritual experiences.

False Humility

False humility is a counterfeit spiritual experience that can masquerade as genuine humility. However, false humility is often characterized by:

1. Self-Seeking Motives: False humility is often motivated by a desire for self-advancement or recognition, rather than a genuine desire to serve others.

2. External Displays: False humility often manifests in external displays of piety or self-abasement, rather than a genuine inner transformation.

3. Lack of Authenticity: False humility is often characterized by a lack of authenticity, as individuals seek to present a false image of themselves to others.

The Bible provides several examples of false humility, including:

1. The Pharisees: The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who were known for their external displays of piety and self-righteousness. However, Jesus condemned them for their false humility, saying, "They do all their deeds to be seen by others" (Matthew 23:5).

2. The Rich Young Ruler: The rich young ruler is another example of false humility. He came to Jesus seeking eternal life, but his true motives were revealed when Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and follow Him. The young ruler's false humility was exposed as he walked away from Jesus, unwilling to surrender his wealth and status.

False Change of Heart

False change of heart is another counterfeit spiritual experience that can masquerade as genuine transformation. However, false change of heart is often characterized by:

1. Superficial Repentance: False change of heart often involves superficial repentance, where individuals may acknowledge their sin, but fail to make any meaningful changes in their behavior.

2. Lack of Fruit: False change of heart is often characterized by a lack of fruit, as individuals fail to demonstrate any meaningful changes in their behavior or character.

3. Reliance on Self-Effort: False change of heart often relies on self-effort, as individuals seek to change themselves through their own strength and willpower, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible provides several examples of false change of heart, including:

1. King Saul: King Saul is an example of false change of heart. He was initially chosen by God to be the king of Israel, but he later became proud and rebellious. Despite his outward displays of repentance, Saul's heart remained hardened, and he ultimately lost his kingdom and his life.

2. Judas Iscariot: Judas Iscariot is another example of false change of heart. He was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, but he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Despite his outward displays of remorse, Judas' heart remained hardened, and he ultimately took his own life.

Overcoming False Humility and False Change of Heart

So how can we overcome false humility and false change of heart? Here are some practical steps:

1. Seek Authenticity: Seek authenticity in your spiritual walk, recognizing that true transformation comes from the inside out.

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit: Rely on the Holy Spirit to bring about genuine transformation in your life, rather than relying on self-effort or external displays of piety.

3. Cultivate Humility: Cultivate humility by recognizing your own limitations and weaknesses, and by seeking to serve others rather than seeking to promote yourself.

4. Seek Accountability: Seek accountability from other believers, recognizing that true transformation is often accompanied by a willingness to be transparent and accountable to others.

5. Study the Bible Regularly: Study the Bible regularly, seeking to understand God's Word and apply its teachings to your life.

False humility and false change of heart are counterfeit spiritual experiences that can masquerade as genuine transformation. However, by seeking authenticity, relying on the Holy Spirit, cultivating humility, seeking accountability, and studying the Bible regularly, we can overcome these false experiences and experience genuine transformation in our lives.