Encourage believers to live in genuine humility, following the example of Jesus Christ, and not to boast about their humility, but to demonstrate it in their daily lives.
Good morning, everyone! We are going to tackle a challenging topic today, one that isn't always easy to swallow. It's about humility. You see, the world we live in seems to reward those who boast about their accomplishments and achievements, but the Bible tells us to live differently.
Christian author, Andrew Murray, once said, "Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you." Tough words, right? But there's truth in them. We're going to explore this idea of humility as we dive into John 13:1-20 and 1 Peter 5:6-7 today.
Let’s start with John 13:1-20:
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And then we have 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV:
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These scriptures challenge us to live in humility and not to boast about how humble we think we are. It's a difficult task, but as followers of Christ, we're called to emulate the greatest example of humility the universe has ever seen - Jesus Christ Himself.
Let's pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today, acknowledging that you are the King of the Universe, and we are your servants. Help us to understand the depth of humility that Jesus displayed on earth and empower us to live our lives in a similar manner. Help us not to boast about our humility but to live it out in our daily lives. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
So, let’s dive right into this, shall we?
Humility is a virtue that is often misunderstood and overlooked in our modern society. It's not about self-deprecation or thinking less of oneself, but rather about recognizing our rightful place in the grand scheme of things. It's about acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe, but rather, we are part of a much larger story - God's story.
Look at the life of Jesus: We can see the perfect example of humility. Despite being the Son of God, He chose to live a life of service, even to the point of washing His disciples' feet. This was a task typically reserved for the lowest of servants, yet Jesus willingly took it upon himself. He didn't do it for show or to prove a point, but out of genuine love and humility.
Jesus washing the disciples' feet: It was a task that was considered menial and degrading, yet Jesus willingly performed it. He did not consider His status as the Son of God something to be used to His advantage. Instead, He took on the very nature of a servant. This act was a tangible demonstration of His teaching in Matthew 23:12, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Humble ourselves under God's mighty hand: This is not a call to self-degradation, but rather, it is an invitation to acknowledge our dependence on God. It's about recognizing that we are not self-sufficient, but rather, we are in need of God's grace and mercy. When we humble ourselves, we are acknowledging that we are not the masters of our own fate, but rather, we are under the loving care and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
Recognizing the value and worth of others: It's about treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their status or position. It's about putting the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did. This is not always easy, especially in a world that often values self-promotion and individual achievement. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard.
Recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses: It's about being honest with ourselves and with God about our shortcomings and our need for His grace. It's about admitting when we are wrong and seeking forgiveness. This kind of humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather, it is a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit our faults and to seek help.
Cannot be achieved alone: It's not a matter of trying harder or being better. Rather, it's a matter of surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in and through us. It's about recognizing that we are not the source of our own strength or wisdom, but rather, we are dependent on God for everything.
When we say we are humble, we are, in essence, contradicting the very nature of humility ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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