Humility Series

HUMILITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV):

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

Supporting Texts: Matthew 23:12, James 4:10, Proverbs 22:4, Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 5:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

Humility is often misunderstood in today’s world, where success, power, and self-promotion are highly valued. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that humility is a critical virtue, essential for true greatness in the kingdom of God. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. It is an attitude of the heart that is reflected in how we treat others and how we approach God.

Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of humility, showed us that true greatness comes from serving others and putting the interests of others before our own. He, being fully God, humbled Himself and took on human form, living a life of sacrifice and obedience to God. Humility, therefore, is not weakness but strength that is expressed through selflessness and the willingness to serve others.

1. HUMILITY IS THE OPPOSITE OF PRIDE

Pride is one of the greatest obstacles to humility. It makes us think more highly of ourselves than we ought, and it hinders our relationship with God and others.

a) Pride Elevates Us Above Others.

Pride causes us to elevate ourselves above others, often leading to arrogance and a lack of empathy (James 4:6).

b) Pride Disrupts Relationships.

Pride creates barriers between people because it fosters a competitive and judgmental spirit (Proverbs 16:18).

c) Pride Leads to Destruction.

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God.

d) Humility Allows Us to Serve Others.

True humility sees others as more important and seeks to serve them, rather than seeking to be served (Philippians 2:3).

Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to his downfall when he failed to humble himself before God. God humbled him by making him live like an animal until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37).

2. JESUS IS THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of humility. Despite being the Son of God, He humbled Himself to serve others, even to the point of death on the cross.

a) Jesus Embraced Servanthood.

Although He was King, Jesus took the role of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet and teaching them to do the same (John 13:12-17).

b) Jesus Rejected Earthly Glory.

Jesus did not seek glory or recognition from men. He rejected the temptation to rule in worldly power (Matthew 4:8-10).

c) Jesus Died for the Sake of Others.

Christ’s ultimate act of humility was His sacrificial death on the cross for the salvation of humanity (Philippians 2:8).

d) Jesus Called Us to Follow His Example.

Jesus calls us to live with humility, to serve others, and to think of others before ourselves (Luke 22:26-27).

Biblical Example: Jesus washing the disciples' feet is the clearest example of His humility. Despite being their Master, He chose to perform the lowest task, showing His disciples that humility is the way to greatness in God's kingdom (John 13:1-17).

3. HUMILITY BRINGS GOD’S FAVOUR

God honors those who humble themselves before Him. Humility opens the door for God’s blessings, favour, and exaltation.

a) God Lifts the Humble.

James 4:10 promises, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” God rewards humility with His favour and promotion.

b) Humility Draws Us Closer to God.

When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge our dependence on God, which draws us closer to Him (Matthew 23:12).

c) Humility is Key to True Greatness.

In God’s kingdom, true greatness is defined by humility, not by wealth or status (Luke 14:11).

d) God Resists the Proud.

On the contrary, God opposes the proud and resists those who walk in arrogance (James 4:6).

Biblical Example: Jesus said that those who humble themselves like children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-4). The humble are exalted, while the proud are brought low.

4. HUMILITY ENABLES US TO LOVE AND FORGIVE OTHERS

Humility is essential for cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness in our relationships with others.

a) Humility Makes Us Gentle.

A humble heart is gentle and kind, able to show love and patience even when wronged (Ephesians 4:2).