Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
The sermon's main point is to encourage the congregation to seek and apply the way of humility, righteousness, and wisdom in their lives, as guided by the teachings of the Bible.
Opening Scripture Reading – Good morning, church family! You know, I've been pondering this verse from Proverbs this week - Proverbs 16:25 - that says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Now, ain't that something to chew on? This got me thinking about three important paths in our lives: The Way of Humility, The Way of Righteousness, and The Way of Wisdom. Charles Spurgeon, a preacher from the 19th century, once said, "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom." Isn't that the truth?
The Way of Humility is a path that is often misunderstood and undervalued in our society. It is a path that requires us to lay aside our pride, our self-sufficiency, and our desire for recognition and praise. It is a path that calls us to recognize our dependence on God, to acknowledge our limitations, and to seek the good of others above our own.
Humility, in its essence, is a recognition of our place in the grand scheme of things. It is understanding that we are not the center of the universe, but rather a small part of a much larger story. We are not the authors of our own lives, but rather characters in a narrative that is being written by a much greater Author. This recognition leads us to a place of submission and surrender, where we yield our desires and plans to the will of God.
In the context of our relationship with God, humility is acknowledging that we are not God. We are finite, limited, and fallible. We do not have all the answers, and we cannot control all the outcomes. We are dependent on God for our very existence, for our sustenance, and for our salvation. This realization leads us to a place of reverence and awe, where we bow before God in worship and adoration.
In the context of our relationships with others, humility is recognizing that we are not superior to others. We are not more important, more valuable, or more deserving. We are all created in the image of God, and we all have inherent worth and dignity. This realization leads us to a place of service and sacrifice, where we seek the good of others above our own.
Humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit our limitations, to ask for help, and to put others before ourselves. It takes strength to resist the temptation to exalt ourselves, to seek recognition, and to assert our own will. It takes bravery to step out of the spotlight, to fade into the background, and to let others shine.
Humility is not a natural inclination, but rather a learned behavior. It is a choice that we make, a habit that we cultivate, and a discipline that we practice. It is not something that we achieve, but rather something that we strive for. It is a journey, not a destination.
Humility is not a burden, but rather a blessing. It frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves, to impress others, and to maintain a façade. It allows us to be authentic, to be vulnerable, and to be real. It brings us closer to God, to others, and to our true selves.
Humility is not a hindrance, but rather a help. It opens doors, it builds bridges, and it fosters unity. It diffuses tension, it resolves conflict, and it promotes peace. It attracts respect, it earns trust, and it inspires loyalty.
The Way of Righteousness is a path that requires us to live in accordance with God's moral standards ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO