Humility Matters

Main point:  Jesus set the example on humility.  It is humility that opens the door for spiritual growth.  Humility leads to serving others and serving others is greatness in God’s Kingdom.

Foundation Scripture:  Philippians 2:3-8.

Definition of Humility:

• Humility-secular definition:  a modest or low view of one’s importance, humbleness.  Sentence:  “he needs the humility to accept that their way may be better”.
• Humility defining the opposite: freedom from pride or arrogance.
• Example of humility:  People give up their own privileges in order to serve those who have less.  (this is what Jesus did).

Why does humility matter?

• Humility is the key to mature faith or spiritual growth (hand out spiritual growth forms) 
• Without humility you will not know God. 
• Humility is the first door you need to open to know God.
  • We must first admit we don’t know it all in order to make room for God in our hearts.
  • Then we must admit we can’t save ourselves and trust in Jesus as our salvation.  This takes humility.
• Pride is the opposite of humility.  
  • Pride is believing that you are better than others.  
  • Pride is believing you can figure life out on your own

Pride closes the door to spiritual growth

Humility brings a willingness to be taught.

Jesus is our best example of humility:

Philippians 2:3-8.  Do not act selfishly but rather count others as more significant than yourself.  Jesus set the example of humility by leaving heaven to and taking the form of a servant and humbling himself to serve man even to the point of death.

• As you grow spiritually you will become more and more humble and the evidence will be how you love and serve others. 
• It’s no secret in God’s word that greatness is defined by how you love and serve others. 
  • Are you fulfilled when you serve and love others 
  • Does it give you joy to serve and love others.
    • The honest answer to these two questions is No (in our carnal) and Yes (in our spirits)
      • Who is in control carnal or Spirit?

Pastor’s Thoughts:

• It takes humility to draw near to God because you must subdue your carnal sinful pride that wants to be independent from God.  (I can do this myself attitude).
• To the world humility seems boring but it is the opposite.  When you are truly dependent on God for your fulfillment in life the bible says he will exalt you.  James 4:6-10.
• Is it better to be exalted/recognized by man or by God?

Scriptures about humility:

• Jeremiah 9:23-24.  Do not boast in your own wisdom or strength or riches; if you boast, boast in the fact that your God is Love, Righteousness and justice.
• James 4:6-10.  God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.  Submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee. Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.

1 Peter 5:5. Clothe yourself with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.