Humility

Humil'ity

Text: a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69: 32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."

I.A Prominent Christian Grace:

A.Romans 12:3
3. For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.

B.Romans 12:16
16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

C. Romans 15:17
17. I have therefore my glorifying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.

D.Philippians 4:11-13
11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
12. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
13. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.

II.State of Mind

A.1 Peter 3:1-4
1. In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your won husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
2. beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.
3. Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel;
4. but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

III.Christ Sets the Example:

A. Philippians 2:5-9
5. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7. but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;
8. and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
9. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;

V.Be humbled by our sins:

A. James 4:8-10
8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.
9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.

VI.Better to be of humle spirit

A.Proverbs 16:18-19
18. Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
B.Better it is to be of an humble spirit wiyh the lowlt than to divide the spoils with the proud.

VII.Must have to receive promises

A.1 Peter 5:5-6
5. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;

(It is a great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility an avenue to glory.)