May 23, 2011
Good Work Wk 4: Humility
Posted by Michael
Learn:
Philippians 2:1-14
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing.
Main Idea:
We can all agree that humility, theoretically, is a good thing to have. The problem is living this out practically. We, especially as Americans, do not like to think people are walking all over us. We are taught to look out for #1. This is good advice, as long as your #1 is Jesus. Humility is not a sign of weakness. It is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. Jesus was strong and decisive, and also the most humble man who ever lived. Jesus submitted to the Father on every occasion. God is calling us all to do something great for Him. We should have an urgency about God’s call on our lives, and yet not take ourselves so seriously. God is not anxious about His kingdom at all. He invites us to be a part of His plans, if we will just be humble enough to submit to Him.
Know What: Jesus did not give His life for us in spite of being God. He gave His life for us because He is God.
So What: Jesus is the ultimate example of a humble servant, and we should learn from how He displayed humility.
Now What: When you are faced with a choice to either submit to God’s plans or go along with your own self-serving plans, choose God’s plans.
Discuss…
1. What is the world’s definition of humility? Does our society view humility as a negative thing?
2. What is the biblical definition of humility? Who are some people in Scripture (other than Jesus, who was the ultimate example) who you think modeled humility well? Who are some people you know who are great examples of humility? (Hint: Don’t say yourself! :) )
3. How would you describe the tension between having humility and allowing people to walk all over you? Could the latter still be used as a way to bring people to Jesus? Would there ever be a situation where showing “too much” humility would be a bad thing?
4. What are some ways Jesus was a strong and decisive leader, yet still humble? How can you apply His methods to a current situation you’re facing?
5. What is one thing that you know God is calling you to do in this season of your life (it can be as simple as being obedient in a particular area)? Do you feel a sense of urgency on this calling? How can you pursue the calling with urgency, yet not be anxious about it?
6. Describe a situation where you took yourself too seriously – your appearance, success, reputation, intelligence, etc. – and learned a lesson in humility. What did this incident teach you?
Next Steps…
As you go through your week, consider each decision you make. Do you make your choices based on attempting to submit to God’s plans, or are they based on attempting to look out for yourself? Ask Jesus to help you pursue His calling on your life with a burning sense of relaxed urgency.
