Embracing Gospel Humility: Overcoming Pride and Division

Summary

### Summary

In our series on the marks of a supernaturally changed heart, we explore the trait of humility as depicted in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions rooted in pride and boasting, with members aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. Paul identifies pride as the root cause of these divisions and contrasts the traditional and modern views on self-esteem. Traditional cultures often saw high self-esteem as the root of evil, while modern Western culture attributes misbehavior to low self-esteem. However, Paul offers a radically different approach to self-regard through the gospel.

Paul uses a unique word for pride, which means to be overinflated or swollen, to describe the natural human ego. This ego is empty, painful, busy, and fragile. It is empty because it tries to build its identity around something other than God. It is painful because it constantly draws attention to itself. It is busy with comparing and boasting to fill its emptiness. Lastly, it is fragile because anything overinflated is always at risk of being deflated.

Paul's transformed sense of self is not based on what others think or even what he thinks of himself. He has moved beyond the need for self-esteem, whether high or low. Instead, his identity is rooted in the gospel, where the verdict of being loved and accepted by God comes before any performance. This gospel humility leads to a self-forgetfulness where the ego no longer draws attention to itself. Paul is out of the courtroom of public opinion and self-judgment because Jesus took the ultimate trial and condemnation on our behalf.

This new identity in Christ allows us to live freely, not needing to build a resume for self-worth. We can enjoy things for what they are and serve others without ulterior motives. The gospel offers a unique form of humility that is neither self-deprecating nor self-exalting but is characterized by a blessed self-forgetfulness.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Root of Division: Pride and Boasting
- The divisions in the Corinthian church were rooted in pride and boasting, with members aligning themselves with different leaders to gain status. Paul identifies this as the root cause of their inability to live in peace. This teaches us that pride often manifests in our relationships and can be a significant barrier to unity and harmony. [03:22]

2. The Natural Condition of the Human Ego
- Paul describes the natural human ego as empty, painful, busy, and fragile. It is empty because it tries to build its identity around something other than God, painful because it constantly draws attention to itself, busy with comparing and boasting, and fragile because it is always at risk of being deflated. This insight helps us understand the inherent instability of a self-centered life. [09:53]

3. Gospel Humility: A New Way of Self-Regard
- Paul introduces a new way of self-regard through the gospel, where one's identity is not based on what others think or even what one thinks of oneself. This gospel humility leads to a self-forgetfulness where the ego no longer draws attention to itself. This is a profound shift from both traditional and modern views on self-esteem. [24:03]

4. The Verdict Before the Performance
- In the gospel, the verdict of being loved and accepted by God comes before any performance. This is radically different from other forms of identity where performance leads to the verdict. This understanding frees us from the constant need to prove ourselves and allows us to live out of a place of security and acceptance. [35:37]

5. Living Out of the Gospel
- To live out of this gospel humility, we must continually remind ourselves of the gospel truth that the ultimate verdict is already in. This means rejecting the courtroom of public opinion and self-judgment and embracing the identity given to us in Christ. This practice leads to a life of freedom and genuine service to others. [39:12]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:28] - Context of the Corinthian Church
[03:22] - Root Cause: Pride and Boasting
[04:08] - Traditional vs. Modern Views on Self-Esteem
[05:23] - The Trouble with Self-Esteem
[07:22] - A New Approach to Self-Regard
[08:06] - The Natural Condition of the Human Ego
[09:53] - Empty, Painful, Busy, and Fragile
[12:22] - The Ego's Constant Attention
[13:33] - Comparing and Boasting
[14:11] - Pride as Competitive
[16:42] - The Fragility of the Ego
[19:48] - Paul's Transformed Sense of Self
[24:03] - Gospel Humility
[35:37] - The Verdict Before the Performance
[39:12] - Living Out of the Gospel
[39:50] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)
> "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the divisions in the Corinthian church based on, according to Paul? ([02:28])
2. How does Paul describe the natural human ego in 1 Corinthians 4:6? ([08:06])
3. What does Paul mean when he says, "I do not even judge myself"? ([22:27])
4. How does Paul’s understanding of his identity in Christ differ from traditional and modern views of self-esteem? ([24:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the root cause of division in the Corinthian church is pride and boasting? How does this apply to modern church communities? ([03:22])
2. How does Paul’s description of the human ego as "empty, painful, busy, and fragile" help us understand our own struggles with self-esteem? ([09:53])
3. What does Paul mean by saying that the "verdict" of being loved and accepted by God comes before any performance? How does this concept challenge our usual way of thinking about self-worth? ([35:37])
4. How does Paul’s approach to self-regard through the gospel lead to a life of freedom and genuine service to others? ([39:12])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when pride or boasting caused division in your relationships. How can you address and heal these divisions in light of Paul’s teachings? ([03:22])
2. In what ways do you find your ego being "busy" with comparing and boasting? How can you shift your focus to a gospel-centered identity? ([13:33])
3. How can you practice "gospel humility" in your daily life, where your identity is not based on what others think or even what you think of yourself? ([24:03])
4. Think about a situation where you felt the need to prove yourself. How can the understanding that the "verdict" is already in, change your approach to such situations? ([35:37])
5. How can you remind yourself daily that you are out of the "courtroom" of public opinion and self-judgment? What practical steps can you take to live out of the identity given to you in Christ? ([39:12])
6. Identify one area in your life where you are building a "resume" for self-worth. How can you reframe this area to serve others without ulterior motives? ([16:01])
7. How can you cultivate a sense of "blessed self-forgetfulness" in your interactions with others this week? What specific actions can you take to focus more on others and less on yourself? ([28:06])

Devotional

Day 1: The Root of Division: Pride and Boasting
The divisions in the Corinthian church were rooted in pride and boasting, with members aligning themselves with different leaders to gain status. Paul identifies this as the root cause of their inability to live in peace. This teaches us that pride often manifests in our relationships and can be a significant barrier to unity and harmony. Pride and boasting create factions and disrupt the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. When we seek to elevate ourselves or align with certain groups for status, we lose sight of the gospel's call to humility and service.

Paul's message to the Corinthians is a reminder that pride is not just a personal issue but a communal one. It affects how we relate to one another and can lead to divisions that hinder the church's mission. By recognizing pride as the root of division, we can begin to address it in our own lives and seek to foster unity within our communities. [03:22]

1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.'"

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where pride has caused division. How can you take a step towards humility and reconciliation today?

Day 2: The Natural Condition of the Human Ego
Paul describes the natural human ego as empty, painful, busy, and fragile. It is empty because it tries to build its identity around something other than God, painful because it constantly draws attention to itself, busy with comparing and boasting, and fragile because it is always at risk of being deflated. This insight helps us understand the inherent instability of a self-centered life. The human ego, when left unchecked, becomes a source of constant turmoil and dissatisfaction.

Understanding the natural condition of the human ego allows us to see why so many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy and the need for validation. The ego's emptiness drives us to seek fulfillment in things that can never truly satisfy, leading to a cycle of comparison and competition. Recognizing this can help us turn to God as the true source of our identity and worth. [09:53]

Ecclesiastes 4:4 (ESV): "Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself comparing and competing with others? How can you shift your focus to finding your identity in God instead?

Day 3: Gospel Humility: A New Way of Self-Regard
Paul introduces a new way of self-regard through the gospel, where one's identity is not based on what others think or even what one thinks of oneself. This gospel humility leads to a self-forgetfulness where the ego no longer draws attention to itself. This is a profound shift from both traditional and modern views on self-esteem. Gospel humility allows us to live with a sense of peace and freedom, no longer bound by the need for approval or validation from others.

This new way of self-regard is transformative because it frees us from the constant pressure to measure up to external standards. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that our worth is secure in Christ. This self-forgetfulness enables us to focus on loving and serving others without ulterior motives, reflecting the humility of Christ in our daily lives. [24:03]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: How can you practice self-forgetfulness in your daily interactions? What steps can you take to focus more on serving others rather than seeking validation?

Day 4: The Verdict Before the Performance
In the gospel, the verdict of being loved and accepted by God comes before any performance. This is radically different from other forms of identity where performance leads to the verdict. This understanding frees us from the constant need to prove ourselves and allows us to live out of a place of security and acceptance. Knowing that we are already accepted by God gives us the freedom to live authentically and serve others without fear of judgment.

This concept is liberating because it shifts our focus from striving to earn God's love to living in response to His love. It changes our motivation from one of fear and obligation to one of gratitude and joy. When we embrace this truth, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and purpose in our lives. [35:37]

Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel the need to prove yourself. How can you remind yourself of God's unconditional acceptance in that area today?

Day 5: Living Out of the Gospel
To live out of this gospel humility, we must continually remind ourselves of the gospel truth that the ultimate verdict is already in. This means rejecting the courtroom of public opinion and self-judgment and embracing the identity given to us in Christ. This practice leads to a life of freedom and genuine service to others. By grounding ourselves in the gospel, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of confidence and purpose.

Living out of the gospel requires intentionality and daily reminders of who we are in Christ. It involves rejecting the lies of the world that tell us we are not enough and embracing the truth of God's love and acceptance. As we do this, we can experience the joy and freedom that come from living in alignment with our true identity. [39:12]

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: What daily practices can you implement to remind yourself of your identity in Christ? How can these practices help you live more freely and serve others more genuinely?

Quotes

1. "The reason for all the references to Paul and Apollos and Cephas was because this church had originally been planted by Paul, but then later on other ministers came through, other speakers, other evangelists came through, and there were different people that had connections. There were different connections to these different prominent ministers. So one person was mentored and discipled by Paul. Another one was mentored and appointed into leadership by Apollos, another great teacher, and so forth. And instead of everybody just being very happy that they had this relationship with Paul or Apollos, these relationships are now the basis for a power play. Parties have arisen. Divisions are tearing the church up." [02:28] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The natural condition of the human ego is to be empty, obviously. If it's empty, painful, busy, and fragile. Empty, painful, busy, and fragile. First, empty. The image, first of all, gives us, obviously, that the heart, at the center of the human ego, no matter how big it is, is an emptiness. Søren Kierkegaard, in his book, Sickness Unto Death, says, it is the normal state of the human heart to try to build its identity around something besides God. Spiritual pride is the illusion that you are competent to run your own life, achieve your own sense of self-worth, and find a purpose big enough to give you meaning in life without God." [09:53] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The ego has got something incredibly wrong with it. Your self, your identity, has something unbelievably wrong with it, because it's always drawing attention to itself, every single day. How you look, how you were treated. You know, people are always saying, my feelings were hurt. How can feelings be hurt? What do feelings taste like? It's your ego that's hurt. Your feelings are fine. You're having bad, bad, bad feelings about your ego. And you see, you know, just walking around doesn't hurt my toes unless there's something already wrong with them. And yet, you can't get through the day without feeling snubbed or feeling ignored or feeling stupid or getting down on yourself, or there's something wrong with your identity. There's something wrong with your ego. There's something wrong with your sense of self, because it's always, it's never happy. It's always drawing attention to itself." [11:48] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only having more of it than the next person. You may think you're proud of being successful, or intelligent, or good-looking, but you really aren't. You're only proud of being more successful, more intelligent, and more good-looking than other people. And when you are in the presence of people who are much more successful, intelligent, and good-looking than you, you lose all pleasure in what you had. Because you really had no pleasure in it. You were proud of it. Pride is the pleasure of having more than the next person. Pride is the pleasure of being more than the next person." [14:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I care very little if I'm judged by you or by any human court. Now, the word judge is verdict. It's a word for verdict. It's a thing, by the way, you know, that Madonna's looking for. And what he does is he looks out and he says, one thing I want you to know is I don't care what you think. I don't care what you think about me. I don't care what anybody thinks about me. See, he doesn't just say, I care little if I'm judged by you or by any human body. He says, I have come to the place where my identity owes nothing to what people say. I don't care what you think. I don't care what anybody thinks. My identity, my self-regard is not tied in any way to your verdict and your evaluation of me." [20:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Paul says, I don't care what you think, but I don't care what I think. I have a very low opinion of your opinion of me, but I have a very low opinion of my opinion of me. Look carefully. Look what he says here. He says, I care very little if I'm judged by you or any human court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. He will not fall into the trap of high self-esteem. He will not. He says, just because my conscience is clear, maybe my conscience is clear. That doesn't mean I'm innocent. Hitler might have had a clear conscience. That didn't mean he was innocent." [22:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The essence of gospel humility is not thinking more of yourself or thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. It's not needing to think about yourself. It's not needing to connect things. Every conversation, I'm in this room with these people. Does that make me look good? Do I want to be here? I stop thinking about myself. The blessed rest of self-forgetfulness. ego that's not puffed up but filled up. You know how unique this is? Let me show you. Just to give you a couple of examples of this. This is not, in a way, is this high self-esteem? No. Is this low self-esteem? No. Certainly not. But it's not high self-esteem. It's, you stop the game. He just stops it. He doesn't think, he says, I don't care what you, I don't care about your opinion, but I don't care that much about my opinion. And that's the secret." [28:06] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Wouldn't you want to be the kind of person who when you go by a window or a mirror or something you don't look in, you don't admire what you see and you don't cringe either? Wouldn't you want to have some, wouldn't you want to be the kind of person who in your imaginary life you don't sit around fantasizing about hitting self-esteem home runs? Oh, if I could do that. Oh, if I could do that. Why don't you just suck yourself up? Do you ever sit around saying, boy, that was stupid, I was wrong. How could I have done something like that? Wouldn't you like to be free? Wouldn't you like, wouldn't you like to be the skater who wins the silver and yet just be as excited about those three triple jumps that the gold medal winner did? Just, you just love it just the way you love a sunrise. You just love the fact that it was done. You don't care if you did it, you're just as happy that she did it as if you did it, because you're just so happy to see it." [31:37] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "What Madonna's looking for, what we're all looking for, is an ultimate verdict that we're important and that we're valuable. And every time we think we've done it, it doesn't seem to be there. And what that means is the world, every single day, we go to trial. We're in a courtroom every day. You notice how Paul says, I don't care what you think about me or what any human court thinks. Now, that is odd. They're not a court. The people he's writing to aren't a court. Why would he say, I don't care about what you think or any human court? He's talking, I think, metaphorically. And what he's trying to say is the problem with self-esteem, high or low, the problem with the way almost everybody's normal identity works is that every single day you're in the courtroom, you're on trial, and there's prosecution and there's defense. And everything you do, you're stamping evidence for the prosecution, evidence for the defense. And some days, you feel like you're winning the trial, and some days, you feel like you're losing a trial. And Paul says, I have found the secret. The trial's over for me. I'm out of the courtroom. It's gone. It's over. Because the ultimate verdict is in." [34:16] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "In Jesus Christ, and only in the gospel of Jesus Christ, do you get the verdict before the performance. You see this? Whether you're an atheist, you say, well, I get my self-image from just being a very good person. Fine. What you mean is, if I'm a good person, if I'm a good person, if I'm a good person, eventually, I hope for some kind of verdict that I'm a good person. In other words, performance leads to the verdict. If you're a Buddhist, performance leads to the verdict. If you're a Muslim, performance leads to the verdict, which means every day you're in the courtroom, every day you're on trial. That's the problem. God says, in Christianity, the verdict leads to performance. The performance does not lead to the verdict. Christianity, when the minute I believe, God says, you are my beloved in whom I'm well pleased. The verdict is in. Now, Romans 8, chapter 1, chapter 8, verse 1, now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The verdict is in. And now I perform on the basis of the verdict. He loves me. He accepts me. Now I don't have to do things just to build my resume. I don't have to do things to make me look good. I can do things to do things. I can help people to help people. Not so I can feel better about myself. Not so I can fill up the emptiness." [35:37] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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