Embracing Humility: A New Season of Growth

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today marks the beginning of the church year, a time of new beginnings and harvest. This is a season where many will start to see the fruits of their labor and the fulfillment of God's promises. As we embark on this new season, it's essential to remember our core values, starting with being Spirit-led. We must constantly seek God's guidance in every moment, just as Jesus did. Our identity in Christ is another cornerstone, reminding us that we are sons and daughters of God, endowed with His authority.

Today, we focus on humility, a virtue often misunderstood. True humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our position before God. Moses, despite his flaws, was considered the most humble man because he continually sought God's presence and guidance. His humility allowed him to have a unique, face-to-face relationship with God. However, even Moses had moments where he faltered, such as when he struck the rock in anger instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of disobedience and arrogance cost him dearly, teaching us that true humility involves giving honor to God and trusting His ways.

Humility is also about being vulnerable and honest with ourselves and others. It's about seeing ourselves and others as God sees us, which requires a deep understanding of our identity in Christ. This perspective allows us to serve others selflessly and to care about the things that matter to God. As we strive to live humble lives, we must also be faithful with what we have, using our gifts and resources to serve God's kingdom.

In closing, I invite you to examine your hearts and identify areas where you may need to humble yourself before God. Whether it's admitting your weaknesses or recognizing your pride, take this opportunity to come forward and seek God's cleansing and elevation. Let's step into this new season with a renewed commitment to humility, allowing God to exalt us and use us for His glory.

### Key Takeaways

1. New Beginnings and Harvest: The start of the church year is a time for new beginnings and the fulfillment of God's promises. Just as farmers celebrate the harvest after much labor, we too should celebrate the spiritual harvest that comes from our struggles and efforts. This season is a reminder that while we do the work, it is God who brings the growth and fulfillment. [01:06:59]

2. Being Spirit-Led: Our first core value is to be Spirit-led, following God's guidance in every moment. Jesus Himself did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. As believers, we must constantly seek God's direction, especially when our physical circumstances tempt us to rely on our own understanding. This daily surrender to God's will is crucial for living a life that honors Him. [01:08:50]

3. True Humility: True humility is about recognizing our position before God, not about self-deprecation. Moses was considered the most humble man because he continually sought God's presence and guidance, despite his flaws. Humility involves giving honor to God and trusting His ways, even when they differ from our own plans. [01:16:11]

4. Vulnerability and Honesty: Humility requires vulnerability and honesty with ourselves and others. We must see ourselves and others as God sees us, which involves acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking God's cleansing. This perspective allows us to serve others selflessly and to care about the things that matter to God. [01:39:35]

5. Faithfulness with What We Have: True humility involves being faithful with the resources and gifts God has given us. Instead of waiting for future circumstances to improve, we should use what we have now to serve God's kingdom. This faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities and blessings from God. [01:52:01]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06:59] - New Beginnings and Harvest
[01:07:57] - Core Values Introduction
[01:08:50] - Being Spirit-Led
[01:09:40] - True Identity in Christ
[01:10:45] - The Importance of Authority
[01:11:39] - Humility and Honor
[01:12:45] - Moses' Humility
[01:14:12] - Understanding Biblical Humility
[01:16:11] - The Hebrew Word for Humility
[01:17:07] - God's Defense of Moses
[01:18:18] - Moses' Life and Struggles
[01:19:16] - Moses' Reluctance and Anger
[01:20:03] - Miriam and Aaron's Criticism
[01:21:54] - God's Unique Relationship with Moses
[01:23:12] - Boldness and Humility
[01:25:09] - Moses' Arrogance and Disobedience
[01:27:42] - Consequences of Disobedience
[01:29:17] - The Importance of Obedience
[01:31:50] - Humility is Giving Honor to God
[01:32:54] - Humility as the Mother of All Virtues
[01:34:05] - Jesus' Parable on Humility
[01:36:13] - The Danger of Arrogance
[01:37:17] - Living as Saints
[01:39:35] - Humility and Vulnerability
[01:41:35] - Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us
[01:42:49] - Humility and Authority
[01:44:10] - Caring About What God Cares About
[01:45:06] - Unity in Purpose
[01:46:30] - Thinking of Others
[01:47:58] - The Brain's Survival Instinct
[01:49:49] - The Mind of Christ
[01:50:27] - Jesus' Humility and Exaltation
[01:52:01] - Faithfulness with What We Have
[01:53:34] - Invitation to Humility
[01:55:09] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 12:1-8
2. Numbers 20:6-12
3. Luke 18:9-14

#### Observation Questions
1. In Numbers 12:1-8, what was the reason for Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses, and how did God respond to their criticism?
2. According to Numbers 20:6-12, what specific instructions did God give Moses regarding the rock, and how did Moses deviate from these instructions?
3. In Luke 18:9-14, what are the contrasting attitudes of the Pharisee and the tax collector in their prayers, and what was Jesus' conclusion about them?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God defended Moses so strongly in Numbers 12:1-8, despite Moses' own acknowledgment of his humility? [01:21:54]
2. What does Moses' action in Numbers 20:6-12 teach us about the importance of following God's specific instructions, even if we think we know better? [01:27:42]
3. How does the parable in Luke 18:9-14 illustrate the concept of true humility versus self-righteousness? [01:34:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt criticized or misunderstood like Moses in Numbers 12:1-8. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in light of God's response to Moses? [01:21:54]
2. Moses' disobedience in Numbers 20:6-12 stemmed from anger and frustration. Are there areas in your life where you might be acting out of similar emotions rather than following God's guidance? How can you address this? [01:27:42]
3. The tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 demonstrated humility by acknowledging his sinfulness. Is there an area in your life where you need to come before God with a similar attitude? What steps can you take to do this? [01:34:05]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of being Spirit-led. How can you incorporate daily practices to seek God's guidance in your decisions and actions? [01:08:50]
5. True humility involves being vulnerable and honest with ourselves and others. Is there someone in your life with whom you need to be more open about your struggles? How can you initiate that conversation? [01:39:35]
6. The sermon mentioned using our gifts and resources faithfully. What is one specific gift or resource you have that you can use more effectively to serve God's kingdom? [01:52:01]
7. Reflect on the statement, "Humility is giving honor to God and trusting His ways." How can you practice this in a current situation where you are tempted to rely on your own understanding? [01:31:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Celebrating Spiritual Harvest
Description: The start of the church year is a time for new beginnings and the fulfillment of God's promises. Just as farmers celebrate the harvest after much labor, we too should celebrate the spiritual harvest that comes from our struggles and efforts. This season is a reminder that while we do the work, it is God who brings the growth and fulfillment. Reflect on the ways God has been faithful in your life and how He has brought growth from your efforts. Remember that every new beginning is an opportunity to witness God's promises come to fruition. [01:06:59]

Leviticus 26:4-5 (ESV): "Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have seen God's promises fulfilled. How can you celebrate this spiritual harvest and give thanks to God today?

Day 2: Following God's Guidance
Description: Our first core value is to be Spirit-led, following God's guidance in every moment. Jesus Himself did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. As believers, we must constantly seek God's direction, especially when our physical circumstances tempt us to rely on our own understanding. This daily surrender to God's will is crucial for living a life that honors Him. Reflect on how you can be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily decisions and actions. [01:08:50]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: Identify a decision you need to make this week. How can you seek God's guidance and be Spirit-led in this decision?

Day 3: Embracing True Humility
Description: True humility is about recognizing our position before God, not about self-deprecation. Moses was considered the most humble man because he continually sought God's presence and guidance, despite his flaws. Humility involves giving honor to God and trusting His ways, even when they differ from our own plans. Reflect on how you can practice true humility in your life by acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His presence daily. [01:16:11]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you acted out of pride. How can you approach a similar situation with humility and honor God instead?

Day 4: Practicing Vulnerability and Honesty
Description: Humility requires vulnerability and honesty with ourselves and others. We must see ourselves and others as God sees us, which involves acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking God's cleansing. This perspective allows us to serve others selflessly and to care about the things that matter to God. Reflect on how you can be more open and honest in your relationships, allowing God's truth to transform your interactions. [01:39:35]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Identify a trusted person in your life with whom you can share a personal struggle. How can you take a step towards vulnerability and honesty with them this week?

Day 5: Being Faithful with What We Have
Description: True humility involves being faithful with the resources and gifts God has given us. Instead of waiting for future circumstances to improve, we should use what we have now to serve God's kingdom. This faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities and blessings from God. Reflect on how you can be a good steward of the gifts and resources God has entrusted to you, using them to further His kingdom. [01:52:01]

Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."

Reflection: What is one small gift or resource you have that you can use to serve others and glorify God this week? How can you be faithful in this area?

Quotes

1. "Sometimes, the best worship and the best way to praise God is to actually choose joy and choose to worship Him even when you don't feel like it, right?" [01:07:57] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We can so easily start to worry and fret and kind of do things our own way because we're surrounded by the physical, right? We're surrounded by our physical needs, our, you know, just everything that's tangible, and it's easy for us to forget that He has a plan that is so often way, way, way, way outside of just what's physically in front of us." [01:08:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There's something so much deeper when we start to understand that we are sons and daughters of God. We are royalty, right? And that leads us to the part of our identity is that we have the authority of Jesus Christ. He handed us back the keys, right?" [01:09:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I think it's one of the most powerful things that we can pick up, is if we start to understand our authority, we will truly start to live and do the things that Jesus did, and our family and our world will shift around us, truly." [01:12:45] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Humility is actually, it's not about being humble and positioning ourselves and talking about ourselves in a certain way before man. It's about our heart before God." [01:16:11] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "True humility is trusting God's ways, even when it means that we need to allow people to treat us like garbage and we just go, that's okay. I'm just going to do it God's way and let him get the honor and let him get the glory." [01:31:50] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Humility is giving honor to God. If you want to write something down, you should write that down. Humility is giving honor to God. And I believe that secondly, humility is trusting in God's ways." [01:31:50] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "True humility is seeing ourselves the way that God sees us. Cody was reading from Revelations 24. And as he's reading that, I'm going, how is it that we're allowed in that throne room with all of that holiness? How is it that there's 24 thrones that human men sit on? How is it that you and I sit on the throne with Jesus? How is that?" [01:42:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Humility is caring about the things that God cares about. That quote continues, the humble lay aside all vanity and conceit in the service of the least of God's creatures and to consider no good act as beneath one's dignity and honor." [01:44:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I believe that humility is vulnerability. I'm going to get into it a little more in a second. But I really believe that there's something on the true humility isn't just being, yes, you go before God, but we're actually then vulnerable before each other. And we're actually able to go like, yeah, I've been a mess, but look at what God's doing." [01:39:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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