Embracing Humility: Strength in Community and Faith

Today’s gathering was a beautiful tapestry of community, celebration, and deep reflection on what it means to live humbly in a world that prizes pride and self-sufficiency. We began by welcoming new faces and old friends, celebrating the dedication of two young children, and rejoicing in the public declaration of faith through baptism. These moments remind us that faith is not a solitary journey but one woven together by the prayers, hopes, and support of a loving community.

As we moved into the teaching, we explored the final chapter of 1 Peter, focusing on the radical call to humility. In a culture—both then and now—that exalts power, position, and pride, Peter’s words are a direct challenge. He calls leaders not to lord their authority over others, but to serve, and he calls all believers to “dress themselves in humility.” This is not a passive humility, but an active, intentional choice to put on the servant’s apron, just as Jesus did when he washed his disciples’ feet. Humility, in this sense, is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less, and making space for God and others at the center of our lives.

We examined how pride isolates us, leading to exceptionalism and ultimately to vulnerability. Like a lion seeking to devour the isolated prey, the enemy uses pride to separate us from God and from one another. Hardship and suffering can tempt us to withdraw, to power up, or to hide our struggles, but Peter urges us to do the opposite: to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, to cast our anxieties on Him, and to stay connected to the body of Christ. God’s grace often comes through His people, and when we isolate ourselves, we cut ourselves off from the very means God uses to restore, support, and strengthen us.

The call is clear: in seasons of strength and weakness, in blessing and in hardship, we are to rely on God, entrust ourselves to His care, and lean into community. Pride isolates and destroys, but humility anchors and restores. The safest place, especially when the lion roars, is on our knees before God, surrounded by the family of faith, trusting that the God of all grace will set us on solid ground.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Humility is a deliberate posture of dependence on God, not a denial of our gifts or strengths. It is recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, and responding with gratitude rather than self-promotion. This posture frees us from the exhausting need to prove ourselves and allows us to rest in our true identity as beloved children of God. [76:39]
• 2. Pride is the root of isolation and vulnerability. When we believe we are the exception—too strong to fall, too unique to need help—we separate ourselves from the community and from God’s grace. This exceptionalism is precisely what the enemy exploits, making us easy prey when we are alone in our struggles. [78:00]
• 3. The church is called to be a countercultural community where power is used to serve, not to dominate. Leaders are to model humility, and every member is to “tie on the servant’s apron,” seeking the good of others above self. This mutual submission and service is what makes the church holy, distinct, and a true reflection of Christ to the world. [73:25]
• 4. Hardship and suffering are not just personal trials but communal tests. They can fracture relationships and tempt us to power up or withdraw, but God’s design is that we lean in—casting our cares on Him and allowing others to carry our burdens with us. In doing so, we thwart the enemy’s schemes and experience God’s restoring grace. [85:30]
• 5. The safest place in spiritual battle is humble dependence on God and deep connection with His people. When the “lion roars”—whether through fear, temptation, or suffering—the answer is not to isolate, but to draw near to God and to one another. Humility anchors us in God’s care, and community surrounds us with the support we need to stand firm in faith. [93:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [44:15] - Opening Greetings & Announcements
• [45:15] - Trunk or Treat & Pie Party Details
• [46:29] - Baptism and Child Dedication Introduction
• [47:16] - The Meaning of Child Dedication
• [48:13] - Arren & Theo: Names, Hopes, and Blessings
• [51:56] - Anointing and Prayer of Dedication
• [54:32] - Community Commitment and Blessing
• [56:26] - Baptism Invitation
• [63:03] - Pride and Humility: Setting the Stage
• [64:30] - Reading 1 Peter 5
• [67:53] - Recap of 1 Peter: Identity, Holiness, Relationships, Hardship
• [71:33] - Humility in a Culture of Power
• [75:34] - Defining Pride and Humility
• [78:52] - The Roaring Lion: Pride, Isolation, and Spiritual Danger
• [83:31] - Three Responses: Humble, Cast, Connect
• [85:30] - Hardship, Fracture, and the Call to Unity
• [89:03] - Leaning In: Humility as the Anchor
• [93:36] - Closing Challenge and Worship
• [102:06] - Prayer, Next Steps, and Dismissal

Bible Reading

1 Peter 5:1-11 (ESV) —
> So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 5, what specific instructions does Peter give to church leaders and to the rest of the church?
2. What does Peter say is the reason for “dressing yourselves in humility” toward one another?
3. How does Peter describe the enemy, and what warning does he give about the devil’s tactics?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the “servant’s apron” and how does it connect to Jesus’ actions with his disciples? [[01:13:25]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon described humility as “not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.” How does this definition challenge common ideas about humility, and what does it look like in real life? [[01:16:39]]
2. The pastor said that pride leads to isolation and makes us vulnerable, like a lion hunting isolated prey. Why do you think pride causes people to pull away from community and from God? [[01:18:00]]
3. Peter tells believers to “cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” What does it mean to actually do this, especially during times of hardship or suffering? [[01:23:31]]
4. The sermon mentioned that hardship can fracture relationships and tempt us to “power up” or withdraw. How does humility help us respond differently when we face difficulties in our lives or in the church? [[01:25:30]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Pride is the root of isolation and vulnerability.” Can you think of a time when pride made you pull away from others or try to handle things on your own? What was the result? [[01:18:00]]
2. “Humility is a deliberate posture of dependence on God, not a denial of our gifts or strengths.” Are there areas in your life where you struggle to depend on God, either because you feel strong or because you feel weak? What would it look like to trust God more in those areas? [[01:16:39]]
3. The pastor described the church as a place where “power is used to serve, not to dominate.” In your relationships (at church, at home, at work), are there ways you could “tie on the servant’s apron” and serve others this week? Be specific. [[01:13:25]]
4. When you face hardship or suffering, do you tend to withdraw, “power up,” or lean into community? What would it look like for you to “cast your cares on God” and let others help carry your burdens? [[01:25:30]]
5. The sermon said, “The safest place, especially when the lion roars, is on our knees before God, surrounded by the family of faith.” What practical steps can you take to stay connected to God and to your church family when you feel under attack or overwhelmed? [[01:33:56]]
6. Is there something in your life right now that is causing you to distance yourself from God or from others? What would it look like to bring that into the light and ask for help? [[01:34:41]]
7. The pastor challenged the church to be a “countercultural community.” What is one way you can help make your small group or church a place where humility, service, and support are the norm? [[01:13:25]]