Embracing Humility: Strength in Suffering and Service

Humility is a virtue that stands in stark contrast to the values of the world, both in the time of Peter and in our own. In a culture obsessed with honor, recognition, and self-importance, the call to humility can feel foreign and even counterintuitive. Yet, it is precisely in times of suffering and challenge—like those faced by the early church under persecution—that humility becomes not just a virtue, but a necessity for the people of God. When we look at the broader context of 1 Peter, we see that suffering is a recurring theme, and woven throughout are instructions on how to live faithfully in the midst of hardship. Rather than responding to adversity with fear, anger, or rebellion, the invitation is to humble ourselves—before our leaders, before one another, and before God.

Humility is often misunderstood. It is not timidity, self-hatred, or fishing for compliments. True humility is a modest view of oneself, a dependence on God, and a posture of service toward others. Moses and Jesus are held up as the ultimate examples: Moses, who led with a heart bowed before God, and Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples and gave his life for us. In the church, humility is expressed in our willingness to submit to godly leadership, to work together in unity, and to value others above ourselves. This is not about neglecting our own needs, but about trusting that as we look to the interests of others, God and the community will care for us as well.

Humility before God is foundational. It means recognizing our utter dependence on Him, casting our anxieties on Him, and repenting of our pride. The kingdom of God is entered not by self-sufficiency, but by acknowledging our need and receiving His grace. As we humble ourselves, God promises to lift us up in due time. The daily practice of “putting on” humility—like clothing—transforms us and allows the light of Christ to shine through us, especially in seasons of difficulty. When we choose humility, we find fewer dead ends and more of God’s will being accomplished in our lives and in our church. The challenge is to wake up each day and consciously clothe ourselves with humility, trusting that God’s favor rests on the humble.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Humility is not self-hatred or timidity, but a modest view of oneself rooted in dependence on God and a desire to serve others. It is easy to confuse humility with insecurity or self-deprecation, but true humility is not focused on self at all—it is a freedom from self-obsession, whether positive or negative. [35:08]
• 2. The examples of Moses and Jesus show that humility is expressed in action: Moses led by seeking God’s help rather than asserting his own authority, and Jesus, the Lord of Lords, washed the feet of his disciples. Humility is not weakness, but strength under control, choosing to serve rather than to be served. [37:00]
• 3. In the church, humility is essential for unity and effective witness. Submitting to godly leadership and working together prevents division and allows the body of Christ to function as it should. When each person values others above themselves, the church becomes a place of mutual care and blessing, reflecting the heart of Christ to the world. [41:15]
• 4. Humility before God means recognizing our need for Him and casting our anxieties on Him. It is the opposite of the toddler’s “I can do it myself” attitude. Instead, we continually bring our needs, fears, and failures to God, trusting in His care and strength rather than our own. [48:54]
• 5. The daily practice of clothing ourselves with humility is transformative. As we consciously choose humility each day, we begin to see God’s favor and guidance more clearly, and others see more of Jesus in us. This is not a one-time decision, but a continual act of surrender and trust, especially in times of suffering or uncertainty. [58:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Introduction and Personal Background
• [04:30] - The Overlook: Seeing the Big Picture in Scripture
• [08:15] - Suffering and Persecution in 1 Peter
• [13:00] - Historical Context: Nero and the Early Church
• [17:45] - Our Natural Responses to Suffering
• [21:30] - The Call to Humility
• [25:00] - What Humility Is Not
• [33:35] - True Humility Defined
• [35:53] - Biblical Examples: Moses and Jesus
• [38:03] - Crisis as Opportunity for Humility
• [39:16] - Humility Toward Leaders and Unity in the Church
• [42:22] - Clothing Ourselves with Humility Toward One Another
• [48:15] - Humility Before God and Casting Our Cares
• [56:27] - The Corn Maze: Navigating Life with Humility
• [58:08] - A Daily Challenge: Putting on Humility

Bible Reading

1 Peter 5:5-7 (ESV) — > 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.

Philippians 2:3-8 (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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Numbers 12:3 (ESV) — > Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 5:5-7, what are believers instructed to do in their relationships with elders and with one another?
2. In Philippians 2:3-8, what actions and attitudes does Paul say should characterize followers of Jesus?
3. The sermon described humility as “not focused on myself” but as “dependence on God” and “an attitude of service toward others.” What are some things humility is NOT, according to the sermon? [[33:35]]
4. How did Moses and Jesus demonstrate humility in their leadership and actions? [[35:53]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter connects humility with submitting to leadership and unity in the church, especially during times of suffering or challenge? [[39:16]]
2. The sermon says humility is “not self-hatred or timidity, but a modest view of oneself rooted in dependence on God and a desire to serve others.” How does this definition challenge common misunderstandings about humility? [[35:08]]
3. What does it mean to “clothe yourselves with humility” as a daily, conscious choice? How might this look different from just having a humble feeling? [[43:25]]
4. The sermon mentions that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Why do you think God responds this way to pride and humility? [[46:30]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon gave the example of a toddler saying, “I can do it myself,” as the opposite of humility before God. In what areas of your life do you tend to act like you don’t need God’s help? What would it look like to “cast your anxieties on Him” this week? [[48:54]]
2. Think about your interactions at church, work, or home. Are there situations where you struggle to submit to leadership or work together in unity? What is one step you could take to practice humility in those relationships? [[41:15]]
3. The sermon challenged us to “wake up each day and consciously clothe ourselves with humility.” What practical habit or reminder could you use to help you start each day with a humble mindset? [[58:08]]
4. When you hear that humility is “not about neglecting our own needs, but about trusting that as we look to the interests of others, God and the community will care for us as well,” does that change how you view serving others? Why or why not? [[44:35]]
5. The sermon described how churches can become divided when everyone “goes their own way.” Have you ever seen this happen? What role does humility play in preventing division and building unity? [[41:15]]
6. The examples of Moses and Jesus show humility in action—leading by serving, not by demanding honor. Is there a specific way you can serve someone this week, even if it goes unnoticed? [[37:00]]
7. The sermon mentioned repenting of pride as part of humility before God. Is there an area of pride in your life that you sense God is asking you to surrender? What would repentance look like for you? [[52:43]]