Embracing Humility: The Gift of Not Knowing

 

Summary

The word for today is "humble." We are invited to embrace the reality and gift of not knowing, as opposed to the illusion of certainty. Dallas Willard notes that modern humanity often lives in a state of moral self-righteousness, distancing itself from the person and message of Jesus. This spirit of superiority is evident in various aspects of life, such as the NFL draft, where teams often act with hubris, believing they can predict the future. However, history shows that humility, the willingness to admit uncertainty, often leads to greater success.

This theme of humility is not just relevant in sports but also in other areas like the stock market and public health, where people often claim to know the reasons behind complex phenomena. C.S. Lewis describes pride as the "anti-God posture," which puts us at odds with others and with God. Instead, we are invited to follow the way of humility, exemplified by Jesus. In the ancient world, humility was not a valued virtue, but the teachings of Jesus and his death on the cross transformed this perception. His ultimate act of humility, dying on the cross, reversed humanity's understanding of humility, making it a virtue to be admired.

Today, we are called to enter into this way of humility and trust in the cross. Embracing the gift of not knowing allows us to grow more than clinging to the illusion of certainty. In our daily interactions, whether at the grocery store or in conversations with friends, we are encouraged to see others as individuals with their own stories and to resist the urge to assert our own importance. By practicing humility, we become freer and more alive, following the way of the man on the cross.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing humility involves acknowledging the gift of not knowing and resisting the illusion of certainty. This mindset allows us to grow and trust in God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. [01:27]

2. Pride is described as the "anti-God posture," which distances us from others and from God. By choosing humility, we align ourselves with the way of Jesus, who exemplified ultimate humility through his death on the cross. [04:18]

3. The ancient world did not value humility, but the teachings and actions of Jesus transformed it into a virtue. His death on the cross marked a significant shift in how humanity perceives humility. [07:22]

4. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to see others as individuals with their own stories and to resist the urge to assert our own importance. This practice of humility leads to greater freedom and aliveness. [10:08]

5. The invitation today is to follow the way of humility, trusting in the cross and embracing the gift of not knowing. This path leads to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God and others. [11:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:27] - The Gift of Not Knowing
- [02:02] - Hubris in the NFL Draft
- [03:24] - The Illusion of Certainty
- [04:18] - Pride: The Anti-God Posture
- [05:11] - Humility in the Ancient World
- [06:14] - The Shift in Perception of Humility
- [07:22] - Jesus' Death and Humility
- [08:31] - The Great Reversal
- [09:28] - Trusting the Cross
- [10:08] - Seeing Others as Individuals
- [10:46] - Resisting the Urge to Assert Importance
- [11:17] - Following the Way of Humility

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross."

2. James 4:6 (NIV) - "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

3. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the difference between the "illusion of certainty" and the "gift of not knowing"? [01:27]

2. What examples from the sermon illustrate the consequences of hubris in decision-making, such as in the NFL draft? [02:02]

3. According to the sermon, how did the ancient world view humility, and what event led to a shift in this perception? [07:22]

4. How does the sermon use the example of Jesus' death on the cross to illustrate ultimate humility? [09:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does pride act as an "anti-God posture," and how does this affect our relationships with others and with God? [04:18]

2. How does the sermon suggest that embracing humility can lead to greater success and freedom in our lives? [03:09]

3. What does the sermon imply about the role of humility in understanding and accepting the complexities of life, such as in public health or the stock market? [03:24]

4. How does the sermon connect the practice of humility with seeing others as individuals with their own stories? [10:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the need to assert your own importance. How might you approach it differently with a mindset of humility? [10:46]

2. Consider a time when you were certain about an outcome, only to be proven wrong. How can embracing the "gift of not knowing" change your approach to similar situations in the future? [09:41]

3. Identify an area in your life where pride might be distancing you from others or from God. What steps can you take to cultivate humility in that area? [04:18]

4. Think of someone in your life who you often overlook or take for granted. How can you intentionally acknowledge their story and individuality this week? [10:08]

5. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, such as at work or in your community, to foster a sense of freedom and aliveness? [10:57]

6. Reflect on the example of Jesus' humility on the cross. How can this inspire you to serve others selflessly in your own life? [09:01]

7. What practical steps can you take to resist the urge to predict or control the future, and instead trust in God's wisdom and timing? [09:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Uncertainty as a Path to Growth
Embracing humility involves acknowledging the gift of not knowing and resisting the illusion of certainty. This mindset allows us to grow and trust in God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. In a world that often values certainty and control, the willingness to admit that we do not have all the answers can be liberating. It opens us to new possibilities and deeper trust in God's plan. By letting go of the need to be certain, we allow ourselves to be led by God's wisdom, which surpasses our limited understanding. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens our faith, as we learn to rely more on God's guidance than on our own perceptions. [01:27]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are clinging to certainty? How can you practice letting go and trusting in God's wisdom today?


Day 2: Pride as a Barrier to Divine Connection
Pride is described as the "anti-God posture," which distances us from others and from God. By choosing humility, we align ourselves with the way of Jesus, who exemplified ultimate humility through his death on the cross. Pride creates a barrier between us and God, as it fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and superiority. This attitude not only isolates us from others but also hinders our spiritual growth. In contrast, humility opens the door to deeper relationships and a closer connection with God. By following Jesus' example of humility, we can break down the walls of pride and experience the fullness of God's love and grace. [04:18]

"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." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where pride may have influenced your actions. How can you choose humility in similar situations moving forward?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Humility
The ancient world did not value humility, but the teachings and actions of Jesus transformed it into a virtue. His death on the cross marked a significant shift in how humanity perceives humility. In a culture that often equated humility with weakness, Jesus' life and sacrifice demonstrated the true strength and power of humility. By willingly laying down His life, Jesus redefined what it means to be humble, showing that true greatness comes from serving others and putting their needs above our own. This radical shift challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of humility and to embrace it as a powerful force for change in our lives and the world around us. [07:22]

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the virtue of humility into your daily interactions with others? What specific actions can you take to serve those around you?


Day 4: Seeing Others Through the Lens of Humility
In our daily lives, we are encouraged to see others as individuals with their own stories and to resist the urge to assert our own importance. This practice of humility leads to greater freedom and aliveness. By recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of those around us, we can foster deeper connections and create a more compassionate and understanding community. Humility invites us to listen actively and to value the contributions of others, rather than seeking to elevate ourselves. This shift in perspective not only enriches our relationships but also allows us to experience life more fully, as we become more attuned to the beauty and diversity of God's creation. [10:08]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone you encounter regularly. How can you intentionally honor their story and perspective in your next interaction?


Day 5: Trusting in the Cross and the Gift of Not Knowing
The invitation today is to follow the way of humility, trusting in the cross and embracing the gift of not knowing. This path leads to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God and others. By surrendering our need for control and certainty, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace. The cross serves as a reminder of the ultimate act of humility and the profound impact it can have on our lives. As we trust in the cross, we are invited to let go of our fears and doubts, allowing God to guide us on a journey of faith and discovery. This journey not only deepens our relationship with God but also enriches our interactions with those around us, as we learn to live with greater openness and vulnerability. [11:17]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to trust more fully in God's plan for your life, even when the path is uncertain?

Quotes

The invitation today is to live easily in the reality of not knowing and the gift of not knowing as opposed to the illusion of certainty. Dallas Willard writes in the renovation of the heart that modern Humanity lives in a rage of moral self-righteousness and that the farther we get away from the person and message of Jesus, the more a spirit of superiority of moral distancing and condemnation marks the way that we think in the way that we act. [00:01:12]

It turns out that teams who are willing to be humble, who are willing to say well we'll give up these higher level draft choices to get more choices later on because we really don't know who's going to be great and who's not there's just too much uncertainty, the teams who are willing to Humble themselves end up doing quite a lot greater and the teams that live out of a sense of hubris, arrogance I know don't do well. [00:02:57]

C.S Lewis wrote that pride is actually the anti-god posture of life. He says that other sins unchastity anger greed drunkenness are mere flea bites in comparison to that drive that I have to say I must be God I must be in control because Pride puts me at odds with other people. I must be smarter better stronger than you than the people around me in order to feel satisfied so it's the opposite of love and it's the opposite of God. [00:04:15]

There is a book by John Dickinson he's a historian in Australia called humilitas and he takes some time in the book to point out that in the ancient world humility was not an admired virtue. Aristotle talked about the great sold man and because they lived in Greece and Rome and elsewhere in the ancient world in a shame honor culture where the job was to accrue honor to yourself status Prestige rank and to avoid shame lowliness humility perceived weakness. [00:05:06]

The modern Western fondness for humility almost certainly derives from The Peculiar impact on Europe of the judeo-christian worldview, the teaching that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble that is woven through both Old Testament and New Testament. But he notes this is not a religious conclusion. Macquarie is a public university with no division of theology or even religious studies it is a purely religious finding, I mean it is a it is a purely historical finding. [00:06:30]

And he goes on to say that this is not simply traceable primarily to the stream of judeo-christian thought not even primarily just to Jesus's teaching it's traceable primarily to one event and that is his death, his death on a cross. And we might reflect for a moment onto amazing evaluations of crucifixion. One is from the Roman writer Seneca who lived and wrote these words in virtually the identical time frame is the Apostle Paul. [00:07:17]

Jesus, who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God to be grounds for grasping to entitle him to assert his privilege for his own Comfort or status or honor but rather poured himself out, became an appearance like a human being, took on the form of a servant, humbled himself by death even death on a cross, and therefore God has exalted him and given him the name that is above every name. [00:08:36]

I don't know what's going to happen, I don't know what's best I need to be as wise as possible I need to get good counsel from friends I need to think carefully but there is a gift in not knowing because if I can hold on to Poise and trust in God and faith and joy and love as I walk through the day and trust that God knows what he is doing I will grow way more than if I had the illusion of certainty. [00:09:28]

I was at a grocery store recently and getting food and there was somebody working behind the meat counter and I realized all of a sudden I did not even look at that person as a person. I was just preoccupied with what I had to do and he could have been a machine and so to pause and think oh this is somebody's son, this is somebody's brother, somebody's husband maybe with a life and dreams and I could just talk to him for a couple of minutes and joke and enjoy. [00:10:01]

I was with a group of friends and somebody mentioned the name of somebody who is kind of known in church circles that we're all a part of and so part of me just wants to scream I know that person I'm important look at me, and Another Part Of Me can check my spirit and say no for crying out loud don't do that, just shut up and don't let everybody know how important you are and you get a little Freer and You Come A Little More Alive. [00:10:35]

Today perhaps the words I don't know which would make many NFL teams perform at a much higher level might be good ones for you and me to hang on to. Today is about the day of humility and following the way of the man on the cross, not the illusion of certainty, the gift of Magnum, let's practice it guard your heart. [00:11:01]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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