Embracing Humility: The Gift of Not Knowing

 

Summary

The word for today is "humble," and the invitation is to embrace the reality and gift of not knowing, as opposed to the illusion of certainty. Dallas Willard, in "Renovation of the Heart," notes that modern humanity often lives in a state of moral self-righteousness, distancing itself from the person and message of Jesus. This leads to a spirit of superiority and condemnation. An article in the New York Times about the NFL draft illustrates this point, showing how teams often act with hubris, believing they can predict the future performance of players. However, history shows that humility, the willingness to admit uncertainty, often leads to greater success.

This concept extends beyond sports. In the stock market, analysts often claim to know why stocks rise or fall, yet the market remains unpredictable. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many claimed to know the right course of action, but the situation was far more complex. This is because we are not God. C.S. Lewis described pride as the anti-God posture, driving us to believe we must be in control, smarter, and better than others. This pride is the opposite of love and God.

The way of humility, exemplified by Jesus, is counter-cultural. In the ancient world, humility was not admired. Historian John Dickson notes that the modern appreciation for humility stems from the Judeo-Christian worldview, particularly the impact of Jesus's death on the cross. Jesus, being in very nature God, did not cling to his divine privileges but humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility transformed how humanity views humility.

Today, we are invited to follow Jesus's way and trust in the cross. Embracing the gift of not knowing allows us to grow more than clinging to the illusion of certainty. In everyday interactions, like acknowledging the humanity of a grocery store worker or resisting the urge to boast about our connections, we practice humility. The words "I don't know" can be powerful, leading us to a life of humility and following the way of the man on the cross.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing humility involves acknowledging the gift of not knowing, which contrasts with the illusion of certainty. This humility allows us to grow in faith, trust, and love, as we rely on God rather than our own understanding. [08:49]

2. Pride, as C.S. Lewis describes, is the anti-God posture that drives us to seek control and superiority over others. This pride distances us from love and God, while humility aligns us with Jesus's teachings. [03:29]

3. The modern appreciation for humility is rooted in the Judeo-Christian worldview, particularly the impact of Jesus's death on the cross. His ultimate act of humility transformed humanity's perspective on humility. [06:38]

4. In everyday life, practicing humility involves recognizing the humanity in others and resisting the urge to boast about our own importance. These small acts of humility align us with the way of Jesus. [09:19]

5. The words "I don't know" can be powerful, leading us to a life of humility and following the way of the man on the cross. This mindset allows us to embrace uncertainty and trust in God's plan. [10:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:35] - The Gift of Not Knowing
- [00:48] - Moral Self-Righteousness
- [01:18] - NFL Draft and Hubris
- [02:12] - Humility in Sports
- [02:51] - The Illusion of Certainty
- [03:29] - Pride as Anti-God Posture
- [04:12] - The Way of Humility
- [04:42] - Humility in Ancient Times
- [05:54] - Judeo-Christian Influence
- [06:38] - Jesus's Death and Humility
- [07:53] - Jesus's Ultimate Humility
- [08:49] - Trusting the Cross
- [09:19] - Practicing Humility Daily
- [10:18] - Embracing Uncertainty

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Humility

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."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the NFL draft illustrate the concept of hubris and humility? [01:18]
2. What does C.S. Lewis describe as the "anti-God posture," and how does it affect our relationship with others? [03:29]
3. How did the ancient world view humility, and what event changed this perspective according to the sermon? [06:38]
4. What everyday examples of practicing humility were mentioned in the sermon? [09:19]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:5-8 challenge the cultural norms of both the ancient and modern world? [08:08]
2. In what ways does pride create a barrier between individuals and God, as discussed in the sermon? [03:29]
3. How does the concept of "not knowing" relate to faith and trust in God, as mentioned in the sermon? [08:49]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and success, both in personal life and broader contexts like sports or business? [02:12]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the need to assert your knowledge or control. How might embracing the "gift of not knowing" have changed your approach? [08:49]
2. Identify an area in your life where pride might be distancing you from others or from God. What steps can you take to practice humility in that area? [03:29]
3. Think of a person you encounter regularly, like a grocery store worker. How can you acknowledge their humanity and practice humility in your interactions with them? [09:19]
4. Consider a decision or situation where you feel uncertain. How can you trust in God's plan and embrace humility in this context? [10:18]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt the urge to boast about your connections or achievements. How can you resist this urge and align more closely with the way of Jesus? [09:55]
6. How can you incorporate the mindset of Jesus, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, into your daily life and relationships?
7. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate humility and resist the illusion of certainty in your personal and professional life? [02:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Gift of Uncertainty
Embracing humility involves acknowledging the gift of not knowing, which contrasts with the illusion of certainty. This humility allows us to grow in faith, trust, and love, as we rely on God rather than our own understanding. In a world that often values certainty and control, the act of admitting "I don't know" can be a profound step towards spiritual growth. By letting go of the need to have all the answers, we open ourselves to the wisdom and guidance of God, who sees the bigger picture. This mindset encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. [08:49]

"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 feel the need to have all the answers? How can you practice embracing uncertainty and trusting in God's plan today?


Day 2: Pride as the Anti-God Posture
Pride, as C.S. Lewis describes, is the anti-God posture that drives us to seek control and superiority over others. This pride distances us from love and God, while humility aligns us with Jesus's teachings. Pride can manifest in various ways, such as the need to always be right or the desire to be seen as better than others. This attitude not only separates us from God but also from genuine relationships with others. By recognizing and addressing our pride, we can begin to cultivate a spirit of humility that draws us closer to God and aligns us with His love. [03:29]

"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 influenced your actions or thoughts. How can you choose humility in similar situations moving forward?


Day 3: The Cross and the Transformation of Humility
The modern appreciation for humility is rooted in the Judeo-Christian worldview, particularly the impact of Jesus's death on the cross. His ultimate act of humility transformed humanity's perspective on humility. In the ancient world, humility was not a valued trait, but Jesus's willingness to humble Himself, even to the point of death, redefined what it means to be truly humble. This act of selflessness and love challenges us to reconsider our own understanding of humility and to strive to embody this virtue in our daily lives. [06:38]

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8, ESV)

Reflection: How does Jesus's example of humility on the cross challenge your current understanding of humility? What steps can you take to embody this kind of humility in your life?


Day 4: Practicing Humility in Daily Interactions
In everyday life, practicing humility involves recognizing the humanity in others and resisting the urge to boast about our own importance. These small acts of humility align us with the way of Jesus. Whether it's acknowledging the efforts of a grocery store worker or choosing not to boast about our achievements, these moments of humility can have a profound impact on our relationships and spiritual growth. By valuing others and their contributions, we reflect the love and humility of Christ in our interactions. [09:19]

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." (Proverbs 27:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have practiced humility but didn't. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to reflect Christ's humility?


Day 5: The Power of "I Don't Know"
The words "I don't know" can be powerful, leading us to a life of humility and following the way of the man on the cross. This mindset allows us to embrace uncertainty and trust in God's plan. By admitting our limitations, we open ourselves to learning and growing in our faith. This humble posture invites God's wisdom and guidance into our lives, helping us navigate the complexities of life with grace and trust. [10:18]

"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: When was the last time you admitted "I don't know" in a situation? How did it feel, and how can you continue to embrace this humility in your spiritual journey?

Quotes


The word for today is "humble," and the invitation today is to live easily in the reality of not knowing, in the gift of not knowing, as opposed to the illusion of certainty. Dallas Willard writes in "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 and the way that we act. [00:25:00]

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. [02:14:00]

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. [03:33:00]

And this is the way of Jesus, and it was a very counter-cultural way from the beginning. There's 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-souled 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. [04:19:00]

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 historical finding. [05:48:00]

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 on two amazing evaluations of crucifixion. One is from the Roman writer Seneca, who lived and wrote these words in virtually the identical time frame as the apostle Paul. [06:37:00]

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. [07:54:00]

There is a great reversal, a complete turnaround, in the way that humanity would come to regard humility, and that is traceable primarily to the person Jesus and especially his death on the cross. So now the invitation today is for us to enter into his way and to trust the cross. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know what's best. I need to be as wise as possible. [08:49:00]

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. So today the word is humble. [08:54:00]

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. [09:19:00]

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, say, "No, for crying, 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 life. [09:59:00]

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. Today is about the day of humility and following the way of the man on the cross, not the illusion of certainty, but the gift of not knowing. Let's practice. [10:18:00]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 05, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?