Embracing Humility: The Path to Divine Power
Summary
In our journey of faith, humility is not just a virtue but a necessity. It is essential for us to approach God with a humble heart, ready to receive His wisdom and power. This humility allows us to sit at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging our limitations and His infinite wisdom. When we are humble, we open ourselves to the divine power that God wishes to impart to us. This power is not for our glory but for His, and it requires a singleness of purpose and a focus on His glory alone. We must avoid any ulterior motives, such as seeking personal gain or recognition, which can hinder our effectiveness as His servants.
Moreover, we must maintain a deep reverence for God's Word. It is not for us to critique or manipulate but to tremble before it, allowing it to guide and transform us. Our faith should be rooted in the truths that we cannot fully comprehend, for it is in these mysteries that we find a rock higher than ourselves. While we engage with the world and its knowledge, we must ensure that all is subordinate to the Word of God.
Our preparation for ministry should be marked by seriousness and dedication. We must not trivialize the task of sermon preparation, for it is a sacred duty that requires our utmost effort and devotion. The power of our message is not in our eloquence but in our alignment with God's truth and our dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must be in constant communion with God, allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us.
Finally, our lives must reflect the holiness and purity that God requires. We cannot expect His blessing if we live in contradiction to His commands. Our longing should be for His glory and the salvation of souls, always striving for greater effectiveness in our ministry. As we remain faithful to His calling, we can trust that He will use us for His purposes and grant us the strength to fulfill our responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility and Singleness of Purpose: True humility allows us to receive God's wisdom and power. We must focus solely on His glory, avoiding any personal motives that could hinder our effectiveness as His servants. [34:07]
- Reverence for God's Word: We must approach Scripture with reverence, allowing it to guide us rather than critiquing it. Our faith should be rooted in the mysteries of God, which are higher than our understanding. [36:52]
- Seriousness in Preparation: Preparing for ministry is a sacred duty that requires dedication and seriousness. Our message's power lies in our alignment with God's truth and our dependence on the Holy Spirit. [42:28]
- Holiness and Purity: Our lives must reflect the holiness God requires. We cannot expect His blessing if we live in contradiction to His commands. Our longing should be for His glory and the salvation of souls. [13:22]
- Faithfulness and Responsibility: We must remain faithful to God's calling, striving for greater effectiveness in our ministry. Our responsibilities are great, and we must trust that God will use us for His purposes. [34:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:07] - Humility and Singleness of Purpose
- [34:48] - Avoiding Ulterior Motives
- [35:30] - The Danger of Self-Display
- [36:10] - Subordination to God
- [36:52] - Reverence for Scripture
- [38:12] - The Comfort of God's Truth
- [39:38] - Subordination of Knowledge
- [41:01] - Seriousness of Heart
- [42:28] - Importance of Preparation
- [43:52] - Freshness of the Message
- [44:38] - Sympathy with God
- [46:12] - God's Sovereignty
- [49:51] - Power in Delivering the Message
- [52:00] - Spiritual Strength and Zeal
- [57:54] - Faith in God's Word
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
2. Isaiah 66:2 - "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."
3. 1 Peter 1:16 - "For it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between humility and receiving God's power? [34:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the proper attitude towards God's Word? [36:52]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the seriousness required in preparing for ministry? [42:28]
4. How does the sermon define the holiness and purity that God requires from us? [13:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that humility impacts our ability to serve God effectively? [34:07]
2. In what ways does the sermon imply that reverence for God's Word can transform our lives? [36:52]
3. What does the sermon indicate about the role of the Holy Spirit in our ministry preparation and delivery? [42:28]
4. How does the sermon connect personal holiness with God's blessing and effectiveness in ministry? [13:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when humility allowed you to receive wisdom or strength from God. How can you cultivate more humility in your daily walk with Him? [34:07]
2. How do you currently approach reading and studying the Bible? What changes can you make to ensure you are approaching it with the reverence described in the sermon? [36:52]
3. Consider your current responsibilities or ministries. How can you increase your seriousness and dedication in preparing for these roles? [42:28]
4. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are not living in holiness? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with God's commands? [13:22]
5. Think about your motives in serving God. Are there any personal gains or recognitions you are seeking? How can you refocus your intentions to align with God's glory? [34:48]
6. How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in the mysteries of God, even when you don't fully understand them? [38:12]
7. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate faithfulness to God's calling in your life this week. What practical steps will you take to fulfill this responsibility? [34:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility as a Gateway to Divine Wisdom
In our journey of faith, humility is not merely a virtue but a necessity. It is essential for us to approach God with a humble heart, ready to receive His wisdom and power. This humility allows us to sit at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging our limitations and His infinite wisdom. When we are humble, we open ourselves to the divine power that God wishes to impart to us. This power is not for our glory but for His, and it requires a singleness of purpose and a focus on His glory alone. We must avoid any ulterior motives, such as seeking personal gain or recognition, which can hinder our effectiveness as His servants. [34:07]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Consider a recent situation where pride may have clouded your judgment. How can you approach similar situations with humility, seeking God's wisdom instead of your own?
Day 2: Reverence for the Transformative Power of Scripture
We must maintain a deep reverence for God's Word. It is not for us to critique or manipulate but to tremble before it, allowing it to guide and transform us. Our faith should be rooted in the truths that we cannot fully comprehend, for it is in these mysteries that we find a rock higher than ourselves. While we engage with the world and its knowledge, we must ensure that all is subordinate to the Word of God. [36:52]
Isaiah 66:2 (ESV): "All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
Reflection: Reflect on how you approach reading the Bible. Do you allow it to challenge and change you, or do you find yourself resisting its teachings? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for Scripture in your daily life?
Day 3: The Sacred Duty of Ministry Preparation
Our preparation for ministry should be marked by seriousness and dedication. We must not trivialize the task of sermon preparation, for it is a sacred duty that requires our utmost effort and devotion. The power of our message is not in our eloquence but in our alignment with God's truth and our dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must be in constant communion with God, allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us. [42:28]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Think about a task or responsibility you have in your life. How can you approach it with the seriousness and dedication that reflects your commitment to God’s calling?
Day 4: Living a Life of Holiness and Purity
Our lives must reflect the holiness and purity that God requires. We cannot expect His blessing if we live in contradiction to His commands. Our longing should be for His glory and the salvation of souls, always striving for greater effectiveness in our ministry. As we remain faithful to His calling, we can trust that He will use us for His purposes and grant us the strength to fulfill our responsibilities. [13:22]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: Identify one area of your life that may not align with God’s call to holiness. What steps can you take today to bring this area into alignment with His will?
Day 5: Faithfulness to God’s Calling
We must remain faithful to God's calling, striving for greater effectiveness in our ministry. Our responsibilities are great, and we must trust that God will use us for His purposes. As we remain faithful, we can trust that He will grant us the strength to fulfill our responsibilities. Our longing should be for His glory and the salvation of souls. [34:53]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: Reflect on your current commitments and responsibilities. How can you ensure that you are being faithful to God’s calling in these areas, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with His purposes?
Quotes
School Brethren may the Lord give us great humility of mind it ought not to be an extraordinary thing for us to accept what God says it ought not to take much humility for such poor creatures as we are to sit at the feet of Jesus we ought to look upon it as an elevation of mind for our spirit to lie prostrate before Infinite Wisdom assuredly this is needful to the reception of power from God. [00:33:30]
Moreover, we must maintain a deep reverence for God's Word. It is not for us to critique or manipulate but to tremble before it, allowing it to guide and transform us. Our faith should be rooted in the truths that we cannot fully comprehend, for it is in these mysteries that we find a rock higher than ourselves. [00:36:52]
Brethren avoid anything like trifling over sermon making someone says well I take very little time over my sermon make no boast of that it may be your sin listen if a man had been put Apprentice to cabinet making and had worked at it for a lifetime it may be that he would have a great deal of skill and a store of prepared material so that he could turn out a choice piece of workmanship in a short time. [00:42:28]
I have mentioned Simplicity of character singleness of eye and subordination of mind and next to these I notice also that if God will speak to us there must be a deep seriousness of heart let me remind you again of that text which I mentioned a minute ago to this man will I look even to him that trembleth at my word. [00:41:01]
Brethren if we live in sympathy with God we Delight to hear him say I am God and there is none else I can hardly tell you how high a value I set upon this enthusiasm for God we must be in harmony with all his designs of Love towards men whilst in secret we receive his message to become apparently warm in the Pulpit is not of much account unless we are much more intense when alone with God. [00:44:38]
I am more and more persuaded that if we mean to have God with us we must keep to the truth it is an almost invariable rule that when men go aside from the old Faith they are seldom successful in Soul winning I could appeal to all observers whether it is not so whether men powerful in other ways do not become Barren and unfruitful as to the Salvation of others when they become doubters rather than believers. [00:57:54]
Finally, our lives must reflect the holiness and purity that God requires. We cannot expect His blessing if we live in contradiction to His commands. Our longing should be for His glory and the salvation of souls, always striving for greater effectiveness in our ministry. As we remain faithful to His calling, we can trust that He will use us for His purposes and grant us the strength to fulfill our responsibilities. [00:13:22]
I believe that infidelity will be your power you may well make a little slit in your conscience said one to a Puritan for other people make great rents in theirs but The Godly Man thought not so and I would remind you of that solemn word I the Lord thy God am a jealous God this jealousy burns like coals of fire and it is cruel is the grave for God is so sternly jealous of those he loves much that he will not bear bear in them that which he will endure in others. [01:38:24]
Brethren I resolve God helping me to be among those that shall walk with our Lord in white for they are worthy these are they it is said who have not defiled themselves entered into no contracts and confederacies that would have stained their consciences and polluted their hearts these are they who have walked apart for his dear sake obeying his word come out from among them and be ye separate sayeth the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you. [01:37:20]
I have noticed too that if God's power comes to a man with a message he not only has childlikeness of mind but he has also singleness of eye such a man trying to hear what God the Lord shall speak is all ear he honestly and eagerly desires to know what God's mind is and he applies all his faculties to the reception of the Divine communication as he drinks in the sacred message with a complete surrender of Soul he is resolved to give it out with the entire concentration of his mental and spiritual powers and with a single eye to the glory of God. [00:34:07]
Brethren do you know what it is to be in tender sympathy with God perhaps no man among us knows what perfect sympathy with God means yet we must at least be in such Accord with God as to feel that he could not do or say anything which we would question we could not doubt any truth which he could reveal neither in our heart of hearts would we quarrel with anything which his will could appoint if anything in US is not not in perfect agreement with the Lord we regard it as evil and Gran to be set free from it. [00:46:12]
Brethren in addition to cooperation in service we need that our friends should be looking out for Souls whenever a stranger comes into the chapel somebody should speak to him whenever a person is a little impressed an Earnest brother should follow up the stroke whenever a heart is troubled some genial voice should whisper words of comfort if these things were so our ministry would be quadrupled in effort and the result would be fourfold may all our chapels be cooperative stores for Zeal and earnestness wherein not one man only but every man is at work for Christ. [01:30:27]
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