Embracing Humility: The Path to Transformation
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of humility and its transformative power in our lives. Reflecting on Philippians 2:1-8, we delved into the essence of authentic humility as exemplified by Jesus Christ. The passage calls us to be like-minded, sharing the same love and spirit, and to act without selfish ambition. Jesus, though divine, chose the path of a servant, humbling himself even to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility is not just a historical event but a model for our daily lives.
We often find ourselves questioning the paths we are on, thinking, "This can't be the way." Yet, as we navigate life's challenges, we are reminded that God's ways often defy our understanding. The story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, including those of Judas, who would betray him, illustrates the depth of humility and service we are called to embody. This act was not just about physical cleanliness but a profound lesson in leadership and love.
True humility is about recognizing our gifts and their divine source, maintaining a posture of the heart that is open and receptive to God's leading. It involves a radical reliance on God, a confident humility that trusts in His promises and plans. As we approach Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, examining the soil of our hearts to ensure it is fertile ground for God's word to take root and flourish.
Key Takeaways:
1. Authentic Humility: True humility is found in recognizing the source of our gifts and talents. It is not about denying our abilities but acknowledging that they are from God. This understanding leads us to use our gifts for His glory and the service of others. [34:43]
2. Posture of the Heart: Humility is more about the attitude of our hearts than our outward actions. It requires us to let go of pride and embrace a spirit of service, even when it seems counterintuitive. This heart posture allows us to experience God's grace and blessings. [35:31]
3. Radical Reliance on God: Humility involves a confident reliance on God, trusting that He who began a good work in us will complete it. This reliance is not passive but an active engagement with God's promises, knowing that He is faithful. [37:50]
4. The Way Forward: Humility is the path to spiritual growth and maturity. By humbling ourselves before God, we open the door for Him to lift us up and guide us into His purposes. This path may not always be easy, but it is the way to true fulfillment. [39:30]
5. Preparing the Soil of Our Hearts: As we enter Holy Week, we are called to examine the soil of our hearts. Are we harboring unforgiveness or a critical spirit? By cultivating humility, we prepare ourselves to receive the supernatural seed of God's word, leading to radical transformation. [42:38]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Seeking a Revelation of Jesus
[03:57] - Introduction to "This Can't Be the Way"
[04:44] - The Call to Humility
[07:08] - Navigating Life's Directions
[08:50] - Palm Sunday and Lent
[10:23] - Authentic Humility
[13:18] - Jesus' Triumphal Entry
[14:55] - The Last Supper
[15:43] - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
[18:24] - Understanding Through Humility
[22:29] - Peter's Response to Jesus
[25:12] - Personal Story of Humility
[33:50] - True Humility and Its Expressions
[42:38] - Preparing Our Hearts for Holy Week
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transformative Power of Humility
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions does Paul encourage believers to take in Philippians 2:1-8 to embody humility? How does this relate to the mindset of Christ? [04:44]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned Jesus washing the disciples' feet, including Judas. What does this act symbolize in terms of humility and service? [15:43]
3. How does the pastor describe the concept of "authentic humility" in the sermon, and what examples are given to illustrate this? [10:23]
4. What is the significance of the pastor's personal story about the foot-washing experience, and how does it relate to the theme of humility? [31:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:1-8 challenge common perceptions of leadership and power in today's society? [05:29]
2. The pastor mentioned a "radical reliance on God" as part of humility. How does this concept differ from passive dependence, and what does it look like in practice? [37:50]
3. In what ways does the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet redefine the concept of leadership and authority? How can this be applied in modern contexts? [15:43]
4. The sermon discusses preparing the soil of our hearts. What does this metaphor mean, and how can it impact one's spiritual growth and receptivity to God's word? [42:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride or self-reliance. How can the example of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:1-8 guide you in addressing these struggles? [05:29]
2. The pastor shared a story about a foot-washing experience that was humbling. Is there a similar act of service you can perform this week to demonstrate humility and love to someone in your life? [31:00]
3. Consider the concept of "radical reliance on God." What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully, and what steps can you take to actively engage with His promises? [37:50]
4. As Holy Week approaches, examine the "soil" of your heart. Are there any areas of unforgiveness or pride that need to be addressed? How can you cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to God's word? [42:38]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of having a posture of the heart that is open to God's leading. What practical steps can you take to ensure your heart remains humble and aligned with God's will? [10:23]
6. How can you incorporate the mindset of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:1-8, into your daily interactions and decision-making processes? [04:44]
7. Identify a specific relationship or situation where you can practice humility this week. What actions will you take to prioritize others' needs above your own? [10:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Divine Source of Our Gifts
True humility begins with the acknowledgment that our gifts and talents are not self-generated but are bestowed upon us by God. This understanding shifts our perspective from self-centeredness to a God-centered view, where we see our abilities as tools for His glory and the service of others. By recognizing the divine source of our gifts, we are called to use them not for personal gain but to uplift and support those around us. This mindset fosters a community of love and service, reflecting the humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to serve humanity. [34:43]
"For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a gift or talent you possess. How can you use it today to serve someone in your community, acknowledging its divine origin?
Day 2: Embracing a Heart of Service
Humility is not merely an outward action but a posture of the heart. It requires letting go of pride and embracing a spirit of service, even when it seems counterintuitive. This heart posture allows us to experience God's grace and blessings in ways we might not expect. By adopting a humble heart, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love, which enables us to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did when He washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas. [35:31]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can serve someone today, even if it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. How can you approach this act with a humble heart?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
Radical reliance on God is a hallmark of true humility. It involves trusting that He who began a good work in us will complete it. This reliance is not passive but an active engagement with God's promises, knowing that He is faithful. By placing our confidence in God, we acknowledge our limitations and His sovereignty, allowing Him to guide us through life's uncertainties. This trust is exemplified in Jesus' life, who, despite knowing the path of suffering ahead, relied on the Father's will. [37:50]
"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: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What steps can you take today to actively rely on His promises?
Day 4: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Humility is the path to spiritual growth and maturity. By humbling ourselves before God, we open the door for Him to lift us up and guide us into His purposes. This path may not always be easy, but it is the way to true fulfillment. As we follow this path, we learn to let go of our own agendas and embrace God's plans, which often lead to greater joy and peace than we could have imagined. [39:30]
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need to humble yourself before God. How can you take a step today to align with His purposes?
Day 5: Cultivating a Heart Ready for Transformation
As we approach Holy Week, we are called to examine the soil of our hearts. Are we harboring unforgiveness or a critical spirit? By cultivating humility, we prepare ourselves to receive the supernatural seed of God's word, leading to radical transformation. This preparation involves self-examination and a willingness to let go of anything that hinders our spiritual growth, allowing God's word to take root and flourish in our lives. [42:38]
"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your heart's condition. What steps can you take today to prepare your heart for the transformative work of God's word?
Quotes
As the choir was singing that last song, I began to think about a year ago I started praying, "Lord, I want to see you rightly. I want to see you rightly." And I started reading the book of Revelation as for what it is. It says it's a revelation of Jesus Christ. I quit reading the book trying to figure out the timeline and when something's going to happen. How many know there's been all kinds of divisions in the body over when something's going to happen? And I just said, "I'm going to read it to try to get a revelation of Jesus." [00:55:52]
Paul almost to me, I feel like he's writing to us and being a little bit facetious because he says, "Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if you have any comfort from his love, if you have any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves." [04:17:52]
Jesus in John chapter 12 makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem that we have been discussing and singing and celebrating today. He makes that in, and it is the time that it is time. Jesus even says when he goes in, "It's time for the son of man to be glorified." There is a voice from heaven when you read the account in John chapter 12. And Jesus even says that there were others around that hear the voice from heaven. And Jesus says the voice is not for my benefit. It's for your benefit. [13:08:00]
Jesus knew. You can walk through a lot of difficulties and a lot of challenges in your life if you know. If you know that he's with you. If you know that he will never leave you and forsake you. If you know that this way seems difficult, but it must be the way. It must be the way. And what does Jesus begin to do in this in John chapter 13? The supper had ended. The devil, this is such interesting in scripture, the devil has entered the heart of Judas the Scariot. [14:43:80]
Jesus chooses because he knows there, he says, "Hey, there's things coming." He says in verse 7, "What I'm doing you do not understand now, but you will know later." It's so true that there's things that you can walk through in life if you walk through them with the understanding of, "I might not understand it today, but I believe I'll understand it tomorrow. I'll see the picture of it tomorrow. I'll experience whatever it is. And I can get through today because I know tomorrow." [18:09:36]
I love Peter's response because in verse 9, Peter says, "Okay, Lord, not my feet but take my hands, take my head, take all of me." There's an immediate shift. And Jesus actually said, "Peter, if you're bathing, I don't need to do your hands and your head. I need to do your feet." I love Peter's response because he's saying, "Jesus, you'll not do that." And Jesus says, "If you want to have part of this kingdom that's coming, if you want part of this miracle that's going to come." [21:19:52]
I want us to take the principle and the concept and the attitude of our heart and the place of our heart to be that, "Lord, I'm going to prepare my heart. I'm going to prepare my life. I'm going to look at the relationships around me. I'm going to look at my attitude. I'm going to look at how I've been thinking about money. I'm going to look at how I've been thinking about my family connections. I'm going to think about how I've been thinking about my job. I'm going to reflect and I'm going to take a posture of humility." [24:45:36]
I believe true humility is found in knowing the source. I know who I am, and I recognize that I did not achieve it on my own. You see, now hear me out. There are gifts that each of you have, and you do not need to be bashful of your gift. I don't want the people at Bethesda walking around going, "Oh, you know, no." You've got gifts. You've got talents. You've got singing. You've got music. You've got giving. You've got administration. You've got hospitality. You've got gifts. Use those gifts. Thank God. [34:54:76]
True humility is found in the posture of our heart. Some people I've discovered have the pride of the worm. They're so proud of what they're not. I was moving chairs one time at a church. I feel like in my mind it was like after a funeral or something, and we were in a setting where we had to do a lot of rotating of rooms, and I'm just pitching in and helping move chairs and tables. And someone that was a guest walked up to me and they said, "Oh, it's so great to see a humble pastor moving chairs." [35:16:32]
True humility is the way forward. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up." Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Proverbs 18:1 16 says, "A man's gift makes room for him." True humility is the way forward. The fifth thing, true humility is radical reliance on God. Radical reliance on God is what I will describe as confident humility. It seems like an oxymoron of words. [37:40:92]
I am confident that all things work out for my good. I am confident today that I am surrounded by his goodness. I am confident that I can run and not be weird. Come on, anybody getting confidence today? I want you to be confident but have humble confidence and humility in a foundation of that. Listen, I have a good God. I serve a God. I am confident that my sins have been removed from me as far as the east is from the west. [38:29:20]
I believe in this holy week, in this Easter, in this resurrection season, that there's many of you that God says, "I want to give you 30, 60, 100fold." But it happens in this preparation right now in your heart. This can't be the way, but oh, it's the way, Lord, with our heads bowed, our hearts being humbled before you today. Those here who don't know you have never made a decision to follow you. I pray that right now your Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit's the one that's got to do it. [45:21:00]
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