Embracing Humility: Trusting God for True Security
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of humility and the role it plays in our relationship with God and others. I used the example of my dog, Kiri, to illustrate how aggression often stems from a lack of confidence and a feeling of insecurity. I emphasized that, like Kiri, humans also tend to exhibit aggressive behavior when they feel insecure or threatened. I stressed the importance of placing our security and trust in God, rather than in our own abilities or accomplishments. I also highlighted the significance of understanding our value and worth as defined by God, rather than by worldly standards. I concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and spiritually, to foster humility and a stronger relationship with God.
Key takeaways:
- Aggression often stems from a lack of confidence and a feeling of insecurity. We should place our security and trust in God, not in our own abilities or accomplishments. [ [45:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qHEFLM7q8&t=2751.86s])
- Our value and worth are defined by God, not by worldly standards. We are created in God's image and are His sons, daughters, and heirs. [ [47:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qHEFLM7q8&t=2878.66s])
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and spiritually, can foster humility and a stronger relationship with God. [ [49:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qHEFLM7q8&t=2998.42s])
- We should seek after God to be humble and pray for heart change. [ [51:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qHEFLM7q8&t=3114.26s])
- We should give generously and from a heart of gratitude. Our generosity can have a significant impact on the mission of the church. [ [53:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qHEFLM7q8&t=3228.26s])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:1-11 #!!45:51!!#
2. Philippians 1 #!!53:48!!#
Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 2:1-11, what does Paul mean when he says "have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had"?
2. How does Paul describe the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:1-11?
3. In Philippians 1, what does Paul mean when he talks about living a life worthy of the gospel?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's description of Christ's humility in Philippians 2:1-11 inform our understanding of humility?
2. What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel as described in Philippians 1?
3. How does the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:1-11 relate to the call to live a life worthy of the gospel in Philippians 1?
Application Questions:
1. How can you demonstrate the humility of Christ in your interactions with others this week?
2. What is one specific way you can live a life worthy of the gospel in your current circumstances?
3. Can you think of a situation where you struggled with pride or arrogance? How could you have applied the humility of Christ in that situation?
4. How can you encourage someone in your life to live a life worthy of the gospel this week?
5. What is one specific change you need to make in your life to better reflect the humility of Christ?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility for Spiritual Growth
Humility is a key aspect of our spiritual journey. It is not about being crushed or remaining low, but about understanding our value in God's eyes and making behavioral and lifestyle changes to support this virtue. Humility ultimately leads to exaltation, as God promises to lift those who humble themselves ([01:27:30]).
Proverbs 22:4 - "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."
Reflection: Reflect on areas in your life where you struggle with pride. How can you intentionally practice humility in these areas?
Day 2: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. It is through prayer that we seek God's guidance, express our gratitude, and ask for His divine intervention. It is also through prayer that we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him ([01:31:28]).
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily life? What specific areas in your life do you need to bring before God in prayer?
Day 3: The Importance of Community
Community plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth. It is within the community that we encourage one another, share our burdens, and learn from each other. It is also in the community that we practice humility and love, as we serve one another ([29:42]).
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a stronger community in your church? What steps can you take to be more involved in your church community?
Day 4: The Call to Evangelism
As followers of Christ, we are called to share the Good News with others. This is not just the responsibility of the church leaders but of every believer. Evangelism is an act of love and humility, as we put aside our comfort to reach out to others ([01:36:10]).
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in evangelism? What fears or hesitations do you need to overcome to share the Gospel with others?
Day 5: The Joy of Worship
Worship is an expression of our love and reverence for God. It is in worship that we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness and goodness. Worship brings joy to our hearts and draws us closer to God ([07:09]).
Psalm 95:6 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."
Reflection: How can you make worship a more meaningful part of your daily life? What aspects of God's character are you most grateful for and can express in worship?
Quotes
1. "We are God's sons, daughters and heirs, Galatians 4, 7, so you were no longer a slave but a son. And if a son, then an heir through God, it means something to be an heir. This is what God says about us." - 01:12:53
2. "When our security is based on what we are able to control, then our feelings of vulnerability and anxiety are going to skyrocket every single time we lose control or feel like we're losing control. When our security is based on our own proficiency to be able to accomplish something well, then our fears going to rise whenever our skill fails us." - 01:14:50
3. "We are secure in God's love. Romans 8, 38, through 39 says, for I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - 01:17:11
4. "If we feel lousy, or we feel lousy about ourselves, we are naturally going to have a tendency to react more poorly than we otherwise would. If we get to the little sleep, we're probably going to be grumpier. If we have a poor diet, studies have shown that leads to depression, that leads to behavioral problems." - 01:19:49
5. "Because Jesus humbled himself, God exalted him. He humbled himself, God exalted him. Now this is Jesus, Jesus is God, but to a lesser degree, this is what God says is going to happen with us as well. In James 410, it says, humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you." - 01:27:30
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