Humility and Grace: The Heart of Christian Faith

 

Summary

In this sermon, I delve into the profound teachings of Romans 11:18-22, focusing on the relationship between Jews and Gentiles within the Christian church. The Apostle Paul, in his letter, warns the Gentiles against boasting over the Jews, emphasizing that their inclusion in the faith is not due to their inherent superiority but solely by the grace of God. This passage serves as a reminder that becoming a Christian does not eliminate life's challenges; rather, it introduces a need for continuous learning, humility, and vigilance against pride.

Pride, as highlighted, is a significant danger for both non-Christians and Christians. It manifests in various forms, such as boasting about nationality, ancestry, or personal achievements. This pride can lead to despising others, which is contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, through his own experiences and teachings, underscores the importance of humility and the constant need for God's grace.

The sermon further explores the concept of justification by faith, warning against the tendency to revert to justification by works. This is a common pitfall where believers, despite understanding the doctrine intellectually, may fall back into relying on their deeds for salvation. The Apostle Paul reminds us that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, and any form of boasting indicates a misunderstanding of this fundamental principle.

Moreover, the sermon emphasizes the responsibility of individuals for their damnation due to unbelief, while salvation is solely the work of God. This antinomy, though difficult to comprehend fully, is a crucial aspect of Christian doctrine. The Apostle Paul urges believers to maintain a posture of humility, godly fear, and watchfulness, recognizing that any sense of superiority contradicts the essence of Christianity.

In conclusion, the sermon calls for a deep reflection on our spiritual state, urging us to rely wholly on God's grace and to guard against the subtle dangers of pride and self-reliance.

Key Takeaways:

- The Danger of Pride: Pride is a pervasive danger that can manifest in various forms, such as boasting about nationality or personal achievements. It is essential to recognize that pride contradicts the spirit of the Gospel and can lead to despising others, which is contrary to Christian teachings. [09:01]

- Justification by Faith: Salvation is entirely by grace through faith, and any form of boasting indicates a misunderstanding of this fundamental principle. Believers must guard against reverting to justification by works, which undermines the doctrine of grace. [21:57]

- Responsibility and Salvation: Individuals are responsible for their damnation due to unbelief, while salvation is solely the work of God. This antinomy, though challenging to comprehend, is a crucial aspect of Christian doctrine that underscores the need for humility and reliance on God's grace. [35:00]

- Continuous Need for Humility: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the constant need for humility, godly fear, and watchfulness. Any sense of superiority or boasting contradicts the essence of Christianity and highlights the need for ongoing spiritual vigilance. [41:00]

- The Role of Grace: The Christian life begins, continues, and ends by faith, with no other relationship possible between man and God except through faith. This underscores the importance of grace in every aspect of the Christian journey, reminding believers of their dependence on God's mercy. [32:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Romans 11:18-22
- [01:13] - The Relationship Between Jews and Gentiles
- [02:38] - Exposition and Teaching
- [04:12] - The Danger of Boasting
- [05:13] - The Need for Instruction and Teaching
- [08:46] - The Perils of Pride
- [13:17] - Positive and Negative Manifestations of Pride
- [20:24] - Justification by Faith vs. Works
- [25:28] - Salvation by Grace Through Faith
- [32:04] - The Role of Faith in the Christian Life
- [35:00] - Responsibility for Damnation and Salvation
- [41:00] - The Need for Humility and Godly Fear
- [46:08] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 11:18-22
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- Philippians 2:12

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Observation Questions:

1. What warning does Paul give to the Gentiles in Romans 11:18-22 regarding their attitude towards the Jews? How does this relate to the concept of boasting? [00:38]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the New Testament Epistles in the life of a Christian? [06:37]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of pride in both non-Christians and Christians? What are some examples given? [09:01]

4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between justification by faith and works? How does this relate to the concept of boasting? [21:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the danger of pride in the context of nationality and ancestry? Why is this considered contrary to the spirit of the Gospel? [13:37]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians might inadvertently revert to justification by works? How can this be identified in one's life? [22:39]

3. The sermon mentions the responsibility of individuals for their damnation due to unbelief. How does this concept challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation and grace? [35:00]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the continuous need for humility and vigilance in the Christian life? What practical steps are suggested to maintain this posture? [41:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when pride may have influenced your actions or thoughts. How can you actively work to cultivate humility in similar situations in the future? [09:01]

2. The sermon warns against reverting to justification by works. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on your deeds for validation or acceptance? How can you shift your focus back to grace? [21:57]

3. Consider the concept of responsibility for unbelief. How does this understanding impact your approach to sharing your faith with others? [35:00]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of continuous learning and instruction in the Christian life. What steps can you take to ensure you are growing in your understanding and application of biblical teachings? [06:37]

5. How can you guard against the subtle dangers of pride and self-reliance in your daily walk with God? What specific practices can help you remain vigilant? [41:00]

6. Reflect on the role of grace in your life. How can you remind yourself daily of your dependence on God's mercy and grace? [32:04]

7. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on our spiritual state. What specific areas of your spiritual life do you feel need more attention, and how can you address them? [46:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Subtlety of Pride
Pride is a pervasive danger that can manifest in various forms, such as boasting about nationality or personal achievements. It is essential to recognize that pride contradicts the spirit of the Gospel and can lead to despising others, which is contrary to Christian teachings. Pride can be insidious, creeping into our lives in ways we might not immediately recognize. It can manifest as a sense of superiority over others, whether due to our accomplishments, background, or even our spiritual maturity. This attitude is dangerous because it blinds us to our need for God's grace and can lead us to look down on others, which is contrary to the Gospel's call to love and humility. [09:01]

Romans 12:3 (ESV): "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride might be subtly influencing your thoughts or actions. How can you actively practice humility in this area today?


Day 2: The Foundation of Faith
Salvation is entirely by grace through faith, and any form of boasting indicates a misunderstanding of this fundamental principle. Believers must guard against reverting to justification by works, which undermines the doctrine of grace. The temptation to rely on our own efforts for salvation is a common pitfall. Even when we intellectually understand that salvation is by grace, we may still find ourselves trying to earn God's favor through our actions. This mindset not only undermines the doctrine of grace but also robs us of the joy and freedom that come from trusting fully in Christ's finished work. [21:57]

Galatians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"

Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you felt the need to prove your worth to God or others. How can you shift your focus back to trusting in God's grace alone?


Day 3: The Paradox of Responsibility and Grace
Individuals are responsible for their damnation due to unbelief, while salvation is solely the work of God. This antinomy, though challenging to comprehend, is a crucial aspect of Christian doctrine that underscores the need for humility and reliance on God's grace. This paradox highlights the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. While we are accountable for our unbelief, our salvation is entirely a work of God's grace. This truth should lead us to a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that we are utterly dependent on God's mercy for our salvation. [35:00]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can embrace both your responsibility to respond to God's call and your dependence on His grace. How does this balance affect your daily walk with Christ?


Day 4: The Call to Humility
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the constant need for humility, godly fear, and watchfulness. Any sense of superiority or boasting contradicts the essence of Christianity and highlights the need for ongoing spiritual vigilance. Humility is not a one-time achievement but a continual posture of the heart. It requires us to be vigilant against the subtle encroachments of pride and to maintain a healthy fear of God, recognizing our own weaknesses and the need for His strength. This ongoing vigilance is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian life. [41:00]

1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a habit of humility and watchfulness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to guard against pride?


Day 5: The Journey of Grace
The Christian life begins, continues, and ends by faith, with no other relationship possible between man and God except through faith. This underscores the importance of grace in every aspect of the Christian journey, reminding believers of their dependence on God's mercy. From the moment we first believe to our final breath, our relationship with God is sustained by grace. This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude, as we recognize that every step of our journey is marked by God's unmerited favor. It is a reminder that we are never beyond the need for His grace, no matter how mature we become in our faith. [32:04]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you intentionally remind yourself of your dependence on God's grace throughout your day? What practices can help you stay rooted in this truth?

Quotes

"An impression is sometimes given particularly in evangelism of a certain order that once you come to Christ your troubles are ended never have any more problems and that to be a Christian means you have no difficulties everything's clear to you you've got it all and you you've done certain things and well there it is you'll continue without any troubles or problems or trials in your life." [00:05:08]

"The moment we are born again and become Christian we immediately need teaching we need instruction we need warnings reproofs reprimands all the things which the apostle lists in what he says about the scriptures you remember in 2 Timothy 3:16 we need them and that's why we've got them hence you see the reason for the New Testament Epistles." [00:05:44]

"Pride is the greatest enemy of men in all his States and conditions now you notice how the Apostle puts it boast not don't boast against the branches he says to these Gentiles or he puts it in other terms in the 20th verse be not high minded what it is boasting High mindedness." [00:09:01]

"Here is the root cause of all our evils and all our troubles, Pride having a wrong conceit of ourselves this tendency to boast and to be high minded to be puffed up in our conceit of ourselves and of course the great Apostle he not only knew this as a matter of history and as the great principle that is taught right through the Bible." [00:09:47]

"Pride in various forms pride of nationality what Havoc that has wrought not only outside Christ and the church but in the church pride of nationality throughout the centuries it has led to trouble and though we've become Christian we are not immune to the pride of nationality and boasting in connection with it." [00:13:30]

"Sometimes pride of ancestry in that your forefathers may have been great or important religious people and important in the Church boasting of that resting on that feeling it gives you some place of superiority oh I could illustrate that to you at Great length many of famous Minister has fallen into their trap." [00:14:04]

"Then sometimes it takes the form of as it did mainly here with these Gentiles pride in our own inherent worth feeling of course we are Christians because we are good people and so on there something good about us pride in our own works and activities pride in our own moral Outlook." [00:14:44]

"Negatively and perhaps the most horrible aspect of pride and of boasting is the negative one I'm not excusing the positive manifestations there's nothing to be said for them but I will say this for them that bad as they are they're not as bad as the negative manifestations of this unchristian Spirit." [00:16:57]

"Man is responsible for his damnation but he is in no sense responsible for his salvation now you remember how we saw that several times in the ninth chapter and we followed the Apostle as he works out this argument it's what we call an antinomy it seems to be contradictory you can't Encompass it with your mind." [00:35:00]

"Salvation is always and entirely by grace through faith now he puts that here of course in terms of his own illustration this illustration of the tree and the branches if some of the branches be broken off and thou being a wild Olive Tree were Graft in among them they didn't graft themselves in they're being grafted in." [00:41:00]

"The Christian Life Starts by faith it continues by faith It Ends by faith it is all of Faith or put it like this if you like there is no other relationship between man and God at any time except on the basis of Faith now we saw in the fourth chapter of this great epistle." [00:32:04]

"The Apostle preaches and inculcates the constant need of humility of Godly fear and of watchfulness look at it in verses 20 and 21 well because of unbelief they were broken enough and thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear what you say is it a part of the gospel of Christ to tell people to be afraid to fear." [00:41:00]

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Transcript
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