Introduction

hum·ble (h¾m“b…l) adj. hum·bler, hum·blest. 1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful. 2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology. 3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.

In Luke 18:10-14, we find this familiar story, {10} "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. {11} "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. {12} 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' {13} "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' {14} "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

I like the New American Standard Version because it includes a word that is found in the original language, but omitted in most versions: Luke 18:13 NASB "But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'

This morning, we ask the question, “Are you an humble person?” How important is humility, and why?

Body

I. Jesus is our ultimate example of humility.

(Phil 2:8 NKJV) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

A. Jesus is the One Who told us of the importance of humility.

(Mat 23:12 NKJV) "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

B. Jesus said we need the humility of a little child. .

(Mat 18:4 NKJV) "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

II. Humility is important because it lets us see who we are.

A. Jesus said the Pharisee’s pride kept them from seeing who they really were.

(John 9:39-41 NKJV) And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind." {40} Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?" {41} Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.

B. Pride can keep us from seeing our own faults and weaknesses.

C. Pride can keep us from seeking to know the Bible better.

(Mat 5:5 NKJV) Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

1. The meek are humble and teachable.

2. They are hunger to know more about God and His righteousness.

(Mat 5:6 NKJV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

III. Humility is important because it lets us deal with other people in the way we should.

A. We are to esteem others better than ourselves.

(Phil 2:3-8 NKJV) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. {5} Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, {6} who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {7} but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

B. We are to associate with the humble.

(Rom 12:16 NKJV) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

C. We are to have an humble submissive attitude toward one another. .

(1 Pet 5:5-6 NKJV) Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." {6} Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

D. We are to be humble in the way we deal with others who are in error. .

(2 Tim 2:25 NKJV) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

(Titus 3:2 NKJV) to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

IV. James says that humility is essential in relationship with God.

(James 4:6-10 NKJV) But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." {7} Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. {8} Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. {9} Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. {10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

A. One of God’s great criticisms of Israel is that they were a stiff necked people.

(Exo 32:9-10 NKJV) And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! {10} "Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation."

B. One day every knee shall bow.

(Rom 14:11 NKJV) For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God."

Conclusion

I. We need to be humble to be like Jesus and to be pleasing to Him.

II. Humility is important because it is necessary in order for us to see our own faults and improve.

III. Humility is important because it allows us to deal with other people in the way we should.

IV. Humility is important in order for us to have a right relationship with God.

Welcome to Bible Study

Hit Counter