Saturday, November 3, 2007

Humility

In humility, there is no judgment, for judgment in one’s heart limits the Lord.
In humility, there is forgiveness.
In humility, mercy is your companion.
In humility, grace is your covering.
In humility, love is your character.
In humility, truth is Jesus Christ. He will direct you. Keep your eyes on Him, Then you will be truly free.

Put on the cloak of humility; Let it be your mantle.


copyright 2007 Lewis Turner

Friday, April 13, 2007

Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 7 of 7

Note: This part is part 7, which was the last posting of this study on humility. There are a total of 7 parts in the study. To start at the beginning, you will need to start with part 1 and continue forward. Part 1 was posted with the March 2007 postings. I encourage you to take the time to study this important subject in its entirety starting with part 1 and continuing through part 7. I know the Lord will bless you for it.

To go to the beginning - click here.

Part 7 Phase 4: Sharing Love and Helping Others

Phase IV

A time of sharing vision and helping others to their vision. 

       This is a time for sharing our vision and helping each other fulfill their vision from God. 

       It is a time of reaching out in the local church and also beyound the local church.  Encouraging each other and other churches to follow the pattern of
   
Is 58 is a good place to start.

       It is a time of churches working together.

       It is a time of reaching out to those in need, both physically and spiritually.

       It is a time of action putting the love for Christ into action-Our First Love for Christ in action.

       It is a time of joining hearts together in prayer, in unity.


As we enter Phase IV in addition to sharing of vision and helping, it is also a time to celebrate and rejoice for God has done great things.  At the same time we press forward to show the Love of Christ to others and share what He has done for us!  A group of churches took time to pray and humble themselves, then sought the Lord for a way to show his love.  This took place in Cleveland, Ohio.  They worked with the community and helped paint homes and other things needed in neighborhoods.  In the process they had opportunity to share their love for Christ.  The result was seeing people come to Christ because of that love.  That is cause for celebration. Celebrations should focus on encouragement of people who are reaching out and the celebration should also have times of prayers of encouragement too.  We also should celebrate a harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God.

Warning:  Many celebrations have become funds appeals.  If we find that happening, consider going through the steps of humility again, and listening to the Lord to see if there is a block preventing the funds.  God said he would provide.  See Philippians 4:19.

Bibliography:

American Standard Version, Oak Harbor, WA:  Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.
Anderson, Neil T, Bondage Breaker, Harvest House Publishers, 2000
Darby, John Nelson.  Darby Translation of the New Testament, The Ages Digital   Library,  Version 8, 2000.
Edwards, Jonathan, Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New   England  (1742), Part IV, Section I, the first paragraph
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Cedar Rapids:  Parsons Technology, Inc., 2000. 
Keyton, Dr. 'The Quadrilogy of Jesus Suffering, Stripes, Nails, Thorns, and the Blood       that Flowed for Us' published by Black Forest Press, San Diego, California, Sept           2002. 
King James Version, Oak Harbor: WA:  Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996.
Murray, Andrew.   Humility.   Bethany House Publishers, 2001.
New Jerusalem Bible, New York:  Doubleday Publishers, 1985.
Quick, Dr Kenneth,  "Healing the Heart of Your Church", Church Smart 2003.
Revised Standard Version, Cedar Rapids:  Parsons Technology, Inc., 1971.
Shuey, John, Kingdom Quest Ministries, Camp Hill, PA
Simple English Bible, New Testament, International Bible Translators, 1981.
Young, Robert.  Young’s Literal Translation, Oak Harbor:  Logos Research Systems,        Inc., 1997. 
Webster’s Bible, BibleDataBase, 2002.
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged,         Merrian Webster, 1993
Weymouth’s New Testament in Modern Speech, The Ages Digital Library, Version 8,       2000.


Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility

copyright 2004
Lewis Turner

Friday, April 6, 2007

Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 6 of 7

Part 6 Phase 3: Building Up

The actual time for following Phase II may be a weekend or several weeks or several months. It is important that all these phases not be rushed.

In studying this paper on Humility - take time to look up all the scripture. God's word brings life and humility leads us to God's word.
If you want to go to the beginning of this study, click here.

Phase III is an important phase in the process of humility. It is in this phase that Godly building up occurs, pointing one to the ways of Christ, helping you with your relationship to Christ, listening to Him, prayer, and helping you show God's love in accordance with the word of God.


Phase III

After taking steps to remove hindrances and sin, we need to get the Word of God in our hearts, so we can establish godly patterns of living in our lives and relationships.  Phase III focuses on developing new patterns of godly living to replace areas that were turned from and renounced in Phase II.  We want our hearts filled with the fulness and love of God, so we can develop as God wants us to.  As our hearts are filled with the fulness and Love of God, we should also grow in our relationship with others.  This growth comes from obedience to God’s Word.

Areas we need to be encouraged in are:

       Forgiveness

       Building up each other

       Listening to each other

       Prayer

       Learning to hear from God, and how to validate with scripture that what we are hearing is from God

       Our position in Christianity

       Worship

       Commitment to obedience

       Learning to pray together

       Learning to understand other's love language

Also, in this phase, we will be exercising another aspect of 'waiting on the Lord', which should help us in studying the scriptures and establishing us in the Word of God. Study of the scriptures involves topical scripture studies and general scripture studies.  The Bible is God’s Word, and His Word directs and instructs us.  A thorough study of a subject will show God's thoughts on it, e.g. a study on Isaiah 58 and related scriptures about the poor. 
Is 58 is a good place to start, as it shows what we should be doing out of love for God.  When studying this topic, look for what promise God gives about being our rear guard to those who help the poor?  It is found in Isaiah 58.  Would this help keep pride from developing?  Pride has been the downfall of many.  Think about it.

Waiting also involves listening.  God will speak directly to us if we let Him.  He also speaks through others, but we do not always receive it.  We must learn to discern when God is really speaking, and then listen to what God is saying.  Too often we think purely analytically, which focuses on self rationalization.  It is an adjustment to let the Holy Spirit speak to us and guide us if we have not learned to listen.

Along with waiting on the Lord, this is a time of learning more about prayer.  Prayer involves communication with the Lord.  From my experience, praying from the heart  has been the most effective form of praying.  As we wait on the Lord, we are also leaning to tune our hearts to the Lord.  This is a good time to learn how to pray from the heart, and praying for each other in line with the scripture.

Note:  Pastor, specific scriptures have not been listed in this phase.  Areas needing training are listed.  This is an excellent opportunity for the Lord to encourage you to reach out to your congregation during this tender time.  As you do, you should see solid growth in their Christian walk and love for Christ. 

At the end of Phase III, there should be a communion and sharing time.



To go to the final part of this study - click here.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 5 of 7

Part 3 Phase 1 continued: Process and Action of Humility, Examples of Humility, Results of humility

This posting covers: Phase II of Humility. The previous posts provided basic instruction and background leading to this Phase of Humility, which can be considered an action phase. I invite you to search out the resources listed, and move ahead taking the needed time for restoring your fellowship with God where needed. All of us have areas that we need to give to the Lord that have hindered us. The resources listed help in identifying some of these areas. May God bless you as you move forward.

If you want to go to the beginning of this study, click here.


Phase II

The Bible says to humble ourselves.  That is something we can choose to do.  When we do so we open the door to fellowship with God.  Do you want to move forward in humility?  If you do, here are two prayers  to consider and pray if it expresses the desire of your heart. 

Father,

I want the fire of your love to grow within my heart.  May it burn the dross in my heart and bring forth a vessel of love, pure, for your use.  May it bless others.

Then Pray:

In Jesus Name.

Father,

Reveal what is in my heart that needs healing.

In Jesus’ Name.

Phase II involves waiting on the Lord, and it is strongly encouraged that one should complete the 'Breaking Free to Your Destiny' course which includes completing the 7 Steps to Spiritual Freedom work book written by Neil Anderson, or the '7 Steps to Spiritual Freedom' only, or a similar course like the one John Shuey of Kingdom Quest Ministries, Camp Hill, PA has developed. It is called 'Breaking Free'. Another source to consider is Dr Kenneth Quick's book, "Healing the Heart of Your Church". It sets forth a process that is also similar in many aspects to the previous ones mentioned, but is more directed to the church as a body. Please keep in mind that these courses are more than an exercise. One will get out of it what he puts into it.

Phase II also involves confession and accepting God's forgiveness.  It puts the challenge to look at the roots of past problems and to take steps to cut those roots off through repentance.  These roots may go deep in one's family, and there may be a need for generational repentance.  Repentance from the heart opens the door to the Holy Spirit's working once again in an individual.  Also, unconfessed sin can choke off our first love for Christ.  That unconfessed sin may be known sin. There also may be a need to discover sin that is present but not recognized because of lack of understanding, or that may be covered by justifying our actions rather than fully obeying the Bible.  Whatever the case, if we really want to return to our first love, then we need to humble ourselves in repentance from sin.  In breaking free, there is other material that may be helpful in expanding various issues covered in the above breaking free courses.  Another excellent example of such a resource is Dr. Bree Keyton's book: 'The Quadrilogy of Jesus Suffering, Stripes, Nails, Thorns, and the Blood that Flowed for Us' published by Black Forest Press, San Diego, California, Sept 2002.  An additional resource to consider is material developed by Kingdom Quest Ministries, titled ‘Breaking Free’.  Their websight is www.kquestministries.org.

Phase II also involves developing an understanding of our position in Christ. God’s Word says a lot about our relationship with Christ for the purpose of encouraging us.  As we work through this phase, we will be building up our relationship with the Lord.  As we receive the encouragement of our position in Christ, a good prayer to pray is to help these truths be placed in our hearts is:



Father,

As I learn of my position with you in my relationship with your son, Jesus, I ask that these truths be burned into the tables of my heart. 

In Jesus’ name.

Moving forward in Phase II, healing of the heart can begin as we seek the Lord, learn His word, and confess sin.  As you seek to live for the Lord, you will find additional issues may come to mind that need to be addressed. That issue could be likened to one of several or many layers that need healing. When this occurs, repeat the steps in the cleansing part of Phase II.  It is a sign of growth and that the Lord wants you to grow deeper in your walk with Him. If a problem comes up that is particularly troublesome, it may be helpful to enlist the aid of a Godly counselor, like your pastor or a person he recommends.

In Phase II, emphasis will be also put on learning to wait on the Lord  The process of humbling and action of humility requires waiting on the Lord.  When we do wait on the Lord, we will see results.  During the waiting time we need to be diligent to seek the Lord Isaiah 55:2 hearken diligently unto me, Jeremiah 29:13  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart, and let Him search our hearts Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart.  God will show us things that have hindered us and sin that has blocked our full relationship with Him.  As He shows us these things, we need to ask forgiveness and turn away from such.  We will then experience the blessings that are promised to those who wait on the Lord.

          'Wait on the Lord' Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

          'Quietly'  Lamentations 3: 26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

          'Will save' Proverbs 20:22 but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

          'Renew strength' Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (note:  waiting on the :Lord will take us to new levels of relationship with our Lord)

          'Blessed 'Is 30:18   blessed are all they that wait for him.

          'The Lord is good to those that wait for Him.' Lam 3:25  The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him

          'Continually' Hos 12:6 wait on thy God continually

          'Commanded' Zeph 3:8   Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord

          'PatientlyPs 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

*Note:  During Phase II, here is a helpful recommendation, participation in a ‘Freedom in Christ Seminar’,  or something similar might be beneficial.



*Note:  Another action during Phase II that may be needed is going to someone else where there has been an issue or an offense.  Listed below are two verses that tell us to go to the other person.  Part of waiting on the Lord is listening and that listening can help us learn whom we may need to go to.

‘Go’ Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

The action in Matthew 18: 15 is best received when done in a spirit of humility—not accusation.  An example—telling the other person I receive what happened in this manner, rather than saying you did this in an accusational manner.

Also the principle of ‘go’ is seen in Matthew 5:23 & 24: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

So often we expect the other person to come to us, which is desirable.  However the scripture is clear that when we learn of an issue we are to ‘go’ to that person and clear the offense.  It should be done in a spirit of humility, and willing to listen to the other person.  Maybe there was something we did not know or understand.  The Lord can help us go in a spirit of humility.


To go to the next part (part 6) of this study, click here.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 4 of 7

Part 4 Phase 1 continued: False Humility, Hindrances, Scriptures About Humility

This posting covers the following topics in Phase I of Humility:

False Humility
Hindrances
Scriptures-additional Scriptures for study

If you want to go to the beginning of this study click here.

In studying this paper on Humility - take time to look up all the scripture. God's word brings life and humility leads us to God's word.

I would like to make a note. The Bible speaks of God's word being alive, so we should consider that if we take the time to examine the scriptures presented, which will take some diligent study, that the reality of humility will also become alive in our lives.

False Humility

False humility will not cast out pride

Murray[1]-humility is often identified with penitence and contrition.  As a consequence, there appears to be not way of fostering humility, but by keeping the soul occupied with its sin.

False humility is keeping the soul occupied with its sin. 

  • A thought to consider here about false humility:  issues/things/actions/attitudes we often take on ourselves e.g. “speaking truth in love” Ephesians 4:15 ---We think we are speaking the truth in love, when in reality we are speaking as how we personally understand it and interpret things, thinking that is love.  That is not really speaking out of the compassion that God has—which is not our self compassion.  God’s compassion truly leads us to His love.  You might say that false humility is our self acting without really listening to God.  It may seem to fit, but it is really a self action.  You could say that we are working on God’s behalf, not through His direction.  When self is in control, judgment will be seen which is actually contrary to the Bible which says to judge not.  Matthew 7:1.  Judgment keeps us preoccupied with sin and does not point to the redemptive work of Christ.

What humility is not:

Murray[2]-to humble yourself does not mean that you must conquer and cast our pride of your nature and then form within yourself the presence of Christ-that is God’s work.

Humility which is afraid (fear) of injuring God's name by confessing Him now, and then becoming disloyal later is not humility.
Hindrances

Hindrances are those things which block our ability to develop a relationship with the Lord. They are the result of disobedience, or self-centered focus, or sin.  In addition, hindrances block our prayers.  Examples are:

                   Refusal to forgive 
Matthew 6:14-15  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25-26  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against                         that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

                   Refusing to hear God's voice or His Word
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination
Zechariah 7:13  Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts.

                   Failure to forsake sin
Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
Isaiah 59:2.  But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

       Discord or strife
Proverbs 6:16-19   These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

                   Being covetous, which is really a form of idolatry
I John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Ezekiel 14:3   Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

                   Wrong motives
James 4:3   Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

                   Doubt
James 1:5-8  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

                   Judgment or Critical Spirit
Isaiah 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Matt 7:1-5  Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

                   Speaking bad of others
Proverbs 8:7  For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man.

                   Hard heartedness
Zechariah 7:13 ..they would not hear..

                   Failure to help the poor  Study Is chapter 58
Matthew 25:31-46 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Proverbs 21:13  Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

                   Involvement in witchcraft/occult/etc.

This list is not exhaustive and could be easily expanded. As we enter into Phase II of the humbling process, we will look at many of these issues, and others that block our relationship with the Lord.  There may be a common root to many of these hindrances.  One common root is our pride. Pride can be deceptive and be found in many forms. Some of them are not easily recognized as forms of pride.  Roots like pride and other roots to hindrances need to be removed to open up fellowship and communication with God.  Opportunity will be given to ask forgiveness and to seek God's help in turning from these hindrances.
Scriptures-additional Scriptures for study

Promises

Proverbs 16:19
Proverbs 22:4
Proverbs 29:23
Isaiah 57:15
Matthew 18:4

Enjoined

Luke 14:10
Luke 22:26 and Romans 11:20
Romans 12:3 and Philippians 2:5

Leaders-examples

Jacob - Genesis 32:10

King Saul – I Samuel 9:21
King David -  II Samuel 7:18
King Solomon – I Kings 3:7, Psalms 131:1
John the Baptist – Matthew 3:14
Centurion – Matthew 8:8
Syrophenician woman John 1:27
Paul  I Timothey 1:15

Before Men

Genesis 41:16

I Samuel 24:14
II Samuel 9:8
Daniel 2:30
Luke 1:43

Christ

Zechariah 9:9
John  13:5

Service

Matthew 10:42
John 12:3
Acts 20:18 – 19-Humility of mind

Penitence

Ahab - I Kings 21:29

Rehoboam and the Princess - II Chronicles 12:6
Manesseh - II Chronicles 33:12
Josiah II Chronicles 34:27
Prodigal Son  Luke 15:8
Publican Luke 18:13

At Christ’s Feet

Matthew 15:30

Mark 5:22- 23
Mark 7:25
Luke 7:37
Luke 7:38
Luke 8:35
Luke 10:39
John 11:38
Revelations 1:17

Humbled

Isaiah 66:2


Leaders

Moses Exodus 3:11

Gideon Judges 6:15
King David I Samuel 18:18
Isaiah Isaiah 6:5
Jeremiah Jeremiah 2:6
John the Baptist Matthew 3:14

Grace

Romans 12:3

Romans 15:17-18
I Corinthians 3:5-7
II Corinthinas3:5
Philippians 4:11-13

State of Mind

I Peter 3:4


Preserved in Tranquility

Psalms 69:32, 33


Patient

John 1:22

Christ

Philippians 2:3


Remembrance of Sins

Lamentations 3:39


Way to honor

Psalms 147:6

Isaiah 66:2



[1] Ibid
[2] Ibid
The next posting will cover Phase II of Humility which moves us from learning about Humility, to personal action. To go to that posting click here

Friday, March 16, 2007

Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 3 of 7

Part 3 Phase 1 continued: Process and Action of Humility, Examples of Humility, Results of humility

This posting will cover the following topics in phase I of humility:

● Process and Action of Humility

● Examples of Humility

● Results of Humility

In studying this paper on Humility - take time to look up all the scripture. God's word brings life and humility leads us to God's word.

If you want to go to the beginning of this study, click here.



Process and Action of Humility

(Look at Webster for definition of process and obedience.)

Humility-You find actions of love and forgiveness

Neil Anderson[1] in defining of humility, describes humility as a process and action. Putting no confidence in the flesh, that is in ourselves, but rather being strong in the Lord and the strength of His might.  Ephesians 6:10   Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Philippians 2:3 ..but in humility.. (RSV)

I Peter 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God 

The following is a challenge thought for pastors and leaders:

     What would happen if at the start of church board meetings, the board sought the Lord for where offenses are, then obeyed the Lord and sought forgiveness and reconciliation?

Let's think about the above question.  If we, in faith, forgive because of God’s love to us, could we not expect God to impart His love to us?  I believe that love of God will grow in us because of heart obedience.  Love is a result of process and action in obedience to the Word.

Andrew Murray-God is dealing with men in two stages:

1.   Preparation  Psalms 10:17  Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

2.   Command and promise – clearly stated in God’s Word.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Listed below are many of the actions of humility.  Many are contrary to our natural nature and to do them requires humbling ourselves before the Lord.  We cannot do anything without God's help.  John 15:5  ..He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. As we look at these actions of humility, it is important to understand that those actions that reflect the heart are evidence of genuine humbling before God.

Humbling ourselves is an action: 
            It involves breaking ties with past sin involvement:  II Chronicles 7:14  and turn from their wicked ways. 

           It involves confession: Luke 5:8   When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 

            It involves presenting ourselves to God:  Romans 12:1.  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
 
            It requires submission as a part of the process and action: For example, the needing each other also keeps us humble. Acts of submission are part of the nature of humility. I Peter 2:13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme.  James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Ephesians 5:21  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Roman 10:3 submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  I Peter 5:5-6  ..submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another.    I Peter 3: 5. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands. The action of humbling involves submission and obedience:  I Peter 2:13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme.  Jeremiah 26:13  Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God.   

                        The process of humility also involves the action of dying to self: 
              I Corinthians 15:31   I die daily. 

           Humility is an action of learning of the Lord:  Matthew 11:29  learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. 

                        The action of humbling involves putting God first, honoring our parents, and loving our neighbors:  Exodus 10:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me, Leviticus 19:18.  Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. Matthew 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

In the process and action of humility, we find that God does some things for us.

                        God will search our hearts: the act of humility involves letting God search and expose what you are in your heart.  Jeremiah 17:10  I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins.  Psalms 139:23   Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.  Psalms 44:21  Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

                        God prepares our hearts:  Psalms 10:17  Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.

        God gives grace:  James 4:6,10   But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble..Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  

                        God will exalt:  I Peter 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

What the process of humility does:

It has been said that without humility, one will be blinded to the truth and may become deaf.    If one's heart is not ready, then one may indeed be blinded and deaf.  The process of humility is to enable one’s heart to hear and one’s eyes to see the truths of God.  Being clothed with humility may remove veils from your eyes and let you hear and see truths of God’s Word.

God gives grace to the humble.  James 4:6  God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  I Peter 5:5  for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humility brings the result of love.

Actions of love are a part of the action of humility, as well as being a result of true humility.  Isaiah 58:3-14  Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.  Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.  Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?  Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.  Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:  And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.  And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.  If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another
Galatians 5:13 but by love serve one another.
Ephesians 4:1-2.  I , therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;

The action of humility should move us to forgiveness.  The root of sin must be removed to prevent bitterness.  Hebrews 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.  Matthew 6:12-15   And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Luke 11:4  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Ephesians 4:32   And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. II Corinthians 2:7   So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.  Humility involves releasing any wrongs which is a part of forgiveness.  Forgiveness is essential or you will stumble.  Remember Christ side that if we do not forgive, neither will God forgive you. Matthew 6:15!

God must search our hearts. Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts, Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings, Psalms 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart

Humility is commanded and required by God.  It is not optional.
Micah 6:8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
James 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
I Peter 5:5-6  be clothed with humility..Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.

Ephesians 4:3   Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  I Thessalonians 5:13   and be a  peace among yourselves.

Conclusion

The action of humbling involves knowing that we can do all things through Christ. 
Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Eph 6:10   Finally,  my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Examples of Humility

Christ is the expression of the humility of God embodied in human nature—The external love of God humbled Himself, Philippians 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 5: 19.  Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 7:16 Christ had to listen to God  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
John 8:28 I do nothing of myself
John 8:42 neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory.
John 14:10 the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:24 the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Matthew 20:27-28 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.  Luke 22:26-27  but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Matthew 5:3 & 5 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are the meek
Luke 9:46-48  Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great., Matthew 18: 3-4  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Results of Humility

The results of humility come when genuine humbling before God has taken place.

Jonathan Edward[2] - nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility

Anderson[3] - humility and obedience always leads to Christ

Murray[4] - abiding in God’s peace unravels the enemy’s power over that situation

Murray[5] - the humble cannot be embarrassed-embarrassment is the movement in pride.  It is a warning that you have departed from wisdom and allowing self to reign.

Some results of humility:

          Produces love-no love without humility   Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  I Corinthians 13:4-5  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

          We are revived Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

          Will be the greatest Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

          Will be exalted and lifted up or encouraged Luke 14:11   For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted., Luke 18:14 for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.,

          Grace:
  
Not given for selfish use  I Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so  minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Promised to the humble I Peter 5:5 & James 4:6 for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.,

        Humility and obedience always lead to Christ’s help  II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

          The humble will be upheld by honor  Proverbs 29:23 but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit

·                     Peace

       Romans 8:6  but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

       Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

       Strength and Peace Psalms 29:11  The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace  Isaiah 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in Thee.

       Peace:   Peace given John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you...

Peace in our hearts Colossians 3:15  let the peace of God rule in your hearts…

Peace guards our heart  Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all     understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

  Peace leads  Luke 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Is 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

          Humility prevents deception.

God hears the desire of the humble and causes the ear to hear; We will have answered prayer; God also prepares our heart.  Ps 10:17 Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.


[1] Anderson, Neil T.  Bondage Breaker.  Harvest House Publishers, 2000.
[2] Edwards, Jonathan, Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New England (1742), Part IV, Section I, the first paragraph
[3] Anderson, Bondage Breaker.
[4] Murray, Andrew.  Humility.  Bethany House Publishers, 2001.
[5] Ibid.

The next posting will cover:
False Humility,
Hindrances,
provide scriptures for additional study.

To go to the next part, part 4, click here.