Humility-A Biblical Study and Proposed Action of Humility........Part 2 of 7

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

● Introduction to humility

● What is humility? - Definition

● Nature of humility

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

Part 2 Phase 1: Introduction to Humility, What is Humility?, Definition, Nature of Humility

The full table of contents for phase I subjects is listed below for your information.

Table of Contents

●          Introduction to humility

●          What is humility? - Definition

●          Nature of humility

●          Process and action of humility

●          Examples of humility

●          Results of humility

●          False humility

●          Hindrances

 
Introduction to Humility

Jan 2, 2003, 7:15 AM.  ‘Hello Michael, I’m here for ‘Take a Stand’.  Michael, ‘Praise God’.  Well that is the first time I went on radio.  Michael, the station master, was kind to me.  We talked on the show about prayer and humility.  Michael interviewed me in depth making sure his listeners understood us.  For my first time on radio, I was nervous.  Some listeners who I knew heard me, encouraged me with kind comments.  Later as I thought on what had been covered, I realized that I could not define or explain humility in terms that an average person could understand.  II Chronicles 7:14 is a key verse to humility.  "If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray...".  If I could not explain it as a layman, how could I expect others to understand.  Later, I shared this with Pastor Ambush at a ministerial fellowship.  He would not let me rest and wanted me to come and explain the concept of humility on his program 'Lifetalk' at a later date.  "Now---LORD, What have I gotten into?  Do I really have to study this subject deeper?  Can’t I just stop now?  I am only a layman."  That argument did not hold any weight with God.  You cannot argue with God and win.  This left one obvious answer which was from the Lord.  "No, you cannot stop.  You must study this subject so you can teach it!"  I probably would not have had that challenge if had not been for my brother in the Lord, Pastor Ambush, who asked me, “What is Humility?”

I decided to study humility.  I was also prompted by the Lord after the 'Upper Room' prayer vigil, held in February of 2003, to study humility as this was what the Lord was showing would be a format of revival in the region. I found that humility can not be easily defined. In my search of the scriptures,  I did find some important aspects about humility that deepened my understanding.  I do believe that the Spirit of God guided me and helped to clarify what humility is, and related areas such as acts of humility, results of humility, the process of humility, nature of humility, related issues, and examples of humility.  Probably a most important aspect of genuine humility is that it is of true heart action.  I might not have understood this principle except that my wife has worked hard teaching me that for some time.   Heart actions reflect our inner being.  Ps 51:6 says: Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts. 

As we study humility in the Bible and feed on the Word, our understanding of it should continually grow and our lives will begin to reflect God's love.

Past revivals often have fallen short because we limit the Spirit of God by acting on our own understanding rather than on the leading of the Holy Spirit.  What should we do to see revival? We should set our hearts to return to our first love for Christ. We accomplish this by seeking the Lord, confessing sin in our lives, and correcting our ways in humility to the Lord.  Daniel the prophet was an example.  See Daniel chapter 10 vs 12:  Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.  Key words/phrases are 'set thine heart', 'to understand', and 'to chasten (or correct) thyself'.  These are a part of the humbling process stated in II Chronicles 7:14.

Humility is foundational for Christian growth.  Too often we try to work around true humility.  When we do, we allow for limited humility and may try to move ahead, thinking that we are in God's plan. It is true that God gives us spiritual gifts, knowledge, and other resources to help us in our spiritual growth, but they will eventually come crumbling down without true humility in our lives.  True humility is needed so we can become what God wants us to be, and so we can have abundant life.

It is sad that our understanding of humility is so narrow that we are afraid to humble ourselves.  We are afraid of humiliation.  You could liken our perception to a man given the title of being humble, then taking the title away from him because he posted it in a prominent spot.  Attitudes like that, discourage a genuine humbling which the scriptures call for.  Even when one understands the essentials of humility, the process of humbling is a difficult one for all.

True humility starts in the heart and we need godly men and women who will be willing to truly humble themselves before God. These will be God's examples to those around them, encouraging others to do likewise.  We also need pastors who are willing to lead their churches into Biblical understanding and practice of humility? 

II Chronicles 7:14 states 'humble yourselves'.  It is a command that should be obeyed from the heart.  To receive God's instruction involves a change of heart.  As we do, God will prepare our hearts to truly hear Him, enabling us to move forward in His love.  We will also discover the importance of genuine waiting on the Lord, the place of prayer (individually, husband and wife, and corporate).  If, we try to humble ourselves without understanding all that is involved, then our efforts are not complete, and we limit what God can do.  If we take time to come before the Lord, and humble ourselves from the heart, then we allow God to do His complete work in us, allowing us to come into a close relationship with God developing our love for Him.  Proverbs 2:1-5 says we need to apply our heart to understanding and search for understanding as silver and hidden treasure.  Then we will find the knowledge of God, which is a process that involves submission and action.

In II Chronicles 7:14 we have an outline of Christ's life.  Let's briefly examine this:

            If my people...shall humble themselves          Christ humbled Himself

            and pray and seek my face                             Christ spent time in prayer

                                                                                    and came into close communication

                                                                                    with God

and turn from their wicked ways                    Christ enables us to turn from sin to            be His righteousness

            then He will hear from heaven                        We know that God heard Christ

Do we do all this on our own?  Christ is praying for us:  Hebrews 7:25 says   Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

We too, will be heard of God, if we humble ourselves from the heart, turn from our wicked ways, and set our love on Him.  Now some would still ask, if humbling ourselves before God is really needed?  To answer that let's ask ourselves a deep question. How many prayers go unanswered because we have allowed things to be in the way or  have unconfessed sin in our lives?   Christ had close communication with God, and His prayers were heard by God.  The humbling process can restore close communication with Christ and we can have answered prayer.

Finally, the verse says that He will heal their land.  I believe that we will see many wonderful blessings come our way and returns to us.  I know there are some that say that this promise specifically relates for a set period in time and directed for Israel.  I would not argue that it was written for a specific reason, but I believe it is applicable today.  II Corinthians 1:20 says “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”   'All' means 'all' in this verse, nothing less, concerning the promises of God.  The verse, II Chronicles 7:14, does not mean that we will not have tribulation; however, it does mean that we can experience God's healing in our land. In order to heal the land, hearts need to be turned to the Lord.  If people do not turn to the Lord, we may not see the full blessing of this part of the verse.  

I challenge you to let the Lord work in your heart as you study each of the steps and apply the Word in your life.  Prayerfully humble yourself before the Lord as He gives you understanding, allowing Christ to be formed in you.  Then you will experience a true revival of God's love in your heart.

There is a song which says 'it only takes a spark to set a fire glowing'.  Will you allow the Spirit of God to revive you with the fire of His pure love?

 Matthew 5:6.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Are you one who thirsts after righteousness?  Then let the Lord lead you through this time of humbling from the heart.  I would encourage you to pray this prayer.

Father,

You are the one who changes hearts.  There are many things in my heart that may stand in the way of allowing your love to operate in me, and in my heart.  I ask you to search me and cleanse my heart.  I choose to follow you and ask that Your love will grow in my heart.  I choose to listen to the Holy Spirit.  I choose to hide Your word in my heart and obey it.   I come to you in Jesus name.  Amen.

Now every morning, remind yourself afresh of your need for God’s help in your life so that the life of Christ (Christ's heart of love) may be in you).
What is Humility?

As we start the humbling process we need to understand what humility is.  We can do this by defining it, examining it’s nature, its process and action, and results.  To further aid in our understanding we need to look at examples of humility.  We will also look at what humility is not.

Many Bible scholars, noted Christians, writers, and dictionaries have tried to define humility.  One could look for a common thread between them or realize the diversity indicates that humility is deep and broad.  It is a word that we need to explore.  To give an idea of the diversity of definitions,  I have taken the definitions from sources and listed them here.  After you read them I believe you will agree that it is very difficult to explain humility in a word or even a single thought.

Andrew Murray-Humility is the displacement of self by the enthronement of God where God is all and self is nothing; is attempting to see ourselves through God’s eyes rather than our own[1].

Webster:  Dictionary:  Freedom from pride and arrogance[2]

Neil Anderson-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, humility is confidence properly place in God.  See James 4:5-10, I Peter 5:1-10[3]

More definitions could be used, but because of the depth of the subject, they, too, would be diverse.  Each would have a matter of correctness, but we would still be asking what humility means.  The challenge given to me by a preacher friend in the Lord, led me to search out the question- What is humility?  After looking at what others wrote and still not understanding humility, I then went to the source – God’s Word, the Bible.  With the help of the Lord, I concluded that defining humility could not be done in a word or a phrase.  I discovered that humility entails the following:

●                        A nature

●                        A process and an action. 

●                        Results

 

Before we go into these, let's look at what the scriptures showed about humility and see a definition based on scripture.

Humility is recognizing your need for:

• Christ by

*focusing on Him Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and    his righteousness

*allowing Him to search your heart Psalms 139:23   Search me, O God, and know my heart

*giving your heart to Him Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

• (1) He wants us to open and be transparent and willing to confess sin

I Timothey 1:15  ..that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of hom I am chief

Psalms 139:23   Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

                  Jeremaih 17:10    I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins

                  Proverbs 1:23   ...turn you at my reproof

II Chronicles 7:14  .. turn from their wicked ways

                  James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another

                  I John 1:9 If we confess our sins

                  Luke 5:8  ..for I am a sinful man, O Lord

• (2) and be willing forgive. 

                 Matthew 6:12, 14-15 forgive..

                 

• (3)  It is agreement with the truth

                  James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God

                  Matthew 6:10.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in                               heaven

                  Romans 6:13  Yield yourselves unto God

                  Romans 12:1 & 2  ..that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice

                  II Chronicles 7:14 ..turn from their wicked ways

• (4) and adopting the ways of the Lord as one’s own

                        Romans 12:2  Be ye transformed

• (5)  When you  submit to the Lord, you will submit to one another

                  Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

• (6)  We will let the Lord be our strength

Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress,

• (7)  It involves obedience from the heart

                  II Samuel 22:33   God is my strength and power

                  Psalms 18:2  The Lord..is my strength

                  Psalms 28:7  The Lord is my strength

                  Psalms 118:14  The Lord is my strength

                  Isaiah 12:2  ..for the Lord Jehovah is my strength

• (8) casting our care on Jesus rather than carrying it ourselves

                  I Peter 5:7.  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

• (9)  listening to the Spirit of God; obedience from the heart and daily dying to self so Christ is free to live in us; and

                   Romans15:31 ..I die daily.

                         I John 1:9  If we confess our sins

• (10) serving others

                       Matthew 20:27-28  ..let him be your servant..to minister.

See also:         

Ephesians 3:8 ..Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace     given

            I Timothy 1:13,15  ..I obtained mercy

            II Corinthians 1:12 ..but by the grace of God

Note to Leaders:  Explore listening aspect of humility.

With out humility we cannot hear or see

Humility involves hearing      see Jeremiah 7:23.   This verse implies hearing.

Note:  these need to be explained further-possibly as inferred results of humility, and action of humility.
Nature of Humility

In studying humility closely, one finds definable characteristics about it that reflect the nature, or essence, of humility.  Some of these are identified in scripture, others are implied. 

Many of the characteristics of humility may be foreign to some of us, but as we look toward God, and allow Him to help us, we will see these characteristics become a part of our nature.  This is seen as we conform to the image of Christ.  Romans 8:29  ..to be conformed to the image of his Son.  Let's look at them:

 

●          Meek and lowly of heart  Matthew 11:29 for I am meek and lowly in heart,

●          Issue of submission:

            I Pet 2:13  Submit to every ordinance

            James 4:7  Submit yourselves to God

            Eph 5:21   Submit yourselves to one another

            Rom 10:3  Submission to righteousness of God

●          Matthew 11:29 Learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart-to learn   involves listening which is an implied action.

●          Secret of humility—the position of dependence upon the Grace of God  Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

●          Faith and humility at the root are one (Andrew Murray).  True humility involves letting the Word of God guide us, and faith involves action on the Word of God.  Both are possible when the Word gets into our hearts.

If a word has a nature, then it is not dead.  It is representative of character, and I believe true humility reflects the character of Christ.  If you made a statement about the nature of humility, it might be 'Christ is alive in us'  1 Corinthians 15:22.

To mankind, these characteristics often are repulsive.  After all, the mentality that I must be strong and do it my self is prevalent.  To the Christian, however, God directs us in I Peter 5:5 to be clothed with humility.

---

[1] Murray, Andrew, Humility, Bethany House Publisher

[2] Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged, Merrian Webster, 1993

[3] Anderson, Neil T, Bondage Breaker, Harvest House Publishers, 2000

Part 3 will cover the following:

Process and Action of humility,
Examples of humility,
Results of humility

To go to part 3 click here

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.

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[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.