Acts 20:18-19 And when they were come to him, he said to them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia… I. ITS NATURE. All Christian graces are products of truth. So humility is the state of mind which the truth concerning our character and relations ought to produce. It includes — 1. A sense of insignificance, because we are both absolutely and relatively insignificant. We are as nothing before God, in the universe, in the hierarchy of intelligences, in the millions of mankind. We are insignificant in capacity, learning, influence, and power, compared to thousands of our predecessors and contemporaries. Humility is not only the consciousness of this insignificance, but the recognition and acknowledgment of it, and acquiescence in it. Pride is the denial of or forgetfulness of this fact, the assertion of our own importance. 2. A sense of weakness. Humility stands opposed to pride as including self-confidence, and especially pride of intellect, either as consisting in Rational. ism, or the refusal to submit to the teaching of God; or in a sense of superiority to others. No man can be a Christian without becoming as a little child. 3. A sense of guilt. Humility stands opposed to self-righteousness. When we consider the number and aggravations of our sins we are lost in wonder that men can be so infatuated as to arrogate merit to themselves. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican shows that a moral man propped up with a sense of his good desert is more offensive to God than an immoral man bowed down with a sense of guilt. II. ITS IMPORTANCE appears from — 1. Its nature, as the want of it implies ignorance or disbelief of the truth concerning our true character. 2. The frequent declarations of Scripture; that God resisteth the proud but showeth grace to the humble; that those who exalt themselves shall be abased, etc. 3. Its connection with the whole economy of redemption, which is intended to humble man. Men must stoop to enter heaven. 4. Its influence on our fellow men. As nothing is so offensive as pride, so nothing is so conciliating as humility. 5. Its influence on ourselves. The humble only are peaceful. III. ITS CULTIVATION. 1. Bring your mind under the operation of truth. 2. Especially live in the presence of God. 3. Never act from the impulse of pride. 4. Humble yourselves by not seeking great things. 5. Seek the indwelling of the Spirit, and the aid of Christ. (C. Hodge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, |
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