Colossians 3:12-15 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;… I. THE NATURE OF THIS TEMPER: A low apprehension or esteem of ourselves (Romans 12:3), the opposite to pride and arrogance. The word leads us to consider the disposition of mind; for there may be a humility of behaviour which covers a very proud heart. In consists of — 1. A humble apprehension of our own knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1). There is nothing of which men are more proud. Many would sooner bear a reflection on their moral characters than on their understandings. The serpent was early sensible that this was man's weak side (Genesis 3:5). And no kind of pride has more need of a cure (Job 11:12). So it will include — (1) A sense of the natural imperfection of our faculties (Job 11:7). This will dispose us to receive God's revelation (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). (2) An apprehension of our own fallibility. Humility in this view would teach us(a) not on that account to surrender ourselves to the absolute control of others. To this Rome would lead us in pretence of infallibility; and if any others would lead us to such an implicit faith in their dictates, while they disclaim infallibility, their claim is still more absurd. We must answer for ourselves to God in the great day; and therefore it can neither be a laudable nor a safe humility to take our religion from the dictates of fallible men. (b) But a just apprehension of our liableness to mistake should induce us in all our searches after Divine truth to be very desirous of Divine illumination and guidance (Psalm 25:4-5). It should keep us ever open to further light and willing to learn. (3) A moderate apprehension of our own .attainments in knowledge when we compare them with the attainments of other men (1 Corinthians 13:9; 1 Corinthians 8:2). If some know less, others know more than we. (4) A persuasion of the small value of the most exalted knowledge without a suitable practical influence (John 13:7; Luke 12:47-48). A man of low attainments, if his heart is right with God, is truly acceptable; while a resolved sinner, though he understood all mysteries, will be eternally disowned by Him. Exalted knowledge may leave a man of no better a temper than a devil. 2. Humble thoughts of our own goodness. Not that we are to be insensible to anything that is truly good in us; but Christian humility includes — (1) A sense of the undeservingness of our own goodness at the bands of God even if it was perfect (Luke 17:10). (2) An apprehension of the disparity between the goodness of God and that of any creature (Luke 18:19). (3) An affecting conviction of our own sinfulness (Luke 5:31-32). (4) A sense of the imperfection of our goodness at its best (Psalm 19:12). (5) An acknowledgment that we are principally indebted to God for whatever is good in us (Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 15:10). (6) A modest apprehension of our own goodness compared with that of other men (Philippians 2:3). 3. A humble sense of our dependence and wants — (1) As regards God. (a) In the sphere of nature (Acts 17:28). (b) In the sphere of grace. We should have a deep sense of our need of His mercy to pardon our sins and His grace to help our infirmities. (2) As regards our fellow-creatures. It is ordered by the law of our creation that we cannot comfortably subsist independent of them (Ecclesiastes 5:9). Every link in the chain of societies contributes to the good of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:21, 24). And then in the changeableness of human affairs, those who are now in the most prosperous estate know not how soon they may need the kind offices of the lowliest. 4. A modest apprehension of our own rank and station. (1) As compared with God we cannot think too low of ourselves (Isaiah 40:15). All our relations to Him bespeak the profoundest submission, as His creatures, subjects, children (Psalm 8:4; Psalm 144:3; Job 7:17). Humility will teach us to dispute neither the precepts nor the providences of Him who has a natural authority over us. (2) Revelation teaches us that we are beneath other invisible beings (Psalm 7:5). (3) For our fellow-creatures we should consider them all as of the same nature with us, and therefore near akin (Acts 17:26), and that distinctions in outward circumstances are in the account of God and in themselves but little things (Romans 13:7; Romans 12:16). II. THE SPECIAL OBLIGATIONS WHICH REST ON Christians to cultivate this temper. 1. Humility is a grace of the first rank. (1) It is mentioned in Scripture with peculiar marks of distinction (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 138:6; Matthew 5:4; Matthew 18:4). (2) The most distinguished promises are made to it (Psalm 9:12; Psalm 10:17; Isaiah 57:15; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Matthew 33:12). (3) It is in its own nature a necessary introduction to the other graces and duties of Christianity. This is not a religion for the proud but for the lowly. (a) Humility is necessary to faith. Without this we shall not have a disposition to receive a revelation. Pride and self-sufficiency was the reason why Christ crucified was a stumbling-block to the Jew, etc. (b) To obedience. A proud heart says, "Who is the Lord over me?" Humility asks, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"(c) To the acceptance of Christ as offered in the gospel (Luke 5:31; Revelation 3:17-18; Luke 18:9-13). (d) To the reception of the grace of the Holy Spirit. (e) To perseverance, for without it we shall be ready to take offence at crosses. (f) To the reception of assistance in the way to heaven from other men. Those who are wise in their own conceit despise admonitions. (g) To the performance of Christian duty. 2. It is this grace which adorns every other virtue and recommends religion to every beholder (1 Peter 5:5). 3. It is recommended by the example of Christ. (1) His incarnation was the greatest instance of humility (Philippians 2:3, 5, etc.; 2 Corinthians 8:9). (2) When He appeared in human nature He affected not worldly honour (Luke 2:7-11; Matthew 13:55). (3) As a man He was the pattern of great humility toward God (John 8:50; John 7:18; Mark 13:32; Matthew 19:17). (4) He was the pattern of the greatest humility to mankind. (a) He was ready to condescend to the meanest in order to their good (Matthew 8:6; Mark 10:46; John 4:27; Matthew 18:1-10; Matthew 19:13-14). (b) He was willing to stoop to the meanest offices for the meanest persons (Mark 1:41; John 13:5; Matthew 20:28). (c) He was not above receiving and acknowledging the respect shown Him by the meanest (Luke 8:3; Matthew 21:15; Matthew 26:13). Learn, then, like Him, to be meek and lowly of heart. 4. Humility is a grace which will go along with us to heaven. The only inhabitants of that world who were ever lifted up with pride have been cast out. The angels abase themselves (Isaiah 6:2, 3; Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 11:16), and humility will receive a glorious reward (Matthew 25.). Like charity, it never faileth. (Dr. Evans.) Parallel Verses KJV: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; |
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