Topical Bible: Humility: Saints should be Clothed With

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Humility is a fundamental virtue in the Christian life, deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture. It is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance and is often associated with meekness, lowliness, and a servant's heart. The Bible consistently exhorts believers to embody humility, reflecting the character of Christ and fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Biblical Exhortations to Humility

The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, explicitly instructs believers to be clothed with humility. He writes, "Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). This passage highlights the importance of humility in interpersonal relationships within the church, emphasizing submission and mutual respect.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, encourages the saints to adopt humility as part of their new identity in Christ. He states, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). Here, humility is listed among other virtues that characterize the Christian life, underscoring its integral role in the believer's conduct.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate model of humility is found in Jesus Christ, whose life and ministry exemplified selflessness and servitude. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul exhorts believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This passage reveals the depth of Christ's humility, as He willingly relinquished His divine privileges for the sake of humanity.

Humility in Practice

Humility manifests in various practical ways in the life of a believer. It involves recognizing one's dependence on God, acknowledging one's limitations, and esteeming others above oneself. James 4:10 encourages believers to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" , indicating that true exaltation comes from God in response to a humble heart.

Furthermore, humility fosters unity and peace within the church. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This passage highlights the role of humility in maintaining harmony and strengthening the community of faith.

The Reward of Humility

Scripture assures that humility is not only a command but also brings divine favor and blessing. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life" . This promise reflects the biblical principle that God honors those who walk humbly before Him, granting them spiritual and sometimes material blessings.

In summary, humility is an essential attribute for saints, as it aligns them with the character of Christ and enables them to live in harmony with others. By clothing themselves with humility, believers reflect the transformative power of the Gospel and bear witness to the grace of God in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... Not so! What we should do on All Saints' Day is to place ourselves, with all humility,
if but for an hour, where we can look afar off upon our betters ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

To Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of St. Dominic
... but it has not the perfection of the saints, who are ... And should it seem that God
showed us repeatedly the ... to them and to thyself, using ever a true humility. ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to daniella of orvieto clothed.htm

Prayer and Humility
... Certainly he should have known by that time how to pray, but alas ... and fasting for
the appetites, were the symbols of humility for the Old Testament saints. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

The Loftiness of Humility
... is, that each and every one of us should try and ... mindedness, which comes from above,
is none other than humility. ... All my delight is in the saints that dwell in ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xx the loftiness of.htm

Humility.
... a man in the pulpit say that he should take offence ... to be "less than the least of
all saints," and again ... amazed at the thought of how little humility is sought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... of godliness, inasmuch as they were clothed with the ... savoured too much of lowly humility,
and this ... the honourable Angels and of all Saints, should be venerated ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of the synod 2.htm

Pride and Humility
... that is turned by the wind, but he should be one ... Such honor have all the saints."
Thou shalt ... wave the palm one day, for thou hast now that humility which comes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... that is turned by the wind, but he should be one ... Such honor have all the saints."
Thou shalt ... wave the palm one day, for thou hast now that humility which comes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Christ Teaching Humility
... then there is one other reason why we should learn this ... Gideon had learned the lesson
of humility before God made ... less than the least of all saints," and "the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching humility.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... and seldom talking with seriousness and humility of the ... can against the holy violence
of the saints; this sufficeth me ... Who should make laws for us, but he that ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm