Topical Encyclopedia Humility is a central theme in the Bible, often depicted as a virtue that leads to divine exaltation. The Scriptures consistently illustrate that those who humble themselves before God are lifted up by Him. This principle is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that humility is not only a personal virtue but also a pathway to receiving God's favor and elevation.Old Testament Examples 1. Joseph: Joseph's life is a profound example of humility leading to exaltation. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph remained humble and faithful to God. His humility and integrity eventually led to his rise as the second most powerful man in Egypt. Genesis 41:40-41 records Pharaoh's words to Joseph: "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." 2. Moses: Known for his meekness, Moses is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His humility before God and reliance on divine guidance resulted in his exaltation as a leader and prophet. 3. David: Before becoming king, David demonstrated humility in his service to Saul and in his refusal to harm Saul, despite having opportunities to do so. His psalms often reflect a heart of humility and dependence on God. In 1 Samuel 2:7 , Hannah's prayer foreshadows David's experience: "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts." New Testament Teachings 1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus Christ, who, though being in the form of God, "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). His humility in life and obedience unto death on the cross led to His exaltation by God, as Philippians 2:9 states: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names." 2. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary exemplifies humility in her response to the angel Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' birth. Her Magnificat, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, highlights God's favor upon the humble: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble" (Luke 1:52). 3. The Apostles: The apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, teach and exemplify humility. Peter, once proud and impulsive, learned humility through his failures and was later exalted as a foundational leader of the early Church. In 1 Peter 5:6 , he advises, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." Biblical Principles The Bible consistently teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility is not merely an attitude but a lifestyle that acknowledges one's dependence on God and prioritizes His will above personal ambition. Proverbs 22:4 encapsulates this truth: "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." In summary, the biblical narrative affirms that humility is a prerequisite for divine exaltation. Those who humble themselves before God, acknowledging their need for His guidance and grace, are often lifted to positions of influence and honor, demonstrating the transformative power of humility in the life of a believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:11For whoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:14 Library Prayer and Humility Humility. Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility. Christ's Humility Our Salvation. Whether Humility is the Greatest of the virtues? Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ). The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ... That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act. Christ's Exaltation Pride and Humility Resources What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.org Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
    |