Topical Bible: Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace

◄ Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace ►

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Definition and Importance

Humility is a fundamental virtue in Christian theology, characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It is the opposite of pride and is often associated with meekness, lowliness, and a willingness to submit to God's will. In the Christian life, humility is not merely an attitude but a way of living that reflects the character of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of humility and its role in the believer's relationship with God. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse highlights the divine principle that humility attracts God's grace, while pride repels it. The humble are those who acknowledge their need for God and His guidance, opening themselves to receive His abundant grace.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, humility is often linked with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 3:34 declares, "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This proverb underscores the idea that God favors those who are humble, offering them His grace and favor. The life of Moses serves as a profound example of humility. Numbers 12:3 describes him as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth." Moses' humility allowed him to lead the Israelites and receive God's guidance and revelation.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of humility, particularly through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 encourages believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' life and sacrificial death exemplify the ultimate act of humility, serving as a model for all Christians.

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes humility in 1 Peter 5:5-6: "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." This passage not only reiterates the promise of grace to the humble but also assures that God will exalt them in His perfect timing.

Practical Application

Humility is not merely an abstract concept but a practical virtue that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life. It involves recognizing one's limitations, being teachable, and valuing others above oneself. In relationships, humility fosters unity and peace, as seen in Ephesians 4:2, which urges believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Moreover, humility is essential in prayer and worship. A humble heart acknowledges its need for God and approaches Him with reverence and submission. Psalm 51:17 declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Such humility in worship invites God's presence and blessing.

Conclusion

Humility is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, essential for receiving God's grace and favor. It is a virtue that believers are called to cultivate, following the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture. Through humility, Christians open themselves to the transformative power of God's grace, enabling them to live lives that honor Him and reflect His love to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 3:34
Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace to the lowly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Why he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifteenth Chapter: the Grace of Devotion is Acquired through ...
... The Grace of Devotion is Acquired Through Humility and Self ... As soon as you have given
yourself to God with ... creature will be most fit to receive grace and will ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifteenth chapter the grace.htm

That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
... grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self ... it patiently and faithfully, to
receive it gratefully ... singleness of heart, and shall have delivered himself ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv that the grace.htm

That it is no Fault of the Divine Goodness if we have not a Most ...
... but when she had no more vessels to receive it, it ... S. Francis would attain unto by
his humility, asked him ... you, tell me truly what opinion you have of yourself ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi that it is.htm

Conformity to the Will of God.
... act of contrition and dispose you to receive more abundantly the ... Sales said so much,
but a humility that is ... but more especially where you have most completely ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/i conformity to the will of.htm

Ninth Chapter
... profitable now, and the people will receive more fruit therefrom ... Wherefore, just
as much as you have been despised by ... help you to preserve it as utter humility. ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/ninth chapter.htm

Parable of the Labourers in the vineyard. (Matt. , xx. , 1-16. )
... All who have reached this point have the same thing in common; for all receive the
principle of ... and are to be received by all alike in humility of heart ...
/.../section 240 parable of the.htm

Continues the Same Subject, Explaining by a Comparison in what ...
... The second, that it is a slight lack of humility to think ... suffer and imitate our
Lord, rather than to receive consolations, for indeed we have all offended ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii continues the same 2.htm

How we Ought Lovingly to Receive God.
... Eternal Wisdom."Thou shouldst receive Me worthily, thou shouldst partake of Me with
humility, thou shouldst ... Me with conjugal love, and have Me in My ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxiii how we ought.htm

The Loftiness of Humility
... of those on whom we look down, we shall receive the just reward of true humility,
which is ... but that you may learn what great and good men have lived, and ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xx the loftiness of.htm

Prayer and Humility
... "If two angels were to receive at the ... shall say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not ... Humility is the first and last attribute of Christly religion, and ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm