Topical Bible: Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God

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Definition and Importance

Humility is a virtue that involves a modest view of one's own importance. In the biblical context, it is often associated with submission to God and recognition of one's dependence on Him. Humility is highly regarded by God and is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, where it is often contrasted with pride.

Biblical Examples

1. Moses: Moses is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). Despite his significant role as the leader of Israel and the mediator of the Law, Moses consistently demonstrated humility by relying on God's guidance and interceding for the people.

2. David: King David, despite his royal status, exhibited humility in his relationship with God. In Psalm 51, David expresses deep repentance and humility after his sin with Bathsheba, acknowledging his need for God's mercy: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary exemplifies humility in her response to the angel Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' birth. She refers to herself as "the Lord's servant" and submits to God's will, saying, "May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

4. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus 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" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus' life and sacrificial death on the cross are the epitome of humility and obedience to the Father's will.

Teachings on Humility

1. God's Favor: Scripture consistently teaches that God favors the humble. 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'" . Humility is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and favor.

2. Exaltation by God: Humility is often linked with eventual exaltation by God. Jesus taught, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). This principle underscores the divine reversal where the humble are lifted up by God.

3. Dependence on God: Humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This trust and acknowledgment are rooted in humility.

4. Servanthood: Jesus taught that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in servanthood. In Mark 10:43-44, He instructs, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all" . Humility is expressed through serving others selflessly.

Consequences of Humility

1. Wisdom and Guidance: Humility opens the door to divine wisdom and guidance. Psalm 25:9 declares, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" . The humble are teachable and receptive to God's instruction.

2. Peace and Rest: Humility brings peace and rest to the soul. Jesus invites the weary to come to Him, promising rest: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

3. Community and Unity: Humility fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . Humility is essential for maintaining healthy relationships within the church.

Conclusion

Humility is a foundational Christian virtue that is highly esteemed by God. It is characterized by a recognition of one's dependence on God, a willingness to serve others, and a teachable spirit. Through humility, believers receive God's grace, wisdom, and guidance, and are ultimately exalted by Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD be high, yet has he respect to the lowly: but the proud he knows afar off.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 66:2
For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, said the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Humility.
... breast, and a golden breast must have a golden ... That represented himself as he regarded
himself, the image ... returned, and he acknowledged with humility, that his ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/liv humility.htm

Humility.
... That was another object lesson of humility. ... says that Mark's gospel is to be regarded
as memoirs of Peter's discourses, and to have been published by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

Sanctification
... in Our Lady, therefore perfect sanctification must have been in ... did Our Lady speak
of her humility, and not ... when she said, "For He hath regarded the lowliness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/vi sanctification.htm

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 all ... with all his heart and has not regarded his soul ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifteenth chapter the grace.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Rogatianus, Concerning the Deacon who Contended ...
... and to satisfy the bishop set over him with full humility. ... they should rather perceive
that they have sinned and ... Numbers 16:9, 10) must be regarded apart from ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxiv to rogatianus concerning.htm

Book 4
... 68. The Church is regarded in two points of view; as ... God declares his condescension
towards us: we have a most excellent training to humility and obedience ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 4.htm

Jerusalem
... can do is to discover it and obey it with humility. ... In general the Jews regarded
God as unique ... natural enough to the heathen world, would have been unthinkable ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/ii jerusalem.htm

The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the ...
... Him does He enjoin us to worship in humility, as the ... as being unborn, could not,
of course, have possessed any ... of his descent, but was to be regarded as one of ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxxvi the parables of the.htm

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... St Augustine says, that the man who walks in true humility will most certainly have
to suffer ... Thy life also must be regarded as unworthy of notice, as folly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxii on the exaltation.htm

Introduction to the "Theological" Orations.
... our Lord, all expressions savouring of humility or weakness ... yet all the attributes
of God are ascribed ... at Constantinople could scarcely have regarded itself as ...
/.../lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to the theological orations.htm