Topical Bible: Ministers: should be Humble

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In the Christian tradition, humility is a foundational virtue that is expected of all believers, but it holds particular significance for those in positions of leadership and ministry. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of humility for ministers, underscoring that their role is one of service rather than self-exaltation.

Biblical Basis for Humility in Ministry

1. Jesus as the Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith, exemplified humility throughout His earthly ministry. In Philippians 2:5-7 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of 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." Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and serve others is the model for all ministers.

2. Servant Leadership: Jesus explicitly taught His disciples about the nature of true leadership. In Mark 10:43-45 , He states, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This passage highlights that greatness in God's kingdom is measured by one's capacity to serve others selflessly.

3. Warnings Against Pride: The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of pride, which is antithetical to humility. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Ministers are reminded that pride can lead to their downfall, and they are encouraged to remain humble to avoid such pitfalls.

4. Paul's Example: The Apostle Paul, a prominent leader in the early church, often spoke of his own humility in ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 , he acknowledges, "For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain." Paul attributes his ministry success to God's grace rather than his own abilities, demonstrating a humble reliance on God.

5. Peter's Exhortation: The Apostle Peter also emphasizes humility in leadership. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , he instructs, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Peter calls for leaders to serve willingly and exemplify humility in their conduct.

Practical Implications for Ministers

Ministers are called to embody humility in various aspects of their ministry. This includes acknowledging their dependence on God, prioritizing the needs of their congregation, and being open to correction and growth. Humility also involves recognizing the contributions of others and fostering a spirit of collaboration rather than competition.

In summary, humility is an essential quality for ministers, rooted in the example of Christ and reinforced by biblical teachings. It is through humility that ministers can effectively serve their communities and reflect the character of Christ in their leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:19
Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... You should be patient under the molding and fashioning hand of God, trusting him
so to fasten these truths upon ... If we as ministers are humble enough, God ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion ...
... what is the reason that the Ministers should forbid or ... from the punishment given
to many Ministers for forbidding ... so often: to whom the humble Virgin returned ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i no minister ought.htm

Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use.
... What shall I say of the hands, the ministers of reason and wisdom? ... of reason given
from heaven, it was not befitting that it should be humble or unbecoming. ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap x of the outer limbs.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... And yet, for all his humble style, the minister was ... drew near there were consultations
of ministers with closed ... at Church were forbidden they should be held in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... you will ask, Do not all ministers understand the ... A minister should understand the
philosophy of the human ... to present truth calculated to humble Christians, or ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xi a wise minister.htm

The Netherlands and Scandinavia.
... Well, we turn to the obscure theater of Sweden, and the humble names of ... It was ordered
by the Diet that throughout the kingdom, ministers should explain the ...
/.../13 the netherlands and scandinavia.htm

The Netherlands and Scandinavia
... Well, we turn to the obscure theater of Sweden, and the humble names of ... It was ordered
by the Diet that throughout the kingdom, ministers should explain the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 13 the netherlands and.htm

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is ...
... should therefore be much in prayer for ministers, that the ... more sanctification in
the church, we should defeat our ... them broke down, and became as humble and as ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be ye therefore perfect even 2.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... open his eyes, and soften, and humble his stubborn ... If ministers would be conscientious
in performing this duty ... expect that any great good should be effected by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... I tell you, sirs, he can find ministers for his truth ... monitor, rather than as a seer,
I should not wonder ... were once content to worship with the humble ones, get ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm