HUMILITY
Philippians 2:1–11
Two words that should never be found beside one another are “arrogant” and “Christian.” There is no one more unlike Christ than someone full of themselves and consumed by ego.
There have been preachers whom I have respected from a distance, but when I met them in person, I walked away feeling disgusted by their aloofness and smug demeanor. A person who shares God’s Word should be the humblest soul in the room. Genuine humility cannot be counterfeited, and others can spot a phony a mile away.
At the same time, humility is not beating yourself up or degrading yourself to fit in or hide the gifts God has given you. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. The key to humility is to be rooted in love.
When you genuinely love someone, you are more likely to prioritize their needs above your own. When you love someone, you want to see them succeed, and garnering attention for yourself is of no importance to you.
Love lays the groundwork for humility. (1–2)
I cannot read the Book of Philippians without remembering the environment in which it was penned. The ink that formed these words dried on parchment behind the walls of a prison. But Paul possessed more joy in confinement than many people do in their air-conditioned churches. He found his hope in Christ. In Christ, we find love. In love, we find unity. In unity, there is humility.
Have you ever wondered what holds the Church together and has allowed it to endure for over 2,000 years? It is the love of Christ. That should compel us to be people of humility. Where you find church problems, you will also find a lack of love and humility.
Love leads us to humbly serve others. (3–4)
Boys are taught at an early age how to hold a door open for a lady and demonstrate manners. It would be great if that would continue for all ages and all people. It should be our highest honor to treat others with respect and serve them with the love of Jesus.
If you want to love like Jesus, serve others as graciously and humbly as Jesus has served you. Cleaning toilets on a missions trip is just as important in the eyes of the Lord as preaching or teaching in front of hundreds of people. If serving is beneath you, leadership is beyond you.
Follow the example of Jesus in displaying humility. (5–11)
These verses are among the greatest in all of Scripture. They present a supreme picture of humility found in Jesus. Do you realize that every perfect example of how to live a godly life is demonstrated through Christ?
The Bible reveals to us the beauty of Jesus and also what is expected of us. It is in Christ’s submission to the cross that we can claim victory. Without Him choosing to humble Himself on our behalf, we would never know the joy of eternal life.
In His humility, He is exalted and our salvation is secure. Resist the temptation to be arrogant. If you are looking for the way up in the eyes of Jesus, get down on your knees in humility, and you will find Him there.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
