Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 NIV
Humility enables me…
To see that I have blind spots and receive God’s grace
… “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” JAMES 4:6 NLT
To value others above myself
“have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”
… ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ MATTHEW 22:39 NIV
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. JOHN 13:3-5 NIV
How can I become the kind of person who is marked by humility?
By lowering my defenses
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. PROVERBS 19:20 NIV
The most humble people are often the least defensive
By releasing my entitlement
“Did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage”
By making humility a daily practice
“He made himself nothing by becoming obedient to death”
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. LUKE 9:23 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 PETER 5:6 NIV
Humility is always a painful death, but it always ends in new life
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take a few deep breaths and slow down, offering Jesus any burdens you might be carrying today. When you are ready, invite God into this time, asking Him to reveal anything He would like to as you approach the issue of personal pride. Slowly and prayerfully read the following questions, taking the time to pause, inviting God to speak to any of them that stands out to you:
When someone gives you feedback, do you close up on the inside? How often do you consider the perspective of others? When was the last time you invited someone to teach you about a topic? When was the last time you changed your mind on an important issue? How willing are you to admit that you are wrong? How do you respond when you are corrected?
Review this list once more, asking God to remove any blinders that may be impeding your vision. As He brings things up, invite God’s grace into these areas of your life. Ask God to provide tangible reminders this week of His grace to you as He gently points out areas where you might need to grow in humility.
As you close your time together, spend time thanking God that He loves you enough to point out growth areas to you, and ask Him for the strength to be more like Jesus, adopting His model of humility toward others.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think of the idea that pride is a “gateway virtue;” that if you can overcome pride, all other virtues will come more easily?
- Our lack of humility can blind us from being receptive to seeing the things we need to see (especially about ourselves). Who in your life would you say is the best at receiving feedback? What sets them apart?
- What are some ways that your pride may have made you oblivious to important things in your life?
- Read James 4:6 (NLT). When have you received God’s grace when confronted with a blindspot, rather than guilt or shame?
- Read Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT). Which of these attributes that Jesus modeled do you find the most inspiring?
- Next Steps: It is easy to serve people we love; it is difficult to serve those we can’t stand. What steps do you need to take this week to better follow the example Jesus set for serving everyone–both the saint and sinner alike?
