Bible Message/Preaching : Clothed in Humility
.... Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (1 Pet 5:5)
Humility is one of the economics of the Kingdom of God. It is not regarded as a positive virtue in modern world which is so individualistic.
Humility is a very delicate matter!! We say we're & can get proud to be humble and then our humility is destroyed!!
A proverb - Water flow through low land! Spiritual side-> Holy Spirit will be there when we have humility!!
Jesus has set us an example & He explains them -> John 13:12-15 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
But beware of False Humility – we should not fall into such traps -- some churches will take Lords table only after washing each others feet. This is like a ritual. I know a brother at a conference – a preacher was exhorting to clean shoe of neighbours! The people were all around were using paper towels to wipe others polished shoes! This poor brother was not convinced about the act, because he was thinking of using his only cloth towel when the preacher was so forceful in making people do what he said.... Then he realised the true nature of this activity.... Some years later an opportunity to clean dirty toilet was given to him! Then God spoke in his heart that this is an example of true humility what God requires of people to do.
Phil 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We see this example in detail here-> Luk 22:40-44 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
2 Chro 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Isa 66:2 .."But on this one will I look: On him who is (poor=) humble and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
2 Cor 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Pet 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. -> Our temporary inconveniences will be rewarded later!
Delivered 4 Dec 2009
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