The Journey of Humbleness

Matthew 11:25-29.

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Understanding Humbleness or Humility --- a significant challenge for a Jesus Follower.

Humbleness – the joke!

Humbleness -- scorned in the ancient world – the role of slaves.

In the Bible – “With humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2) “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34)

There is virtue in humbleness/humility.

The Journey of Humbleness

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Augustine:“Humility is the foundation of all other virtues.”

The Journey of Humbleness

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Jesus – “I am meek and humble in heart.”Learn from him – take “my yoke.”His relationship of submission to his Father.

The Journey of HumblenessMatthew 11:25-29

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C.S. Lewis.“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”Humbleness places God first – the reality of the first great command.

The Journey of HumblenessMatthew 11:25-29

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Jesus taught us:“Whoever humbles himself as this child, this person is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.”Humble dependence upon God – serving attitude to others

The Journey of HumblenessMatthew 18:4

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Augustine:“It was pride that changed angels into devils: it is humility that changes people into angels.”

The Journey of HumblenessMatthew 18:4

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Paul urges:“with humbleness of mind regard one another as better than yourselves.” Grace requires us to regard our neighbour in an entirely new light.Humbleness is the only means to fulfill the second great command.

The Journey of HumblenessPhilippians 2:3

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Peter teaches:“then be humbled under the mighty hand of God, in order that he might exalt you at an opportune time, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

The Journey of Humbleness1 Peter 5:5-6

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Humbleness and submission – 1 Peter 2:13-17.

The will of God for his “slaves.”

1 Peter 4:19 – committing ourselves to our faithful Creator.

The Journey of Humbleness1 Peter 5:5-6

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Humbleness operates in the context of promise, hope and trust. Worship is the continual “bending of the knee” in service to God and neighbour.

The Journey of Humbleness1 Peter 5:5-6

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1. Humbleness is an attitude of heart and mind that lives in submission to God. It is the attitude of the slave.

The Journey of HumblenessTakeaways

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2. Embracing humbleness is the only means through which to love our neighbours as ourselves.

The Journey of HumblenessTakeaways

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3. Jesus incarnated humbleness, being completely and fully obedient to his Father.

The Journey of HumblenessTakeaways

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4. Humbleness as a lifestyle choice is possible only if and because we trust God.

The Journey of HumblenessTakeaways

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