It’s the Little Things Part 2

Philippians 1:27-2:4Motive of unity – humility

3 things Humility is not:

• Self-shame – The person of true humility does not think less of himself, he simply thinks of himself less.  Self-shame is false humility at best…and… it is degrading something made in the image of God at worst. 
• Quietness – Being quiet is a personality trait, humility is a spiritual maturity trait.  A person can be quiet because they are standoffish or simply because they are an introvert but true humility can be achieved no matter what natural personality bent a person has.  
• Being Passive – When God says to be humble, He lets us know we must examine our motives and attitudes. We also must examine how we take action.  But there are times when we need to take strong actions. Jesus was gentle in spirit, yet he chased the moneychangers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12 and Mark 11:15-16)

HUMILITY IS REQUIRED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – vs. 2:1-4

a.  Humility keeps me from running off course – vs. 3

b.  Humility also keeps me from running over people – vs. 4

Here’s an important question you need to answer before you can fully live out verse four.  

“Do I trust God enough to meet the needs of others when He prompts me, even if it doesn’t make sense?”  

Do I look out for the needs of others in my workplace even if it means not getting noticed for a promotion?  Do I trust God to supply all of my needs (Phil 4:19) to the point when some of my needs would appear to go unmet if I met the needs of others first?”

Humility leads to joy because I am seldom disappointed because I think of myself less often.  I am seldom concerned with the fairness of my circumstances and I am free from bitterness towards those with better circumstances. 

Two warning signs of a lack of humility: 

1. Being defensive or argumentative 
2. A demanding desire to be recognized

How to cultivate humility:

1. Ask someone if you lack it (invite criticism)
2. Repent – repentance is the hinge that growth and change swing on
3. Meditate on Christ’s example in Philippians 2:5-11 which we’ll look at in detail next week!
4. Pray for it – prayer is an admission of dependence on God to do something we cannot do left to ourselves…like naturally cultivate humility.