Humility and Greatness (Inspiration of the scriptures)

Song:

1. Lord I want to be like Jesus inner my heart (2x)
Inner my heart (4x)
Lord I want to be like Jesus inner my heart

A. Introduction

11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12).

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).

3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

  5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
  6Who, being in very nature God,
      did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
  7but made himself nothing,
      taking the very nature of a servant,
      being made in human likeness.
  8And being found in appearance as a man,
      he humbled himself
      and became obedient to death—
         even death on a cross!
  9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
      and gave him the name that is above every name,
  10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
  11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:3-11)

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21).

B. The danger of pride

Pride in plan, decision, purchasing, decoration, choice of friends (segregate)

  16 There are six things the LORD hates,
       seven that are detestable to him:

  17 haughty eyes,
       a lying tongue,
       hands that shed innocent blood,

  18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
       feet that are quick to rush into evil,

  19 a false witness who pours out lies
       and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5).

  12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17).

  16 The LORD says,
       "The women of Zion are haughty,
       walking along with outstretched necks,
       flirting with their eyes,
       tripping along with mincing steps,
       with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

  17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;
       the LORD will make their scalps bald."

  18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings and bracelets and veils, 20 the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings, 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

  24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
       instead of a sash, a rope;
       instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
       instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
       instead of beauty, branding.

  25 Your men will fall by the sword,
       your warriors in battle.

  26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
       destitute, she will sit on the ground. (Isaiah 3:16-26).

“The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,” (Isaiah 2:17).

C. True humility in God’s sight

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10).

5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5).

D. A life of courage and fearlessness

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4). 

God bless you

 Evang. John B. Oseh