The Mind of Christ: Humility

Standing Firm in Difficult Times
Stand Firm with Humility 

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday February 17, 2019

This Week Reading:  Philippians 2:3-11  Additional Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-7; 1 Corinthians 13;5; James 4:6-10 

Introduction

Humility is a misunderstood word. In the ancient world of the philosophers humility was not one of the 12 virtues listed by Aristotle. Often today humility is seen as weakness. Some mistakenly understand humility to mean someone who is shy and does not like to speak in public. Very few people would list humility as one of their top goals in life. These verses give a clear definition of humility in verse 3-4. Humility is valuing others above yourself and putting the interests of others ahead of your interests. These verses also bring out the opposite of humility. Note that the opposite of humility is not boldness. The first word that is opposed to humility in these verses is the word translated in verse 3 as selfish ambition (NIV). This is a Greek work that originally was used to refer to the wages a worker received. In effect it is doing something to benefit yourself. I work this job so I can get paid would be a good example. The second word that is placed opposite of humility is translated vain conceit. This Greek word comes from a root word meaning empty. The picture is of someone trying to look good in front of others but there is no real substance behind what they are saying.

Jesus completely revolutionized the importance of humility. Repeatedly Jesus taught his disciples both by example and by teaching that the leader was to be humble. One of many of Jesus' teaching on the importance of humility was in John chapter 13 verses 1-18. Jesus takes the position of a servant and washes his disciples feet much to their astonishment. In verse 15 Jesus states that he has given us an example to follow, an example of service. For a follower of Jesus humility is to be a way of life in all relationships. Followers of Jesus are called to put the interests of others ahead of their own interests. Humility is not weakness on the contrary it requires great strength to be humble. As Francis Frangipane notes:

     Humility is the first of all virtues and the sustainer of each. No virtue enters our souls except humility          first bids it come. Indeed, no virtue attains it's potential except humility inspires it's reach. If our                  spiritual growth is truly a gift of grace, then we must remember: God gives grace only to the humble.  

Background Information

The book of Philippians is actually a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at a city called Philippi. At the time Paul wrote the letter he was in prison for his faith (see chapter 1: verses 7,13 and 16). The people in Philippi were also facing persecution and were told by Paul to expect it. (1:29). One of several purposes for which Paul wrote the letter was so that the church and the people would stand firm in the difficult times they were facing (1:27 and 4;1). Thus one of the themes of the book is how to stand firm in difficult times. Chapter 1 verse 27 is a key verse for the book. 

These verses us the example of Jesus as an example of humility. Jesus is and was 100% God yet he emptied himself or humbled himself by taking on the limitations of human flesh. Jesus was also 100% human. Paul notes that Jesus became a servant. This is a name Paul gives himself in verse 1 of chapter 1. The cross is the ultimate example of humility. On the cross God died for our benefit.
  

An Outline 

I. Standing Firm Requires a Basic Shift in our Attitude -  Verses 3-4

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.  1 Corinthians 10:24

Becoming a follower of Jesus involves a radical shift in ourselves from a self oriented focus to a other oriented focus.

II. A Mind Set and an Example - Verses 5-8

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind towards each other that Christ Jesus had.  Romans 15: 5

You must have a supernatural change in your heart and mind to become the humble person God created you to be.

III. The Power of Humility - Verses 9-11

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.  Matthew 23:11-12

Humility (putting others first) releases God's power in your life, your situation and relationships and draws people to Jesus.  

Digging Deeper Questions

1. Who is the most humble person that you know? Why? What characteristics about that person make them humble? On a scale of 1-10 how humble are you? (10 being the highest)
2. Read verse 3 and 4 out loud and break it down into smaller parts and discuss each part and think of examples for each part.
3. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? As a group come up with a definition of humility
4. Read verses 6-8 aloud. Break it down and discuss how Jesus demonstrated humility. 
5. What are some practical ways you can begin to be humble in your relationships? - be specific
6. Are there any areas of your life in which you need to humble yourself? Pray about those areas and ask for God to change your heart. How will your humility affect others in your life/
7. What will you apply from these verses?

This Week's Challenge 

Work on becoming aware of whether you are putting your interests ahead of others.

Additional Resource:

Francis Frangipane is an author of books on spiritual growth with an emphasis humility and spiritual warfare. Here is a link to his ministry website.   http://www.frangipane.org/

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