True And False Humility

The Christian And His Emotions

Important elements of community life

Love, Unity, Service (Phil. 2:2,4)

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The key is humility

(Phil. 2:3)

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False Humility

Wrong approach: consider everyone better than yourself (a misunderstanding of Phil 2:3)

a) Common interpretation:

* Low opinion of self.

* Feel bad about self

* Think inferior to others.

b) Problems with this approach:

* You don't genuinely believe yourself to be such a wretched person.

* You see people who are not obviously better.

* You spend too much time in comparing.

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False Humility

This leads to an emotional problem: Lack of self-respect, self-worth and self-confidence.

1. Often at root of obstacles such as weight difficulties (e.g. Anxious = eat lots), personality conflicts, sexual problems, etc.
2. Some manifestations: Aggressive striving for approval, Depression, Self-pity, Defensiveness, Difficulty in receiving correction, Inability to receive praise and encouragement. "He just trying to be nice“, Self-condemnation.

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True Humility

ROMANS 12:3. "think with sober judgment"

a) Hold an opinion of ourselves based on "sober" judgment.

* Think accurately and truthfully. Don't yield to unreasonable influences or unjustified extremes.

* We can fail to view ourselves with "sober judgment" in two different ways:

- grand self-opinion inflated by alcohol when drunk;

- depression when drunk

b) A truthful opinion, not a low one. The goal is clear thinking.

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What is the truth about ourselves?

1. Neither of two extremes: pride and self-condemning.

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b) Two basic truths:

* We are dependent creatures

- we rely upon God in everything

- only God's resources of wisdom and power can genuinely change lives.

- everything that we have is a gift from God.

* God loves and values us. (Eph. 1:4. Gen. 1:26; Ps. 8)

- we are creatures created in God's own image and likeness.

- we have been redeemed and made a part of God's people.

- Each of us has gifts and abilities to be used to serve God and brethren.

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True Christian humility

Philippians 2:3-4

1. Understanding hinges on the word "superior" or "better".
2. Does not mean "superior in value, ability or virtue." Does not connote inferiority. Refers rather to social position and the master-servant relationship. One's "betters" were those "over" one in the accepted structure of society, those whom one was obliged to specially serve and honor.

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True Christian humility

Philippians 2:3-4

c) Thus, to think of others as superior to oneself is to be a servant to others. Be at the disposal of others. Thus the truly humble man is one who is willing to take the lowest position, that of a servant.

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True Christian humility

Philippians 2:3-4

d) Opposites of humility: Rivalry (selfishness) and conceit. Phil. 2:3a

* Rivalry or selfishness - Greek "eritheia," i.e., self-seeking or selfish ambition. Striving for position and power with personal aggrandizement as a primary motive.

* Conceit or empty glory. Acting out of a desire for one's reputation, so that others will admire you, honor you, pay attention to you

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Handling Problems

What do we do?

1. Desire for empty glory arises from two different sources:

1. Pride and ambition.

* Solution: Repent. Simply decide to change.

b) Insecurity and feelings of low self-worth.

* Solution: Grow more secure and confident, such to be sought and found in the love of the Lord.

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Handling Problems

Practical suggestions for overcoming problems of self-image:

a) Acknowledge the problem. Recognize the disorder.

b) Repent.

* For believing lies about ourselves.

* For yielding to self-pity or self-preoccupation.

c) Accept the truth about ourselves: God loves me. He thinks I am worthwhile.

d) Receive encouragement from our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Receive affection, love, respect and personal support, as well as evaluation.

* Necessity of active and open participation in a set of supportive relationships in MFC.

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Handling Problems

Practical suggestions for overcoming problems of self-image:

e) Be humble, i.e., focus not on self but on serving others, putting them first.

f) Be patient. Do not grow weary or disheartened if problem does not go away quickly. Need for perseverance.

g) Pray.

* Ps. 145:18-19

* Pray for confidence, strength and boldness.

* Ask others for prayers.

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Our Lord is the perfect model of true humility.

Phil. 2:5-11

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