The Life of Virtue, Part 4

Servants Preparation Curriculum

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Humility and Meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Definition

• It is feeling unworthy of compliments for great achievements and attributing them to God’s grace in your life
• Examples of success in school, work, service, sports, and/or deaconship

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“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3)

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Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Jesus Is Our Role Model

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Jesus’ Humility and Meekness

• Chose to be born in a small village and not a big city like Rome or Athens
• Chose to be born in a manger and not a house
• Chose his guardian to be a carpenter and not a governor or a king
• Chose his messenger to be a simple ascetic man, John The Baptist
• Chose his disciples as poor fishermen and not wise rich people
• Lived a simple life among poor people and did not even have 2 denarii for the temple tax
• Washed His disciples' feet before His crucifixion

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Jesus’ Humility and Meekness Cont.

• Performing simple and low tasks without feeling shameful

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, Fr. Abraham

• Welcome and washed the three guests’ feet (Genesis 18:1-5)

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“So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant” (Genesis 18:2-5)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, Moses and Jethro

• Jethro advised Moses on organizing the service
• Moses accepted his advice with humility and meekness

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“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:21-22)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, Moses and Jethro Cont.

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, David serving King Saul

• King Saul was rejected by God
• Samuel anointed David, David served Saul, and Saul tried repeatedly to kill David

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, St. Mary serving Elizabeth

• Although Archangel Gabriel announced to St. Mary that she will be the mother of God (deserved to be served by all), but she went to serve Elizabeth during her pregnancy

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Examples, St. Mary

“Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:30-34)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Manifestations

• The humble person should feel unworthy of recognition for great success and attribute all to the grace of God

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“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Manifestations Cont.

• The humble person should feel God’s protection and covering is the main cause of his progress

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“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1)

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• The house is my spiritual life
• The city is my whole life

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Manifestations Cont.

• The humble person should give credit others for their success and always feel part of a team. He should thank others for their role even if it was small. He should apologize for his mistakes. He should be obedient and not stubborn or argumentative. He should perform little tasks like cleaning or working without feeling shame. He should seek to learn from others regardless of their age because he knows that he is the least in knowledge, service, skills, spiritual growth, etc.

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Manifestations Cont.

• The humble person should NOT
• Race to be the leader or be on top but rater let others pick him
• Talk about himself and his achievements unless asked to
• Compare himself with others or brag about himself
• Judge others
• Get jealous of others
• Underestimate others advise or critiques
• Be stubborn or adamant in their opinions but be flexible

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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King Herod’s Pride

• He refused to go back on his vow

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“He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom”” (Mark 6:23)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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King Herod’s Pride Cont.

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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King Nebuchadnezzar

• The gold statue
• His statue was as high as a temple in Jerusalem
• He ordered everyone to bow down to his image and God punished him to live like animals for 7 years

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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King Nebuchadnezzar Cont.

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Tax Collectors Repentance

• God accepted his repentance
• The pharisee judged the tax collector while the tax collector offered repentance to God
• Luke 18:9-14

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Blessings of Humility and Meekness

• Securing The Kingdom of Heaven
• Feeling grateful and thankful to God
• Enjoying inner happiness and cheerfulness
• Casting away the spirit of judgment
• Putting a high trust in and submission to God

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

27

The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Acquiring The Virtue of Meekness

• Realize that all talents, skills, and success are gifts from God

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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17)

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• Then you should not boast, but always be thankful to God for your success

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Acquiring The Virtue of Meekness Cont.

• Your prayer did not heal the sick or raise the dead
• Your prayer did not bring down the rain or cast away the storms
• St. Peter and St. Paul

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Acquiring The Virtue of Meekness Cont.

• Did your service go to different continents like St. Paul?
• Did your service change generations like Habib Gergis?
• Were your sermons published in books like Pope Shenouda III?
• Were you able to move multitudes towards spiritual revival?
• Were you able to start a charity for the less fortunate individuals?

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Acquiring The Virtue of Meekness Cont.

• God expects more from you
• God granted you a lot (knowledge, skills, talents, etc.) and expects a lot from you in return
• So far, did you serve God with all your strength, skills, soul, etc.?

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Acquiring The Virtue of Meekness Cont.

• Remember that we are just travelers going through life for a short time
• We call ourselves sojourners during The Divine Liturgy

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Life of Virtue, Part 4 – Humility and Meekness

Objectives:

1. To define humility and meekness
2. To understand that Jesus Christ is our role model
3. To study some examples
4. To see the manifestations
5. To learn the blessings of humility and meekness
6. To acquire the virtue of meekness

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Review Questions

• X

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Memorization Verses

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)

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• “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Lecture X, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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