Never Back Down : Pursue Humility a study of Philippians Week III

Never Back Down : Pursue Humility

A Study of Philippians – Week III

Dillon T. Thornton – Flint Hill Baptist Church

Student Worship – May 28, 2008

Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)
Introduction
 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
“Pride is the worst viper that is in the heart.” --Jonathon Edwards
“At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.” --John Stott

Why is Pride So Dangerous?

Our Greatest Enemy

1. Pride was the first sin.

You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high… Isaiah 14:13
2. Pride was the first human sin.

But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” Genesis 3:4-5
3. Pride is at the core of all sin.
“Pride is the mother of all sin.” --St. Augustine
*Pride is aspiring to the status and position of God rather than acknowledging our absolute dependence on God.
4. The strongest language in all of Scripture is used in reference to the sin of pride.

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant… Proverbs 6:16-17 (MSG)
Pride and arrogance… I hate. Proverbs 8:13
5. God swiftly and severely judges the prideful.

You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high… Isaiah 14:13
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

Who Among us is Humble?

Our Great Example

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11
1. We are not humble, nor will we ever be.
2. Jesus is our perfect example of humility.

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  Notice the incarnation of Christ (Humility)
  
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  Notice the exaltation of Christ (Glory)
  

3. We must devote our lives to pursuing humility.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you… I Peter 5:5-6

How Do I Pursue Humility?

Practical Combat Tactics

1. Reflect on the cross.
2. Begin each day by acknowledging your dependence upon God.
3. Practice the spiritual disciplines.
4. Put forth extra effort to memorize Scripture.
5. Transfer the glory to God.
“When we have done anything praiseworthy we must hide ourselves under the veil of humility, and transfer the glory of all we have done to God.”

--Thomas Watson

Conclusion – The Never Back Down Fight Club
The True and Untold account of Martin Luther

1483-1546