Humility
- Pst. Silas
- Feb 10
- 11 min read
Feb 8th, 2026. Pst. Silas.
1. THE MEANING OF HUMILITY
Humility is recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves. It involves a heart posture that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and prioritizes service to others.
Humility is a fundamental Christian virtue that reflects the heart of Christ. It is the opposite of pride and self-exaltation, which lead to destruction. Humility enables believers to serve others, grow in grace, and glorify God in their daily lives.
1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
· And first and foremost, one of the trials to, which humility will be exposed is the possession of great ability. When a man hath seven talents he must recollect that he hath seven burdens
· We are what God has made us, so far as gifts are concerned. If the Lord said to Moses “Who hath made man’s mouth?” because Moses said he was of stammering speech, ye may say that to yourselves if ye can speak well. Or if ye act well, “Who hath made man’s arm ?” Or if ye think well, “Who hath made man’s brain?”
· The honour never can be to the thing itself, but to that Mighty One who made it what it is.
Great talents make it hard for a man to maintain humility. Shall I surprise you when I say that little talents have precisely the same effect.
· You may be a king and yet be humble; you may be a beggar and yet be proud;.
· Again, success often has a very sorry influence upon humility. Great success is like a full cup; it is hard to hold it with a steady hand.
· Failure doesn’t make it easier for you to be humble either; Have you not seen the man who could not get a congregation, and who insisted upon it, that it was because he was a better preacher than the man who did?
· Long enjoyment of the Master's presence has a tendency to make us proud.
· A life of doubts also makes you proud before God-When a man has long been doubting his God, and mistrusting his promise, what is that but pride?
There is not a position in the world where a man cannot be humble if he have grace; there is not a station under heaven where a man will not be proud if left to himself. I pray you, never think that leaving one station and getting into another, will be any help to your humility.
It is not the place, it is the heart; it is not the position, but the grace. That man is as safe on a pinnacle as on level ground, if God hold him up; and he is as much in danger in the valley as he is upon the high place, if God be not with him.
· A sinner saved by grace and yet proud! Out on such impudence! God pardon us, and deliver us from that evil.
There was an excellent lady, who accosted her preacher, and told him that she had always prayed that he might be kept humble. Of course, the preacher was excessively grateful to her, although it was a very usual thing, so he said to her, “But do you not need to pray the same prayer for yourself?” “Oh! no,” said she, “there is no necessity; I do not think there is any tendency in me to be proud.” Well, the preacher assured the good lady that he thought it was necessary for her to pray always, for as sure as ever she thought she had no tendency to be proud, that proved at once that she was proud already.
· We are never, never so much in danger of being proud, as when we think we are humble.
· Go then, I pray you, as Christian men, and speak with the poor and needy. Be kind and affectionate towards all men. Let your Christian life suggest Christian courtesy, and courtesy charity.
Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Supporting Texts: James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 23:12; Proverbs 22:4
A. Dependence on God
Humility begins with recognizing that every good thing comes from God.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
B. Acknowledging Weakness
Humility requires admitting our limitations and need for God’s grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
“What was there in you that could merit esteem, Or give the Creator delight?” What was there in you that Christ should buy you with his precious blood? What in you that you should be made the temple of the Holy Ghost? What is there in you that you should be brought to heaven; that you should be made to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, at the right hand of God? — Charles H. Spurgeon
C. Valuing Others
A humble person esteems others better than themselves, promoting unity and love Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
D. Obedience to God
Humility is demonstrated in submission to God’s will
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Biblical Example:
Jesus exemplified humility by taking the form of a servant and obeying unto death Philippians 2:7-8 ...rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[a] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
2. THE BENEFITS OF HUMILITY
Humility opens the door to divine blessings and spiritual growth.
A. Receives God’s Grace
God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud .
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
B. Promotes Spiritual Growth
Humility fosters teachability, enabling us to grow in faith and wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
C. Leads to Exaltation
God exalts the humble in due time.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
D. Builds Strong Relationships
· Humility promotes peace, unity, and love among believers .
Ephesians 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
E. With Humility Comes Wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
F. Humility Comes Before Honor.
Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 18:12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
G. Riches and Honor and Life.
Zephaniah 2:3 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
H. Humility Brings God’s Protection
Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.
Never fight a humble man, you will be struck by God.
Biblical Example:
· King David, though anointed, exhibited humility, leading to God’s favor.
· Moses the first prophet of Israel was more humble than any man-when men arose against him, God fought for him.
· Esther was a humble woman who attracted the favor of God.
1 Samuel 24:5-7 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
3. THE DANGERS OF PRIDE
Pride is the greatest enemy of humility and leads to spiritual downfall.
A. Opposition from God
God resists the proud but supports the humble
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
B. Self-Destruction
Pride blinds us to our faults, leading to moral and spiritual failure.
Proverbs 18:12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
C. Strains Relationships
Pride causes conflicts and divisions among people.
Proverbs 13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
D. Hinders Spiritual Growth
A proud heart prevents us from acknowledging our need for God’s help.
Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.:
Biblical Example:
King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led to his humiliation until he acknowledged God
Daniel 4:28-37 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
1 Samuel 15:10 Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night. 12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.”
· Pride is self-seeking.
1 Samuel 13: 7-10 Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.
“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time
· Pride tells you ,you can do it too.
· You do not need anyone.
· He forgot Samuel appointed him king while he shyly hid behind other Israelites.
Genesis 3:6-7 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
· Pride makes you think your eyes are open when they are actually closed.
· It makes you even question the instructions of God.
· It removes the instructions of God from the picture.
“We are about to enter into a large edifice, having large designs in our hearts, and hoping that God will give us large success. Let us have humble motives in all this. I hope we have not built that house that we may say with Nebuchadnezzar, “Behold this great Babylon which I have builded.” We must not go to our pulpit and to our pews with this soft note ringing in our ears. “Here will I make unto myself my nest and gain a great name;’ or, “Here will be members of the largest Baptist church to receive a part of the honour which is bestowed upon the success of the ministry.” No; let us go into that house wondering at what God has done for us; marveling that God should give such grace to such a church, and that it should have such innumerable conversions in its midst. Then, when we have settled upon our work, when we see that God is blessing us, let us still keep very low before him. If we want to lose God’s presence it can soon be done. Pride can shut the door in the face of Christ.” — Charles H. Spurgeon
4. HOW TO CULTIVATE HUMILITY
Humility is a fruit of the Spirit that must be nurtured through intentional practices.
A. Imitate Christ
Follow the example of Christ’s humility in your actions and attitudes.
John 13:14-15 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Philippians 2:1 Imitating Christ’s Humility Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
B. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty
Regularly surrender to God’s will and recognize His authority.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
C. Serve Others
Engage in acts of kindness and service without seeking recognition
Matthew 20:26-28 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
D. Charge to Young People
1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
E. Practice Gratitude
Cultivate thankfulness for God’s blessings and the contributions of others.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
· God’s goodness towards us, which should make us exceedingly humble. You remember that text, which says, “Put on therefore as the elect of God, bowels of compassion and humbleness of mind.”
Biblical Example:
Ruth displayed humility by serving Naomi and submitting to God’s providence, leading to her blessing.
Ruth 2:2-3 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
5. THE IMPACT OF HUMILITY IN CHRISTIAN LIVING
Humility transforms our lives, relationships, and service to God.
A. Reflects God’s Character
Humility mirrors the nature of Christ to the world.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
B. Strengthens Fellowship
A humble heart fosters unity and harmony within the church.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
C. Attach Greater Values To Others
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
D. Empowers Effective Witness
Humility makes the gospel more appealing to unbelievers.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
E. Demonstrates Love
Humility is the foundation for selfless love and sacrificial living.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Biblical Example:
The early church practiced humility and unity, leading to exponential growth.
Acts 2:46-47 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
CONCLUSION:
Humility is an essential virtue that draws us closer to God, strengthens our relationships, and enables us to fulfil our purpose. As we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will exalt us in due time. Let us ask for the grace to live humbly before God and man.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to walk in humility daily by transforming my heart to walk in Christ humility .
2. Father, deliver me from every root of pride.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to value others above myself.
4. Lord, give me the grace to submit to Your will.
5. Father, make me a vessel of honour in Your kingdom.
6. Lord, empower me to serve others selflessly.
7. Lord, help me to grow in grace and wisdom.
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