WEEK FOUR: HUMILITY
As I prayed about dividing James into themes rather than taking it verse by verse, I could instantly see that there were clear topics about which he taught. Trials. Temptations. Sin. Prayer. The Tongue. All those made sense to me.
There was one more “theme”. Humility. I considered skipping it.
It didn’t seem important enough to merit an entire week. As I prayed about it, though, I realized that humility is KEY for disciples of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself. David, a man after God’s own heart, humbled himself. Moses was the most humble man who ever lived.
In the kingdom of God, if you want to be great, you have to choose to be least, to humble yourself. If you want answered prayer, you have to be humble.
Love is not proud. It’s not “puffed up”. What Paul meant is that love is humble. If we want to love like God loves, we need to love with humility.
DAY ONE: DEFINITIONS
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, humility is “the quality or state of being humble.” Humble is a word that can serve as both an adjective and a verb. It’s what we are and what we do. If humility is the state of being humble, to understand humility, we need to also understand “humble”. Let’s begin today with a few definitions.
As I prayed about dividing James into themes rather than taking it verse by verse, I could instantly see that there were clear topics about which he taught. Trials. Temptations. Sin. Prayer. The Tongue. All those made sense to me.
There was one more “theme”. Humility. I considered skipping it.
It didn’t seem important enough to merit an entire week. As I prayed about it, though, I realized that humility is KEY for disciples of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself. David, a man after God’s own heart, humbled himself. Moses was the most humble man who ever lived.
In the kingdom of God, if you want to be great, you have to choose to be least, to humble yourself. If you want answered prayer, you have to be humble.
Love is not proud. It’s not “puffed up”. What Paul meant is that love is humble. If we want to love like God loves, we need to love with humility.
DAY ONE: DEFINITIONS
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, humility is “the quality or state of being humble.” Humble is a word that can serve as both an adjective and a verb. It’s what we are and what we do. If humility is the state of being humble, to understand humility, we need to also understand “humble”. Let’s begin today with a few definitions.
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1) Follow the links to the the online Merriam-Webster dictionary to find the meanings of these
words. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the entry, because these words can be used as
different parts of speech. (especially note the English language learner definition of
humiliate)
a) HUMILITY: b) HUMBLE:
c) HUMILIATE:
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2) How are these three words similar? How are they different?
- 3) Jesus, who was both Son of God and Son of Man, is the ultimate example of humility. Jesus in heaven has a very different appearance from Jesus on earth. How does He demonstrate humility by His earthly appearance in contrast to His heavenly appearance? (See Zechariah 9:9, Revelation 1:13-16 and John 13:3-5)
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4) Compare and contrast Jesus’ activities on earth and in heaven. In what ways did He
demonstrate humility to us? (See Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 12:2, John 12:14-16,
John 13:3-5, John 19:1-11)
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5) When we choose to follow Jesus, He invites us to take His yoke as our own. What lessons
does He want to teach us? (Matthew 11:29-30, Matthew 18:4)
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6) Some farmers use an interesting technique to teach their younger oxen to shoulder a yoke
and pull. Instead of pairing two inexperienced oxen together, they pair a younger ox with an
older, knowledgeable one. In that same way, when we accept the yoke of Jesus, we do not
accept it alone. We shoulder it with Him so that we can learn from Him. How might taking
Jesus’ yoke upon us teach us humility?
- 7) The theme of humility runs throughout James’ letter. In the opening chapter, (James 1:9-11), James uses a paradox (a statement that seems to be contradictory, but is true) to describe the difference between the rich man and the poor man. What is the “position” of the rich man? What is the “position” of the poor man? On what are these apparently contradictory positions based?
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8) The man of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position. (James 1:9) The word
translated as “glory” can also be translated “rejoice.” What about his circumstances would be
cause for this man to rejoice?
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9) What is the cause for the rich man’s humiliation? James 1:10 (Follow to link to BLB)
PRAYER PAUSE:
Humility, the state of being humble, is a condition of the heart. It’s something we choose, independent of our finances or social position. If we want to be like Jesus, we’ll choose humility rather than pride, arrogance, or conceit.
In the last hours of His life, Jesus chose to humble Himself before His disciples as a servant. He set aside His robes, gathered basin and towel, and washed their feet. It was an example that was intended to leave a lasting impression, a call to servanthood.
We who follow Jesus must “take up His yoke” and follow His example. Jesus’ invitation to carry his yoke is not an invitation to misery and suffering. It’s a call to those who are weary and overloaded.
His yoke, He promises, is easy and light. When we choose His way, we gain gentleness and humility.
When we carry our own yoke, we gain exhaustion. I’ve been there many times. I’ve added responsibilities God never meant for me, and it was like carrying a heavy weight around my neck. Exhausting. Emotionally draining.
One very helpful tool I learned a few months ago at a Hope Force training was to reassess all my responsibilities in terms of their origin. I looked back at the projects I was doing and asked these four questions:
Can I remember a time when God clearly called me to the work?
Is the call still valid?
Is God still blessing?
If God’s not in it, what changes do I need to make?
I examined every responsibility I had. The ones that were begun in response to clear direction from God gave me joy and rest. The ones that were begun at the request of someone else, generally, did not. I used that self-assessment to embrace the work God had given me with greater joy. I also used it to unload some responsibilities that could best be done by someone else.
How have you experienced the burden of self-imposed responsibility?
Today, let’s look at our lives in terms of the yoke we’re carrying. Are we exhausted by our work? Are we weary and heavy-laden? Do we need a “yoke exchange”?
Take as much time as you need to evaluate every area of responsibility.
Some responsibilities are not negotiable. If you’re married, God has called you to honor your husband. If you have children, God has called you to train up your children in the ways of God. To nurture and provide for them. If your parents are still living, you’re called to honor them.
With those exceptions, take a close look at the yoke you carry (especially the one that is exhausting/draining) and ask the four questions I used.
Is God still blessing?
If God’s not in it, what changes do I need to make?
I examined every responsibility I had. The ones that were begun in response to clear direction from God gave me joy and rest. The ones that were begun at the request of someone else, generally, did not. I used that self-assessment to embrace the work God had given me with greater joy. I also used it to unload some responsibilities that could best be done by someone else.
How have you experienced the burden of self-imposed responsibility?
Today, let’s look at our lives in terms of the yoke we’re carrying. Are we exhausted by our work? Are we weary and heavy-laden? Do we need a “yoke exchange”?
Take as much time as you need to evaluate every area of responsibility.
Some responsibilities are not negotiable. If you’re married, God has called you to honor your husband. If you have children, God has called you to train up your children in the ways of God. To nurture and provide for them. If your parents are still living, you’re called to honor them.
With those exceptions, take a close look at the yoke you carry (especially the one that is exhausting/draining) and ask the four questions I used.
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1) Can I remember a time when God clearly called me to this work?
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2) Is the call still valid?
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3) Is God still blessing this work or activity?
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4) If God’s not in an area, what changes do I need to make?
DAY TWO: EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY
Being humble. Being great. The two seem mutually exclusive, but they’re not. The greatest leaders of our faith achieved their greatness when they humbled themselves before Almighty God and followed Him. Today, we’ll look at their examples and learn from them.
MOSES:
Being humble. Being great. The two seem mutually exclusive, but they’re not. The greatest leaders of our faith achieved their greatness when they humbled themselves before Almighty God and followed Him. Today, we’ll look at their examples and learn from them.
MOSES:
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1) How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3?
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2) Review the meaning of humble according to BLB. (Follow the link. Be sure to check
Gesenius’ Lexicon)
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3) Moses, the son of Hebrew slaves, was raised in Pharaoh’s court. He grew up surrounded by
wealth and power in the home of the most powerful man in the nation. Educated in the best
schools. Fed with the choicest food. Friends with the highest echelon of society. His was one
of the most prominent positions in the nation. Was this likely a position of humility? What
factors in his life might have contributed to humility in Moses?
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4) As an adult, Moses murdered an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. In the aftermath,
he fled for his life. He spent the next forty years tending livestock in the land of Midian for
his father-in-law, Jethro. (See Exodus 3:1, Acts 7:30) By the time Moses encountered the
burning bush, his heart had changed. What factors may have contributed to the humility he
developed?
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5) God commended Moses as “faithful”. What is the meaning of this word in Hebrew? See
Gesenius Lexicon. (Numbers 12:7)
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6) How did God treat Moses? (Num. 12:8)
DAVID:
It wasn’t his ability to throw stones with a slingshot nor his courage when faced with a raging bear or charging lion that earned him the title of “a man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22)
Both Moses and David sinned and had stunning defeats. Neither of them were perfect men, but they had intimate relationships with our Lord. God spoke face to face with Moses. God called David “a man after God’s own heart.” It wasn’t their leadership skills or their heroic deeds that commended them to God. It was their humility.
It wasn’t his ability to throw stones with a slingshot nor his courage when faced with a raging bear or charging lion that earned him the title of “a man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22)
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7) How did David evidence humility and a heart like God’s?
a) 1 Samuel 17:15
b) 1 Samuel 24 c) Psalm 34:4
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8) I found an interesting map that details David’s flight as Saul pursued him. Follow the link to
see David’s journey. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page.) How many times did David
have to flee? (They’re numbered on the map)
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9) Despite repeatedly fleeing a madman who was trying to murder him, a man for whom David
was the God-anointed replacement, how did David treat Saul?
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10) James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. How might that be true in the lives of Moses
and David?
Both Moses and David sinned and had stunning defeats. Neither of them were perfect men, but they had intimate relationships with our Lord. God spoke face to face with Moses. God called David “a man after God’s own heart.” It wasn’t their leadership skills or their heroic deeds that commended them to God. It was their humility.
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1) If my relationship with God were dependent upon the depth of my humility, how close
would that relationship be?
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2) Consider the heart of the boy, David, who was anointed king and grew to manhood while
waiting for the opportunity to do that for which God had called and anointed him. How
willing am I to wait for what God has planned? How faithful am I to continue to act like
Christ when my circumstances see insurmountable?
4) How has God shown grace to me when I chose humility over pride?
DAY THREE: THE COST OF REFUSING HUMILITY
Choosing humility is not optional if we want to have the kind of prayer life that makes a difference. When we’re tempted to indulge in pride, it helps to remember the cost of refusing to humble ourselves.
One of the most heart-wrenching refusals of humility is that of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The water of the Nile turned to blood. Frogs filled the houses and the streets, then gnats. Swarms of insects laid waste to the land. A pestilence caused all the livestock to die. Both man and beast were struck with painful boils. Still he refused to humble himself before God.
Egypt had been a wealthy, powerful, productive nation. The pride of Pharaoh was costly. The land was devastated and filled with the stinking, rotting carcasses of dead livestock. The people were in agony from their painful boils. I think I’d have given in, but his pride knew no limits. At least not yet.
1) James 4:6 is the focus verse for this week’s study on humility. God gives grace to the humble, but how does He respond to those who refuse humility?
2) What warning did Moses give Pharaoh? (Exodus 10:3)
3) What additional plagues resulted from his refusal to humble himself? (Exodus 10:4, 21, 11:4-5, 12:29-32)
4) Even after he allowed the children of Israel to leave Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. We tend to think of pride as saying, “I am so great.” Pride also says, “I can have my way instead of God’s way.” As Pharaoh and his army found, it didn’t work too well. How does James say God responds to that attitude? (James 4:6)
5) The word translated as “is opposed” is antitassō. In what way does God oppose the proud? (Follow the link)
6) The word translated as “proud” is hyperēphanos. What behaviors are a product of pride? (follow the link)
7) Deuteronomy tells us that God humbled the children of Israel in the wilderness. They’d been slaves their entire lives. Why might they need to be humbled?
8) How did He humble them? (See Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
9) What was God’s purpose in humbling His people? (Deuteronomy 8:16)
Choosing humility is not optional if we want to have the kind of prayer life that makes a difference. When we’re tempted to indulge in pride, it helps to remember the cost of refusing to humble ourselves.
One of the most heart-wrenching refusals of humility is that of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The water of the Nile turned to blood. Frogs filled the houses and the streets, then gnats. Swarms of insects laid waste to the land. A pestilence caused all the livestock to die. Both man and beast were struck with painful boils. Still he refused to humble himself before God.
Egypt had been a wealthy, powerful, productive nation. The pride of Pharaoh was costly. The land was devastated and filled with the stinking, rotting carcasses of dead livestock. The people were in agony from their painful boils. I think I’d have given in, but his pride knew no limits. At least not yet.
1) James 4:6 is the focus verse for this week’s study on humility. God gives grace to the humble, but how does He respond to those who refuse humility?
2) What warning did Moses give Pharaoh? (Exodus 10:3)
3) What additional plagues resulted from his refusal to humble himself? (Exodus 10:4, 21, 11:4-5, 12:29-32)
4) Even after he allowed the children of Israel to leave Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. We tend to think of pride as saying, “I am so great.” Pride also says, “I can have my way instead of God’s way.” As Pharaoh and his army found, it didn’t work too well. How does James say God responds to that attitude? (James 4:6)
5) The word translated as “is opposed” is antitassō. In what way does God oppose the proud? (Follow the link)
6) The word translated as “proud” is hyperēphanos. What behaviors are a product of pride? (follow the link)
7) Deuteronomy tells us that God humbled the children of Israel in the wilderness. They’d been slaves their entire lives. Why might they need to be humbled?
8) How did He humble them? (See Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
9) What was God’s purpose in humbling His people? (Deuteronomy 8:16)
PRAYER PAUSE:
God is as opposed to the proud today as He was in the days of Moses and Pharaoh. He still humbles us if we refuse to choose humility for ourselves.
God is as opposed to the proud today as He was in the days of Moses and Pharaoh. He still humbles us if we refuse to choose humility for ourselves.
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1) In what ways has God warned you about your pride and the need for humility?
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2) In what ways have you failed to humble yourself?
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3) What consequences resulted?
- 4) God wants us to choose humility in every area of our lives. In this country, we have become so accustomed to affluence and position that we can easily fail to see our need for humility, or our lack. Let’s invite God to peel away all the layers of pride this week so that, before He’s done, we can have the hearts of humility that will be welcomed into His presence. Write your prayer of confession and repentance.
DAY FOUR: BLESSINGS OF HUMILITY
Choosing to humble ourselves doesn’t sound very attractive, does it? It brings to mind a prolonged fast and frumpy clothes, among other unattractive lifestyle choices. What we seldom recognize is that choosing humility brings incredibly sweet blessings.
James 4:6 tells us that God gives grace to the humble. The word translated as “grace” is charis, the divine grace that leads to salvation.
1) How does the Outline of Bible Usage, II A describe this grace?
If the grace that leads to salvation and transformation was the only benefit of humility, it would
be more than enough. Instead, there are numerous references to additional blessings of humility. 2) What other specific blessings are mentioned in the Scriptures below?
a) 2 Chronicles 7:14
b) Psalm 37:11
c) Proverbs 11:2
d) Proverbs 15:33
e) Isaiah 57:15
g) 1 Peter 5:6
Choosing to humble ourselves doesn’t sound very attractive, does it? It brings to mind a prolonged fast and frumpy clothes, among other unattractive lifestyle choices. What we seldom recognize is that choosing humility brings incredibly sweet blessings.
James 4:6 tells us that God gives grace to the humble. The word translated as “grace” is charis, the divine grace that leads to salvation.
1) How does the Outline of Bible Usage, II A describe this grace?
If the grace that leads to salvation and transformation was the only benefit of humility, it would
be more than enough. Instead, there are numerous references to additional blessings of humility. 2) What other specific blessings are mentioned in the Scriptures below?
a) 2 Chronicles 7:14
b) Psalm 37:11
c) Proverbs 11:2
d) Proverbs 15:33
e) Isaiah 57:15
g) 1 Peter 5:6
PRAYER PAUSE:
Look back over the benefits of humility and spend a few minutes pondering how your life might be different if those blessings filled your life.
1) Which of those blessings would you most like to receive?
2) What would it take for you to have them?
3) What changes would be required for you to have the kind of humility that God blesses?
4) If you’re ready to embrace humility, a life of dying to self that continues until we reach eternity, write a prayer of repentance and commitment.
Look back over the benefits of humility and spend a few minutes pondering how your life might be different if those blessings filled your life.
1) Which of those blessings would you most like to receive?
2) What would it take for you to have them?
3) What changes would be required for you to have the kind of humility that God blesses?
4) If you’re ready to embrace humility, a life of dying to self that continues until we reach eternity, write a prayer of repentance and commitment.
DAY FIVE: EXALTATION
Exaltation seems like an odd topic during a week spent studying humility. Today, we’re taking a closer look at James 4:10.
God exalts the humble, James tells us.
It’s a divine paradox that makes no sense at all from a worldly perspective. The world exalts the proud. The outrageous. The brash and bold. It offers nothing but scorn to the humble.
God has an entirely different standard. He scorns the ways of the world. He embraces and exalts those who intentionally humble themselves.
1) Read James 4:10 aloud, then write the verse here:
2) Tapeinoō is the word translated as “humble yourselves”. This verb is in the aorist tense, passive voice, and imperative mood. I know that’s a jumble of words, but what they mean is simple. This is a command, and obedience is not optional. We are to actively humble ourselves, and do it with intention. What does this action entail? Follow the link above. (See Thayer’s Lexicon (2b))
3) Where are we to humble ourselves? (See link)
4) Before whom are we to humble ourselves? (Follow link to Vine’s)
5) The word translated as Lord, kyrios, is the same word used in the following verses. What do these verses tell us about the Lord before Whom we are to humble ourselves?
a) John 20:20
Exaltation seems like an odd topic during a week spent studying humility. Today, we’re taking a closer look at James 4:10.
God exalts the humble, James tells us.
It’s a divine paradox that makes no sense at all from a worldly perspective. The world exalts the proud. The outrageous. The brash and bold. It offers nothing but scorn to the humble.
God has an entirely different standard. He scorns the ways of the world. He embraces and exalts those who intentionally humble themselves.
1) Read James 4:10 aloud, then write the verse here:
2) Tapeinoō is the word translated as “humble yourselves”. This verb is in the aorist tense, passive voice, and imperative mood. I know that’s a jumble of words, but what they mean is simple. This is a command, and obedience is not optional. We are to actively humble ourselves, and do it with intention. What does this action entail? Follow the link above. (See Thayer’s Lexicon (2b))
3) Where are we to humble ourselves? (See link)
4) Before whom are we to humble ourselves? (Follow link to Vine’s)
5) The word translated as Lord, kyrios, is the same word used in the following verses. What do these verses tell us about the Lord before Whom we are to humble ourselves?
a) John 20:20
b) Revelation 1:8
b) Revelation 15:3-4
c) Revelation 17:14
d) Revelation 21:22
6) Hypsoō is the word translated as “He will exalt”. If you follow the link to BLB, you may be tempted to think this refers to the false theology often called “prosperity gospel”. The outline of Biblical usage indicates the word is used to “lift up on high” and “to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity.” That sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Think again. This is the word used to indicated Jesus’ “lifted up” on the cross.
Before we jump to conclusions, click on the Vine’s Expository Dictionary link. Scroll down to 4, Lift. Take notes, then click on “See EXALT”. Find James 4:10’s meaning in A-1 (b) and write it here.
7) Instead of prosperity, God promises something infinitely better to those who intentionally humble themselves before Him. What does He give?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Today is the day to which we’ve been moving all week. Today, we look at ourselves in comparison to our Holy, Righteous God and choose to humble ourselves before Him.
1) Let’s begin by entering His gates with thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4) Write a prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given.
b) Revelation 15:3-4
c) Revelation 17:14
d) Revelation 21:22
6) Hypsoō is the word translated as “He will exalt”. If you follow the link to BLB, you may be tempted to think this refers to the false theology often called “prosperity gospel”. The outline of Biblical usage indicates the word is used to “lift up on high” and “to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity.” That sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Think again. This is the word used to indicated Jesus’ “lifted up” on the cross.
Before we jump to conclusions, click on the Vine’s Expository Dictionary link. Scroll down to 4, Lift. Take notes, then click on “See EXALT”. Find James 4:10’s meaning in A-1 (b) and write it here.
7) Instead of prosperity, God promises something infinitely better to those who intentionally humble themselves before Him. What does He give?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Today is the day to which we’ve been moving all week. Today, we look at ourselves in comparison to our Holy, Righteous God and choose to humble ourselves before Him.
1) Let’s begin by entering His gates with thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4) Write a prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given.
2) I have a notation in the margin beside Psalm 103 that says, “BENEFITS PACKAGE.” Let’s
use the words of this psalm to bless our Lord. Be sure to write out your prayer of blessing
toward the Lord.
3) Humbling ourselves before God requires that we acknowledge Who He is, but it also requires that we acknowledge ourselves as sinners who’ve been saved by grace. Write a prayer of confession, acknowledgement, and thanksgiving for forgiveness given.
4) While we’re in the presence of our Lord, spend some time worshipping and listening. Don't ask for anything except a clear word from the Lord. Write down whatever God puts on your heart.
DAY SIX: HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD
When Jesus removed his cloak, picked up a towel and a basin of water, and knelt down at the dirty feet of his disciples, He changed the appearance of a God-follower forever.
“Do what I do,” He challenged us.
He raised the dead. Healed the sick. Gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He made the mute to speak. Cast out demons. Spoke a word and it was done. I like all those jobs. They’re exciting and, for the most part, clean.
Washing feet is not clean work. It’s not done with a word. It’s crawl-on-the-floor, stinky, dirty work. Just before He died for us (even more terrible work), Jesus set an example by washing the dusty feet of His disciples. Including the one who was already in the process of betraying Him.
I’ve done a few foot-washings in my time. The person was always wearing socks. Their feet were always clean. It was nothing more than a ceremonial washing. Not so what our Lord did in the upper room.
Jesus chose humility and washed their dirt away.
If we are truly humble, we, too, will chose the job that requires humility to do it. We, too, will take the dirtiest, stinkiest job in order to serve others as Christ served. We, too, will fulfill the Royal Law of our King. That’s what humility manifested as servanthood is all about.
Read James 2:8 again and write the words here. It’s vital that we understand the importance of this verse, because it’s how Jesus expects us to treat those around us. (We’ll look more at this issue of servanthood in James when we study doing and being next week.)
A woman once told me about her job at church. She didn’t sing in the choir, teach the children, or help in the office. She cleaned the toilets. This lady did not look like a “toilet-cleaner” to me. She had chosen the job as an act of humility, and had continued it because it had become a time of intercession for the work of the church and those who would attend. She continued to volunteer as toilet-cleaner because it was some of the sweetest prayer time she had.
Today, we’ll look at the scene in the upper room, as well as some practical ways we can choose the humility of servanthood.
1) Begin by reading through John 13:1-17 to get the flavor of the passage, then go back and read it aloud. Take notes on what stands out to you.
2) John 13:1 always surprises me. “Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world...” His time on earth was done. It was time to die and go back to heaven. Both of those statements are true, but there was something looming ahead that took considerable fortitude and love to complete first. What task had to be accomplished before Jesus left earth for heaven?
3) The hard job of the cross would have been uppermost in my mind, but it appears that Jesus had heaven on His mind. He loved His disciples to the end. To the very last minute. The word translated as love is “agapaō”. Follow the link to BLB and click on Vine’s Dictionary. Scroll down to the last paragraph. How is this word used? What two things should this love produce in us?
4) Lost people don’t want to be a notch on a soul-winner’s belt. They want more than to repeat a magical prayer. Instead, they want a relationship with the Most High God that usually begins when a flesh-wrapped believer demonstrates how much they care. It begins with the agapaō of Christ flowing through us. What need did Jesus recognize in his followers? How did He respond?
5) John 13:3 tells us, again, that Jesus knew who He was and where He was ultimately headed. He had his focus on eternity, where He would sit at the right hand of the Father. A temporary stint doing the dirtiest job in the room didn’t matter. He didn’t focus on what people would think. He focused on where He was headed. What is our focus when faced with dirty, unattractive tasks at church?
6) What did Jesus tell His disciples about why He washed their feet? (John 13:15)
When Jesus removed his cloak, picked up a towel and a basin of water, and knelt down at the dirty feet of his disciples, He changed the appearance of a God-follower forever.
“Do what I do,” He challenged us.
He raised the dead. Healed the sick. Gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He made the mute to speak. Cast out demons. Spoke a word and it was done. I like all those jobs. They’re exciting and, for the most part, clean.
Washing feet is not clean work. It’s not done with a word. It’s crawl-on-the-floor, stinky, dirty work. Just before He died for us (even more terrible work), Jesus set an example by washing the dusty feet of His disciples. Including the one who was already in the process of betraying Him.
I’ve done a few foot-washings in my time. The person was always wearing socks. Their feet were always clean. It was nothing more than a ceremonial washing. Not so what our Lord did in the upper room.
Jesus chose humility and washed their dirt away.
If we are truly humble, we, too, will chose the job that requires humility to do it. We, too, will take the dirtiest, stinkiest job in order to serve others as Christ served. We, too, will fulfill the Royal Law of our King. That’s what humility manifested as servanthood is all about.
Read James 2:8 again and write the words here. It’s vital that we understand the importance of this verse, because it’s how Jesus expects us to treat those around us. (We’ll look more at this issue of servanthood in James when we study doing and being next week.)
A woman once told me about her job at church. She didn’t sing in the choir, teach the children, or help in the office. She cleaned the toilets. This lady did not look like a “toilet-cleaner” to me. She had chosen the job as an act of humility, and had continued it because it had become a time of intercession for the work of the church and those who would attend. She continued to volunteer as toilet-cleaner because it was some of the sweetest prayer time she had.
Today, we’ll look at the scene in the upper room, as well as some practical ways we can choose the humility of servanthood.
1) Begin by reading through John 13:1-17 to get the flavor of the passage, then go back and read it aloud. Take notes on what stands out to you.
2) John 13:1 always surprises me. “Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world...” His time on earth was done. It was time to die and go back to heaven. Both of those statements are true, but there was something looming ahead that took considerable fortitude and love to complete first. What task had to be accomplished before Jesus left earth for heaven?
3) The hard job of the cross would have been uppermost in my mind, but it appears that Jesus had heaven on His mind. He loved His disciples to the end. To the very last minute. The word translated as love is “agapaō”. Follow the link to BLB and click on Vine’s Dictionary. Scroll down to the last paragraph. How is this word used? What two things should this love produce in us?
4) Lost people don’t want to be a notch on a soul-winner’s belt. They want more than to repeat a magical prayer. Instead, they want a relationship with the Most High God that usually begins when a flesh-wrapped believer demonstrates how much they care. It begins with the agapaō of Christ flowing through us. What need did Jesus recognize in his followers? How did He respond?
5) John 13:3 tells us, again, that Jesus knew who He was and where He was ultimately headed. He had his focus on eternity, where He would sit at the right hand of the Father. A temporary stint doing the dirtiest job in the room didn’t matter. He didn’t focus on what people would think. He focused on where He was headed. What is our focus when faced with dirty, unattractive tasks at church?
6) What did Jesus tell His disciples about why He washed their feet? (John 13:15)
Jesus’ intended His action to be more than an interesting demonstration or a temporary
solution to a need. Follow the link to understand more about what His hypodeigma was
designed to accomplish. (Outline of Biblical Usage, IIB)
Let’s look at a few jobs that must be done in the church and consider which might require greater humility to accomplish them. (Bear in mind that all need to be done. Some are easier, and require less humility, than others.)
- changing diapers for babies in the nursery
- washing dishes after a meal
- leading prayer during the service
- changing the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom before a service - going in early to make the coffee
- passing the offering plate
- praying in the prayer room during a service - teaching the adults
- ordering supplies
- organizing a storage closet
Let’s look at a few jobs that must be done in the church and consider which might require greater humility to accomplish them. (Bear in mind that all need to be done. Some are easier, and require less humility, than others.)
- changing diapers for babies in the nursery
- washing dishes after a meal
- leading prayer during the service
- changing the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom before a service - going in early to make the coffee
- passing the offering plate
- praying in the prayer room during a service - teaching the adults
- ordering supplies
- organizing a storage closet
There are many more jobs that must be done to prepare for a church service, and even more
jobs that must be done to accomplish the work of ministry. All are important. All require a
degree of sacrifice. All bring a blessing.
9) Now let’s look at which job we are more likely to volunteer to do. Which jobs do we choose based on our gifting? Which do we avoid because of our pride?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Some years ago, a friend who has an international medical relief ministry told me about his experience with Mother Theresa of Calcutta. A physician with many talents and abilities, he had traveled to India to volunteer with her ministry.
9) Now let’s look at which job we are more likely to volunteer to do. Which jobs do we choose based on our gifting? Which do we avoid because of our pride?
PRAYER PAUSE:
Some years ago, a friend who has an international medical relief ministry told me about his experience with Mother Theresa of Calcutta. A physician with many talents and abilities, he had traveled to India to volunteer with her ministry.
On arrival, Mother Theresa gave him a bucket of refuse and told him to carry it to the dump. He
did. Repeatedly. Finally, he asked her why, with all his abilities, she had given him a job anyone
could do.
I don’t remember the exact words she used, but what she told him was that servanthood is not dependent upon ability. It’s dependent upon our hearts. We aren’t ready for the “big” jobs in the body of Christ until we have the kind of servant heart that’s willing to do the “worst” jobs.
If we’re honest, most of us prefer the “clean” jobs that bring notice and honor. Few of us would choose to carry human excrement in a bucket if there was another job we could do. I’m no different. I don’t want the yucky job, either, but there’s a blessing in the worst jobs that we don’t find when we’re front and center. That blessing makes any job, done in the name of Jesus, worth doing.
Today, let’s take a close look at our hearts.
What jobs do we choose in the kingdom of God?
What jobs are we likely to leave undone or wait for someone else to take?
Now is the time to ask God to give us a heart of humility for every job in the body of Christ. Ask Him to strip away any pride that keeps us from doing the worst tasks, the stinky, dirty tasks. Ask Him to give us the heart that will do anything for Him. Write your prayer of confession and repentance here.
I don’t remember the exact words she used, but what she told him was that servanthood is not dependent upon ability. It’s dependent upon our hearts. We aren’t ready for the “big” jobs in the body of Christ until we have the kind of servant heart that’s willing to do the “worst” jobs.
If we’re honest, most of us prefer the “clean” jobs that bring notice and honor. Few of us would choose to carry human excrement in a bucket if there was another job we could do. I’m no different. I don’t want the yucky job, either, but there’s a blessing in the worst jobs that we don’t find when we’re front and center. That blessing makes any job, done in the name of Jesus, worth doing.
Today, let’s take a close look at our hearts.
What jobs do we choose in the kingdom of God?
What jobs are we likely to leave undone or wait for someone else to take?
Now is the time to ask God to give us a heart of humility for every job in the body of Christ. Ask Him to strip away any pride that keeps us from doing the worst tasks, the stinky, dirty tasks. Ask Him to give us the heart that will do anything for Him. Write your prayer of confession and repentance here.
DAY SEVEN: HUMILITY AS AN INSTRUMENT OF
UNITY
People who are dying don’t want to waste those last few hours of life. They use them to say what’s on their mind, what’s most important. Jesus was no different.
In the garden of Gethsemane, mere minutes before His arrest, Jesus prayed for His disciples and all the believers who would come later. Of the twenty-six verses in His Gethsemane prayer, twenty of them focus on His followers.
“...That they may all be one..” Jesus said it not once, but twice. If unity in the body of Christ was important to Jesus in His final moments, it should be important to us, as well.
Today, we’re looking at humility as an instrument of unity.
Read John 17 through as a reminder of Jesus’ prayers for us, then read John 17:20-23 aloud.
1) What is Jesus’ stated goal for the perfect unity He hopes we will achieve? (See John 17:23)
In Philippians 2, Paul addresses the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as well. Read Philippians 2:1-11.
2) What are the characteristics of unity in the body of Christ (Phil. 2:2)
3) What actions are recommended to help create unity? (Phil 2:3-4)
4) What attitude is required for unity? (Phil 2:5-8)
5) What was the outcome of Jesus’ humility and obedience? (Phil 2:9-11)
6) 1 Peter 5:5 paints a beautiful word picture of the humility of a believer and references the
same passage mentioned in James 4:6. Read the admonition to elders and younger men concerning their treatment of one another found in 1 Peter 5:1-7. Focus on 1 Peter 5:5. How are we to “wear” humility?
People who are dying don’t want to waste those last few hours of life. They use them to say what’s on their mind, what’s most important. Jesus was no different.
In the garden of Gethsemane, mere minutes before His arrest, Jesus prayed for His disciples and all the believers who would come later. Of the twenty-six verses in His Gethsemane prayer, twenty of them focus on His followers.
“...That they may all be one..” Jesus said it not once, but twice. If unity in the body of Christ was important to Jesus in His final moments, it should be important to us, as well.
Today, we’re looking at humility as an instrument of unity.
Read John 17 through as a reminder of Jesus’ prayers for us, then read John 17:20-23 aloud.
1) What is Jesus’ stated goal for the perfect unity He hopes we will achieve? (See John 17:23)
In Philippians 2, Paul addresses the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as well. Read Philippians 2:1-11.
2) What are the characteristics of unity in the body of Christ (Phil. 2:2)
3) What actions are recommended to help create unity? (Phil 2:3-4)
4) What attitude is required for unity? (Phil 2:5-8)
5) What was the outcome of Jesus’ humility and obedience? (Phil 2:9-11)
6) 1 Peter 5:5 paints a beautiful word picture of the humility of a believer and references the
same passage mentioned in James 4:6. Read the admonition to elders and younger men concerning their treatment of one another found in 1 Peter 5:1-7. Focus on 1 Peter 5:5. How are we to “wear” humility?
7) Follow the link to learn more about the origin of the phrase “clothe yourselves with
humility.” What did you learn?
We’ve already looked at what James has to say about how we treat one another. In James 2:1-12, he addressed the issue of the partiality that separates the body of Christ based on the standard of wealth. In James 4:1-2, he addressed the problem of quarrels and conflicts based on wrong attitudes. In James 5, he discussed the importance of praying for one another. (We’ll study this passage in week 6.)
James never uses the word “unity,” but it’s clear that avoiding divisive behavior is a vital part of his teaching. He doesn’t say that humility is an instrument of unity. He teaches us how to treat each other, instead... with the same instruction that is found throughout Scripture. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
PRAYER PAUSE:
1) If unity was vitally important to Jesus (and it was), it needs to be vitally important to us, as well. How has my behavior toward other believers enhanced unity in the body of Christ?
2) How has my behavior damaged unity in the body of Christ?
3) How might I clothe myself with humility toward others in my church? Toward others in the body of Christ outside my church?
4) How does my attitude line up with that described in Philippians 2:5-8?
5) What actions can I take to help create/encourage unity, not only in my local congregation, but also among fellow believers in other churches?
We’ve already looked at what James has to say about how we treat one another. In James 2:1-12, he addressed the issue of the partiality that separates the body of Christ based on the standard of wealth. In James 4:1-2, he addressed the problem of quarrels and conflicts based on wrong attitudes. In James 5, he discussed the importance of praying for one another. (We’ll study this passage in week 6.)
James never uses the word “unity,” but it’s clear that avoiding divisive behavior is a vital part of his teaching. He doesn’t say that humility is an instrument of unity. He teaches us how to treat each other, instead... with the same instruction that is found throughout Scripture. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
PRAYER PAUSE:
1) If unity was vitally important to Jesus (and it was), it needs to be vitally important to us, as well. How has my behavior toward other believers enhanced unity in the body of Christ?
2) How has my behavior damaged unity in the body of Christ?
3) How might I clothe myself with humility toward others in my church? Toward others in the body of Christ outside my church?
4) How does my attitude line up with that described in Philippians 2:5-8?
5) What actions can I take to help create/encourage unity, not only in my local congregation, but also among fellow believers in other churches?
6) Now is the time to decisively deal with our own issues with humility and servanthood. Jesus
didn’t intend for us to be merely cordial with each other. He intended for us to love each
other, and to do it in such a way that the world would be stunned by the depth of love we
exhibited toward one another. Our love is supposed to be a living diorama of the love God
has the world to the lost and perishing people around us. The problem most of us have is not
that we don’t love those believers who are most like us. The problem is that we don’t love
those believers who are least like us, those “seekers” who are least like us. Take a few
minutes to confess your failures of loving and serving the least lovable among us, and write
your prayers of repentance and recommitment.
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