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Phil 05 – Humility Part 1 - Phil 2:1-4
 
Last week we looked at Christian Conduct
 
We read Phil 1:27 - 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
& we looked at 3 requirements for Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand together in Unity2) Strive together for the Faith3) Don’t be Intimidated by your enemies
 
Today - The Holy Spirit is going to begin to APPLY these
Critical Biblical truths - directly to our personal lives
 
Have you ever noticed that we (as humans) have a tendency
toward division & separation?
 
Well - the tendency in the Philippian church was just as it is today –
which is why the Bible is so relevant today
 
The dangers that come from this tendency are ALWAYS present
in the body of Christ – always
 
in every situation & circumstance within the church –
our “Natural” tendency to division & separation is there, lurking
 
& the enemy is particularly watchful for this very easy opportunity
to capitalize on our natural tendency toward separation
 
& when he can stir this natural tendency up –
boy can he make a mess of the church
 
& we know the same undercurrent ran running strong in Philippi –
because Paul addresses it thru-out his letter
 
He laid the foundation for the “Remedy” to this problem in Ch 1 . . .
 
& now – in Ch 2 – He’s going to bring it home –
w/ one of the most powerful texts in the Bible on – HUMILITY
 
 
The source of the word HUMILITY – As a positive term –
was exclusively a Biblical term . . .
 
Outside the Bible - it was used only negatively
& as a derogatory criticism
 
& really – our culture’s view on this word - isn’t that different
 
Humility is most often described as “Thinking Lowly of yourself”
 
Really – it’s more than that . . . but let’s think about
how our culture handles just that part of it’s definition
 
Our Culture is very big on “SELF-Improvement” Also very big on “Improving your SELF-Image”
 
As sinners - we thrive on
thinking about, talking about, & improving – our SELF . . .
 
& THAT is exactly what creates
the natural tendency to division & separation in the church
 
because in our sin nature – there are a lot of SELF’S in the church . . .
 
& all of our SELF’S want to be
thought about, talked about, and improved
 
SELF screams out for attention - - - in the world - & in the church
 
& in Direct Contradiction to our SELF nature – Is Biblical Humility
 
Biblical Humility is a complete Crucifying of SELF –
actually the word goes beyond just thinking “lowly” of your self . . .
 
Because sometimes those thinking too lowly of themselves are actually
more absorbed with SELF than those who think too highly of their SELF
 
Biblical Humility is actually NOT THINKING OF YOUR SELF – at all
 
Tyndale Bible Dictionary – in Defining Biblical Humility –
Simply uses Jesus Christ to define the word . . .
 
Here’s a portion of their definition –
As Son of God, Jesus took no thought for himself but lived a life of obedience and trust in God the Father. A self-emptying by which he “humbled himself” and took on the form of a servant.
 
Patterned after Jesus Christ ;
Biblical Humility is “Taking NO Thought for your SELF”
Biblical Humility is a “Complete Emptying of your SELF”
 
& because True Humility always requires a Crucifying of your SELF
It’s path is almost always – thru affliction & persecution
 
BUT there is the most Wonderful & Glorious result
to learning this level of Humility . . .
 
It’s an incredible place you cannot get to
without the “Emptying of your SELF”
 
Andrew Murray defines Humility –
Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble.
 
True Humility will bring True Peace –
both in an individual - & in the body of Christ
 
Col. 3:12
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on . . . humility,
 
1 Pet. 5:5
5 . . . all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
 
Eph. 4:1-2
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness . . . (same word trans – Humility)
 
OK – OK – OK – Dave, we get it . . . – The question is HOW ?
HOW do we do Live in True Humility ???
 
I thought you’d never ask . . .
 
In our text today – we begin to see the HOW
 
God provides the HOW – to walk in Humility –
God provides the POWER to walk in Humility . . .
 
The only thing He won’t do for us –
is put our SELF up on the altar – to be consumed as a sacrifice . . .
 
Actually – our text today – is only HALF of the incredible “Humility Text”
We’ll see the 2nd half – (the more powerful half) – Next week
 
But for today – Let’s get started on the HOW . . . OK?
 
Phil 2:1-2
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
 
There are 2 lists of 4 here we want to go over –
but First – we need some quick Greek explanation
 
Kenneth Wuest - Word Studies in Greek says –
The word “if” here, refers to a fulfilled condition. One could translate “since,” or “in view of the fact.” The four things mentioned in V.1 are not hypothetical in their nature. They are facts . . .
 
ALSO (Wuest) - the word translated “any” - means “a certain thing”
 
SO – we could say of V.1 – SINCE there is; 1) a Certain Consolation in Christ2) a Certain Comfort of love3) a Certain Fellowship of the Spirit4) a Certain Affection & Mercy . . . THEN . . .
 
Fulfill my joy by;1) Being Like-Minded2) Having the Same Love3) Being of One Accord4) Being of One Mind
 
Let’s quickly look at the 4 CERTAINTIES of V.1;
since there is . . .
 
1) a certain Consolation in Christ
 
Consolation means - exhortation, admonition, encouragement -
Consolation in Christ - is ALL those things
 
2) a certain Comfort of Love
 
Comfort LIT = “a word to come along side to help” –
Love = “Agape”
 
“Comfort of Love” = coming alongside to help in Agape Love
 
The whole of the NT commands us (& provides the power)
to come alongside one another w/ the “comfort of agape love”
 
Jn 13:34-35 – Jesus said
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
 
3) a certain Fellowship of the Spirit
 
This is “communion in the things of God”
 
Not human fellowship based on things in common –
but fellowship based on having GOD in common
 
1Jn 1:3
. . . truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
 
& it is that unified fellowship with God that is THE BASIS for
our fellowship with one another
 
God’s Spirit Unites us in Fellowship Our Flesh seeks to Divide us in Conflict
 
4) a certain Affection & Mercy
Affection = “tenderhearted” Mercy = “not giving what is deserved” . . .
 
So, tenderheartedly not giving what is deserved
 
If you are saved today (part of God’s family) –
then you have certainly experienced God’s Mercy
 
You deserved Judgment – & instead Christ died in your place
 
& Now - because you have known His great mercy –
He calls you to show His great mercy to others
 
starting with those who are of the household of faith
 
These four definitions put together – Make up the WHY of our Humility –
& lead right into V.2 . . .
 
Phil 2:1 - DEFINITIONS
Since there is a certain Encouragement in Christ, a certain Coming Alongside in Love, a certain Fellowship in the Spirit, a certain Tenderhearted Not Giving what is deserved . . . SO THEN . . .
 
Phil 2:2
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
 
Paul’s leading up to the HOW of our Humility –
& V.2 is a strong encouragement going into the next Vs’s
 
Again – Paul lists 4 things;
1) Be Like-Minded (LIT think the same thing)
2) Have the Same Love (that comfort of Agape Love)
3) Be of One Accord (LIT = ‘soul with soul’) (Unity)
4) Be of One Mind (LIT = have one thought) (don’t debate this)
 
Paul’s saying come on – Get on board with me –
Crucify the Flesh & Get Ready for the Mind of Christ (nxt wk)
 
& then – in V.3 - he goes into the HOW of our Humility
 
This is HOW you & I can live in true Humility –
& let me say (before we even read it) . . .
 
It’s SIMPLE – But it’s NOT EASY
 
Phil 2:3 – The beginning of the HOW of Humility
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
 
This is the beginning of the HOW – of Humility
 
The word ‘through’ actually refers to a ‘state of mind’ (or thinking) –
so we can say “THINKING NOTHING in selfish ambition or conceit”
 
The focus in the Greek – is actually on the thought (Motive) of the person
 
Not that Paul claims to know thoughts & motives of a person –
but he challenges us to TEST our hearts - & our thoughts . . .
 
Because that is where Division & Strife begin
 
‘selfish ambition’ = A Promotion of Your SELF above all else
 
At whatever level that is being done – that is Selfish Ambition
 
‘conceit’ is best defined as “SELF Display”
 
Have you ever met someone who always manages
to turn the conversation to their favorite subject – THEMSELVES !
 
THAT is Conceit - & listen – Christian – LISTEN TO YOURSELF . . .
 
If you hear yourself talking about your SELF – or Promoting your SELF
You need to repent of that
 
So – V.3 says - Let nothing be done (or thought)
through Promotion of SELF – or SELF Display
 
& then (2nd half of V.3) . . . the BIG . . . . . . . . HOWEVER !!!
 
V.3B – HOWEVER –
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
 
‘lowliness of mind’ = HUMILITY (translated humility in other places) . . .
 
NOT Just “low thinking of yourself”–
But NOT thinking of your SELF at all !
 
Do you SEE IT – V.3 says;
DON’T Promote your SELF – or Display your SELF – INSTEAD . . .
EMPTY yourself – of your SELF – THAT is Humility !
 
Then – Once you’ve emptied yourself - of your SELF
THEN - ‘esteem’ others better than yourself
 
To Esteem – means to “Set a High Value on” – or – “Regard Highly”
 
Instead of Promoting your SELF - & Displaying your SELF –
‘esteem’ others better than yourself
 
Hold others in higher regard than yourself – THAT is true humility
 
See - - Our Sin Nature puts US first – OTHERS second - & GOD last
 
ALL we have to do to live a Christ-Like life – is simply to reverse the order
 
Put GOD first – OTHERS second - & OURSELVES last –
It’s Simple . . . but it’s not easy
 
In fact – it requires a death – a death of our SELF & our sin nature
 
Someone asked George Mueller once –
What was the secret of his service to God,
 
George Mueller said: “There was a day when I died, utterly died;” and, as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor—“died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will—died to the world, its approval or censure—died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends, and from there on I began to study to show myself approved unto God.”
 
THAT – is Emptying yourself of your SELF – THAT is Humility !
 
& Paul says this same thing in Gal 2:20
 
Now – we end today in Phil 2:4 – (Part 2 nxt wk)
 
Phil 2:4
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
 
‘look out’ = ‘to fix attention on’ –
but the wording of this verse is a bit difficult
 
Young’s LIT Translation – V.4
4 each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others.
 
The idea is NOT – It’s OK to look out for your own interests –
as long as you look out for the interests of others . . .
 
The idea is you ALREADY do look out for your own interests –
So INSTEAD of that – Look out (fix your attention) on others
 
True Humility is being EMPTYIED of Your SELF –
& Esteeming others Better than yourself . . .
 
It’s Fixing your Attention on the Needs - & Interest of others
& esteeming them - Higher than your own
 
Rom 12:9-18 shows this Biblical Humility in Action (turn there)
I’ll read from the NLT
 
Rom 12:9-18 - NLT
 
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
 
 
Guys - Our humility is expressed in (1) an absence of SELF –
& (2) in our actions toward one another . . .
 
So – to close – let me give you
3-STEPS to Living in Humility
 
#1) Daily – Recognize that your SELF nature is your constant enemy
 
& so it must be Crucified with Christ – DAILY
 
Your pride will always put your SELF first - - Always . . .
 
& there is no hope to live the Christ-like life,
without the death of your self-focused pride
#1 is – Recognize your SELF nature (Pride) is your constant enemy
 
#2) Daily - Humble yourself before God
 
To humble yourself in the sight of God
is to see your total unworthiness before Him
 
& that constant recognition will be a reminder
that you deserve no better – no different – than anyone else
 
1Pet 5:5-6
5 . . . be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
 
#3) Daily - Allow Christ in you to esteem others better than yourself
 
It’s not in your nature to live like Christ –
It must be HIS nature living in you
 
As you Crucify your SELF nature –
& Allow His nature to live in you & thru you . . .
 
Then you can live this incredible, supernatural Christ-Like life !
 
Let’s present our SELF – as a Living Sacrifice
Let’s be Transformed by Christ Living in Us
Let’s begin living out – True Biblical Humility
 
 
 
The rivers of living water that Christ promised to all who believe in Him – MUST continually flow from your heart –
 
This is the power of constantly walking in the Holy Spirit (Who is that Living Water)
 
If room – poss close with the story on pg 107 - Boice
Watchman Nee - & rice farmer . . .
 
QUOTE - William Barclay - the aim of the Christian ought to be not self-display, but self-obliteration.
 
QUOTE – William Barclay - If a man is for ever concerned first and foremost with his own interests, he is bound to collide with others.
 
If we get to V.7-8 – see Boice pg 105
Both Dr. Henry Clay Trumbull and Dr. Charles G. Trumbull, the illustrious editors of The Sunday School Times, used to say that when criticism comes we ought to see whether there is any truth in it, and learn from that truth, and not let our thoughts be distracted by the fact that the criticism may not have been given in the right spirit. -In the face of criticism, by word or by letter, it is well to (1) Commit the matter instantly to God, asking Him to remove all resentment or counter-criticism on our part, and teach us needed lessons; (2) “Consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds,” remembering that we ourselves are very great sinners, and that the one who has criticized us does not really know the worst; (3) Take account of the personal bias of the speaker or writer; (4) Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1); - (5) If the criticism is true, and we have made a mistake or committed a sin, let us humbly and frankly confess our sin to Him, and to anyone whom we may have injured; (6) Learn afresh that we are fallible, and that we need His grace and wisdom moment by moment to keep up in the straight path; (7) Then,—and not until then—”forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before … press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” - —Sunday School Times
 
Tyndale Jesus ascribed all glory to his Father and lived in total dependence upon him (Jn 5:19; 6:38; 7:15; 8:28, 50; 14:10, 24).
 
New Bible Dictionary - FALSE HUMILITY - in Col. 2:18, it is clear that here and in 2:23 the reference is to a sham. In spite of all the appearances of humility, these false teachers are really puffed up with a sense of their own importance. Setting their own speculative system over against the revelation of God, they deny the very thing which by their asceticism they seem to proclaim. Paul warns his readers against this pseudo-humility and goes on in 3:12 to exhort them to the genuine thing.
 
In Jn 17:21 Jesus Prays - 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
 
& we must not overlook the importance of these truths –
because our love & concern for one another is at the very heart of our relationship with God (poss put with 1Jn scrips)
 
The 1st (& greatest) spiritual battle we will wage – is an INTERNAL ONE – It’s that internal battle between SELF & CHRIST - & upon that battle comes victory or defeat in all of our other battles
The clearest sign of whether we are winning or losing that 1st & greatest of Spiritual Battles – is HOW we are treating one another – The sign is are we esteeming others better than ourselves – are we crucifying our SELF will – for the benefit of those around us
THAT is HUMILITY !
& True Humility (the emptying of your SELF) is the #1 sign – that Jesus Christ is alive & well - & living inside you as your LORD
 
C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) – “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud . . . and that is a big step . . . at least, nothing whatever can be done before it”