HumilityIS
Humility IS
Humility is something we have to continually guard against loosing it. It is not a lasting quality this side of the New World (God’s Kingdom). Only Jesus could say he was humble (Matthew 11:29) because mankind cannot. If we were to say that we are a humble person, then by the fact of saying that we have placed ourselves into the pride category. Therefore, ‘humility’ is an elusive element that we would have to continue work at.
The world rejects it and promotes pride in all its many facets. However, for the Christian, ‘humility’ is the most foundational Christian virtue and one that requires one to constantly strive after it. We will need to be on constant vigilance because pride is ever present within ourselves. We must work toward maintaining a humble spirit. In order to have a ‘proper screening’ of others we need have a humble spirit.
Bottom line: “Humility” is necessary to develop as a virtue because without it we cannot begin to please God just as Jesus Christ could not have pleased His Father without it. Christ willingly ‘emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:7-8). At any time while He was on earth He could have exercised His divine rights, prerogatives, and glory, but in obedience and humility He did not. Instead of putting ‘self’ into the light, He put His Father in that position. He kept ‘self’ out of sight, thus practicing humility at all times.
We can say that ‘humility’ is at the heart of the Christian character. For the world that would be an opposite position as their position would be ‘pride’, the counterpart to humility. Has not the history of the world demonstrated their lack of it? The history of fallen human nature, ruled by Satan, has shunned humility and advocated pride. In fact, generally ‘humility’ has been looked on as a ‘weakness’.
Humility has been shunned for the glory seeking element of pride that is so ever present in our sinful nature. We can see that the world is busy telling all of their accomplishments, the children’s accomplishments, the possessions they have, the wisdom of their thinking abilities and more.
When this text Eph. 4:2 was written there was not a word in the Greek language for ‘humility’ as the Greeks and Romans were proud people and would consider the spirit of ‘humility’ as ignoble, coward, or something no person would pick up and wear. Therefore the Greek word “tapeinophrosune” would have probably been coined by Paul himself in order to describe quality for which no other word was available. The classical Greek word “tapeinos” is a derogatory term suggesting low-mindedness and groveling servility. The adjective was redeemed by the gospel to represent a distinctively Christian virtue. This pleasant sounding noun (tapeinophrousune, (humility)) was coined to stand out against the admired high-mindedness of the heathens around them.
Ephesians 4:2 states: “with all humility and gentleness” thus humility is linked with gentleness and they work together. It would be not possible to demonstrate a humble spirit without a gentle spirit enshrouded with it.
Ephesians 4:2 (ESV) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Note the comparison of the text with the Greek words:
By using the “English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament” we can compare by the “Greek” translation with the English words used while translating the text.
Look at the following to compare the Greek word for “Pride” and the Greek word for “Humility”:
Translations use: Humbleness of mind, humility (of mind), and loneliness (of mind)
Above it stated that the Greek word “tapeinophrosue” is a comp. of #5011 and #5424 (Strong’s numbering system.) Below is the definition of #5424 and #5011
Scriptures with “Humility” in them:
Acts 20:19 – 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;
Eph. 4:2 – 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Phil 2:3 – 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Col. 3:12 – 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
1 Peter 5:5 – 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility (G5012) toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (G5013).” 6 Humble (G5013) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
V.5 – G5012. ταπεινοφροσύνηtapĕinŏphrŏsunē, tap-i-nof-ros-oo´-nay; from a comp. of 5011 and the base of 5424; humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:—humbleness of mind, humility (of mind), loneliness (of mind).
V.6 uses G.5013 – 5013. ταπεινόωtapĕinŏō, tap-i-nŏ´-o; from 5011; to depress; fig. to humiliate (in condition or heart):—abase, bring low, humble (self).
Humble is a different word from humility. Note that the Strong’s Numbering follows in sequence for this pair.
Opposite is PRIDE:
Mark 7:22(ESV)
22coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
Consider this:
In the “sermon on the mount” Jesus resolves to tell them what ‘true righteousness’ is. It is important to note that “humility” is the first requirement to start the right road. The reason would be that a person needing ‘humility’ (the poor in spirit) in order to understand God’s requirements. Today, that still holds true for one to understand God’s plan of salvation the person needs to meekly, (humble), (unpretentious), (submissively) come to Him.
Matthew 5:3–11 (ESV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
This sermon was presented to the believers (Matt. 5:1,2) and to a great multitude of people (Matt. 7:28-29). It was Christ’s first message to the general populace in His ministry.
“The person who says that he “lives by the Sermon on the Mount” may not realize that the Sermon on the Mount is more difficult to keep than the original Ten Commandments!” (Warren Wiersbe)
Jesus sets things straight for those present when he said at Matthew 5:20 (ESV) For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
This sermon was forceful, yet delivered by a ‘humble’ person, Jesus.
One could say:
Without humility you can’t be saved therefore:
Without Humility one…
a. Can’t repent
b. Can’t be saved
c. Can’t understand
d. Can’t be humble
The reality is that if there is ‘pride’ then one would just keep revolving in the same circle of sin. Pride is where the people of the world live and will remain without God’s intervention.