“At every stage of our Christian development, and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is our greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.”
– John Stott
Luke 22:31
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
- The enemy wants to make you useless for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
Luke 22:32-33
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
- Be on guard because pride can slip in at any moment.
Luke 22:34
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
- Pride is the essence of all sin because it refuses to allow God to be God.
Luke 22:60-62
Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
- Nobody ever wants to be in a place of brokenness, but it’s such a critical place for us to be because now we can grow.
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
- When you can’t rely on yourself anymore, you have the opportunity to realign with God’s authority.
John 21:7-8
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
- When we finally come honestly before him with brokenness and humility, He meets us right where we are and puts a block on Satan because we are realigned with Him and submit to His rule.
1 Peter 5:6-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
- When we surrender our pride we can really flourish into God’s plan for us.
Acts 2:14, 38, 41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say…. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
“Humility is not a mere ornament of a Christian, but an essential part of the new creature.”
– Richard Baxter
Three Truths Of Humility:
- We are justified through humility. (Luke 18:14)
- We are sanctified through humility. (James 4:6)
- We are ministers through humility. (1 Peter 5:6)
Five Steps To Grow In Humility:
- Thank God, often and always.
- Confess your sins daily.
- Be ready to accept humiliation.
- Don’t worry about status.
- Use your sense of humor.
Questions:
- What did you hear from the Holy Spirit?
- What will you do because of it?
- How can we pray for you?