Sermon Note on The Christian Virtue of Humility

THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF HUMILITY     Text: Matthew 18:1 – 4; 1 Peter 5:5 – 7

Introduction: Humility is modest or unassuming in attitude and behaviour. It is feeling or showing respect and deference to other people. In Bible Online, Sockman posited that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Humility is what will tell the world about our Christianity outside love.  

Development: The disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question may have arisen from the prediction Jesus gave in Matt. 17:22, 23. To answer their question, Jesus called a small child over to him. The disciples had become preoccupied with the organization of an earthly kingdom and were seeking positions of advantage. Jesus used a child to help His self-centred disciples get the point. The disciples needed to become as little children. Jesus wanted them to change their attitude toward greatness.

They were to have servant attitudes (diaconate spirit), not being “childish” (arguing over petty issues) but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. God’s people are called to humility and unconcern for social status. Unfortunately, that has become one of the greatest problems of the church today. People want to prefix something to their name. The desperate one will pay huge sums of money to the church so they will be made knights or Ezinne. Some, on their own will begin to prefix Evang. Some have even made themselves Pastors and Apostles.

Those who persist in pride and “ladder climbing” for the sake of status in this world will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. By contrast, those who, in humility, realize their need of a Saviour, accept Him, and move into the world to serve, not only enter the Kingdom but will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility means to deny oneself, to accept a position of servant hood, and to completely follow the Master. This informs the admonition of Peter on church relationship in 1 Peter 5:5 – 7. He noted that all the believers had a responsibility in the congregation to serve each other in humility. Humility means being able to put others’ needs and desires ahead of one’s own (see Philippians 2:3-4).  

Application: Today, our world in general and the church in particular are in dire need of this Christian virtue of humility. We need men/women who will serve without asking for a price. The Church needs people who will carry the virtue of humility to their offices, neighbourhood, business premises, schools, etc. Humility should be seen in our actions, reactions, responses, word, etc. We should be humble enough to accept our mistakes, confess our sins and repent of them. It takes a humble heart to repent of sins.

Conclusion: Have you ever thought of what the Church of God would look like if all of us had developed the kind of servant hood or diaconate spirit found in Christ (Philippians 2:3 – 11)? The virtue of humility will help us to crucify self, put on compassionate spirit and live out the life of Christ. It will make us less worldly and more heavenly. Just like our collect for the day, we should ask God to humble us in every aspect of our lives for that is what the world will see in us and acknowledge that we are indeed Christ-like.

Let us pray