September 15th
“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6 NIV
Pride is at the root of all sin. When we sin, we’re basically saying to God, “I don’t have to abide by your rules. I’m going to do things my way.” It should be no surprise, then, that the scriptures encourage us toward humility, which is the antidote to pride.
In the above passage, Peter explained that humility is something that we are to “put on” as an act of our will. Sometimes people pray for God to make them humble. Whether or not God would answer that prayer, its a good possibility that continuing in pride will eventually lead to a fall. Consider Proverbs 16:18 NIV: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is our responsibility to stay clothed with humility!
Putting on humility is a key requirement for victory in spiritual warfare. James discussed this in James 4:6-7 NIV: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Part of our submission to God involves surrendering our will to his will. It is demonstrated by our obedience to his commands in our daily living. Often people try to resist the devil when they haven’t completely submitted to God. The lingering pride from the sin in their hearts provides enough of a foothold for the devil to hang on to. When they resist him and tell him to leave, he just defiantly laughs at them. When we are living in total submission to God, the devil will flee from us when we resist him.
There are many ways to put on humility. As you read through the below examples, please remember that each action must be from the heart. The moment we start doing things on a list yet don’t mean them in our hearts, the exercise becomes meaningless. Example actions to put on humility:
- Surrender control of your life to God
- Acknowledge Jesus as the Master and Lord of your life (Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 6:8-11)
- Consider others better than yourself and look not only to your own interests but to theirs as well (Philippians 2:2-4)
- Use your body parts as instruments of righteousness and not for sin (Romans 6:12-14)
- Be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:9)
- Take time to praise and worship God for who he is
- Humble yourself through Fasting
- Make sacrifices that reflect Jesus as Lord of your life (ex. tithes and offerings, taking care of your body, using your words to glorify God)
Other verses for further study on humility: Isaiah 2:12, Psalm 18:27, Psalm 37:11, Matthew 5:5
Questions for further thought:
How is sin often linked to anxiousness? What are we to do with anxious thoughts and feelings? (Philippians 4:6-7)
How does pride sometimes prevent Christians from opening up to one another for fellowship and accountability?
What does the above passage suggest concerning humility and waiting on God (6)? (hint: “in due time”)
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe and everything in it, I praise you and worship you today. I thank you for having mercy on me and saving me through the blood of Jesus. I confess the attitudes in my heart that have been rebelling against you and your laws: ___________ (specify). I repent from my rebellion. Please forgive me for not having submitted myself to you. I bow my whole heart to you today, submitting to your Lordship in every area of my life. I lay down all the issues that I’ve been anxious about at the foot of your throne right now. I trust you with those issues, Lord. Please help me to be patient and filled with faith that you are in control. I thank you that you will raise me up in due time according to your purpose for my life. Thank you that you have a good plan for my life and that you will lead me in the paths of righteousness for your namesake. I praise you, Father, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”