lpv, Aramaic cognate of the Heb. verb: to be low, to bring low, Doctrine of Humility

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1 1) Preliminary considerations. a) In a general sense, humility is a disposition to be humble. b) The one who is humble is not arrogant or proud in his thinking or behavior. c) Additionally, such a person is not consumed or impressed by his own selfimportance. d) Biblical humility includes these aspects. However it also includes a spiritual dimension that is only recognized by those who have an understanding of God and His plan of grace. e) Those who do not approach humility from a biblical perspective, which includes the bulk of humanity, invariably reach faulty conclusions regarding the subject (Col. 2:18, 23). f) Those who are negative to God and His plan are incapable of understanding the spiritual issues regarding biblical humility (1Cor. 2:14 cf. Rom. 8:7). g) Biblical humility is the ability to see God, yourself, and others in a balanced perspective. h) The believer must view his achievements, gifts, failures, and weaknesses as they relate to God s grace, avoiding the extremes of self-loving and/or self loathing (cf. Rom. 12:3). 2) Vocabulary. a) Hebrew terms: i) ~l;k', kalam, verb: to humiliate, put to shame (Jer. 22:22). ii) hm'lik., kalamah, noun: dishonor, shame. iii) [n:k', kanah, verb: to humble, submit, subdue (Psa. 107:12). iv) hw"n"[], anavah, noun: humility, meekness (Prov. 18:12). v) hn"[', anah, verb: to force, to try to force submission, to punish or inflict pain. vi) wn"[', anav, adj.: humble, meek (Num. 12:3). vii) lpev', shaphel, verb: to humiliate, bring low (Prov. 29:23). viii) lpv, Aramaic cognate of the Heb. verb: to be low, to bring low, humble (Dan. 4:37). ix) lp'v', shaphal, adj.: low, humiliated. x) lp;v., Aramaic adj.: humble, low. xi) lp,ve, shephel, noun: low estate, humble position (Psa. 136:23) b) Greek terms: i) tapeino,j, tapeinos, adj.: lowly, humble, gentle (Rom. 12:16). ii) tapeinofrosu,nh, tapeinophrosune, noun: humility, modesty. Depending on the context this term may refer to humility in a negative sense (negative: Colossians 2:18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by 1

2 his fleshly mind ; positive: Acts 20:18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; ). iii) tapeino,frwn, tapeinophron, adj.: having a humble attitude, having a modest opinion of oneself (1 Peter 3:8). iv) tapeino,w, tapeinoo, verb: to cause to be at a lower point, to abase, to cause to be or become humble (James 4:10). v) prau<thj, prautes, noun: the quality of gentleness, humility, consideration (Gal. 6:1). vi) prau<j, praus, adj.: gentle, kind, humble; (Matt. 21:5). 3) In light of God s perfect essence and plan of grace, mankind ought to be humble. a) Consider the following points: i) God is infinitely superior to all things in every respect (Isa. 43:10-13, 44:8, 45:5-7). ii) He self-exists whereas mankind s existence depends on God (cf. Ex. 3:14, Job 12:10). iii) God is eternal. In contrast, mankind s physical life is finite (Psa. 90:2, 10). iv) God is omniscient. Mankind is constantly striving to increase his knowledge (Psa. 147:5, Prov. 1:5). v) God is omnipotent. Humans possess very limited power and are vulnerable to weather, war, health problems, etc (Job 1:19, 42:2). vi) God is absolute veracity. Conversely, mankind is prone to questioning the truth and being disingenuous (John 18:38, Gal. 2:14, 1 Thess. 1:9). vii) God is love whereas mankind is generally selfish and lovers of self (2 Cor. 13:11, 2 Tim.3:2). viii) God is righteous and just. On the other hand, we are sinful and unjust (Psa. 89:14, Eccl. 3:16, 5:8). b) Mankind is incapable of attaining the perfection of God s essence or nature (Rom. 3:23). c) Furthermore, all mankind, since the fall of Adam, has been corrupted by the OSN which produced spiritual death (Gen 2:17, Rom. 5:12). d) Due to this spiritually dead condition we were alienated from God in a state of hostility unable to affect a change through our own efforts (Rom. 3:9-18, Eph. 2:1-3, Col. 1:21). e) Despite the state of hostility, God provided an escape from this condition. His love motivated Him to provide salvation as a free gift, strictly on the basis of grace, for every person who will believe in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:1-9, 2 Tim. 1:7-10, Titus 2:11-14). 2

3 f) Moreover, He sacrificed His own Son, Christ, on our behalf as part of the plan of salvation (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life,). g) God s grace has been directed toward all mankind even while in a state of enmity. This is true grace (Rom. 5:8-10, cf. 1 Timothy 2:4 (God) Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ). h) Mankind is completely undeserving of His grace yet through faith in Christ, we may have a relationship with God which includes a new citizenship in the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13), redemption and forgiveness of sin (Col. 1:14), we have been declared righteous and have peace with God (Rom. 3:24, 5:1), etc. i) As believers, these preceding facts regarding God and His plan ought to prompt true humility in our thinking. 4) After saving faith, the believer must recognize that he will continue to sin. This fact doesn t provide a license to sin nor a basis for self-loathing (Rom. 7:8-8:1, James 3:2). 5) God already knew we would be very imperfect so He has graciously provided every means to combat personal sin (e.g. rebound, 1 John 1:9; instruction in sound doctrine, Psa. 19:11; inner strength, Eph. 3:16). 6) Jesus Christ is the preeminent example of humility (Zech. 9:9). a) Philippians 2:5-8 is a key passage that discusses His humility and humiliation as the God-man. i) Believers are exhorted to have the same humility of mind that Christ possessed (v. 5). ii) V. 6 presents the example with reference to Christ's deity as seen in His condescension: "who, although He existed in the form of God (this addresses His eternal preexistence as the second person of the Godhead and the pre-incarnate glory of that existence) did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped (His deity specifically did not so regard itself as being above entering into an incarnate state. This is the condescension of Christ). iii) V. 7 presents the example from His humanity: "but emptied Himself (this refers to a decision over the course of His life on earth not to exercise the independent use of His divine attributes to make His way easier and so circumvent the sufferings and limitations of the incarnation), taking the form of a bondslave (His deity agreed not only to associate with an inferior, but with one who was from the lower classes), and being made in the likeness of men (Christ looked just like true humanity). iv) Vs.8 continues the example as viewed from His humanity: "And being found in appearance as a man (His contemporaries recognized Him to be a normal man like themselves), He humbled Himself by becoming 3

4 obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (the humiliation of Christ constituted His willingness to undergo whatever was necessary to provide salvation for mankind, including the shame associated with the cross. Cf. Heb. 12:2). b) In His humanity Christ was subject to temptation, weakness, sorrow, pain, and limitation (Mark 14:33-34, Heb. 4:15; 5:2, 8). c) He voluntarily humbled Himself and was completely submissive to God s will during 1 st advent (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 12:49 cf. Matt.26:39). d) Christ s true humility was demonstrated by complete obedience to the will of the Father (John 8:28-29). e) Various examples of Christ s humility during the incarnation: i) His baptism (Matt. 3:13-15). ii) The washing of the disciples feet (John 13:3-5). iii) Triumphal entry (Matt. 21:5). f) Christ declared His own humility. This indicates that asserting one s own humility is not necessarily a case of arrogance (Matt. 11:29 cf. Num. 12:3). g) Furthermore, His humility functioned in harmony with His confident assertions, authority, uncompromising demands and severe rebukes (Matt. 7:28-20; 10:37-38; 16:22-23; 23:1ff, John 18:20). 7) Humility is commanded (Zeph. 2:3, Col. 3:12, James 4:10, 1 Peter 3:8, 5:5-6). 8) How does a believer demonstrate humility? Examples: a) Those who are humble seek Divine viewpoint and apply God s commands (Psa. 69:32, Zeph. 2:3). b) Humility is demonstrated by the eagerness to function under one s gift (cf. Paul, Acts 20:19). c) Genuine humility is demonstrated by changing one s thinking and behavior in order to comply with God s righteous standards (cf. 2 Chron. 7:14, 33:9-13, 19, Jonah 3:5-10). d) Humility is demonstrated by regarding other royal family members as more important then yourself. Additionally, there is an absence of selfishness and vanity in our interactions with others (Phil 2:3). e) As believers we must not avoid fellowship with or neglect helping other adjusted believers because they make less money, have less education, different ethnic background, different personality, etc In our position as CA believers, we are all one in Christ in spite of these superficial differences (1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit, Colossians 3:11 -- a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all ). f) A mark of humility is not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult (1 Peter 3:8-9). 4

5 9) The adjusted believer recognizes that humility is absolutely essential to learn sound doctrine (Psa. 25:8-9, James 1:21). 10) All those who are arrogant will be humbled or humiliated by God (2 Sam. 22:28, Job 40:11-12, Prov. 29:23, Isa. 2:11-12, 17, 13:11). a) As a rule, whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Matt. 23:12, Luke 18:9-14). b) Arrogance or lack of humility is manifested by disobedience to sound doctrine (cf. 2 Chron. 36:12, Mal. 2:9). c) Arrogant types often despise those that possess humility (2 Sam. 6:12-22, 1 Chron. 15:29). d) The pharaoh of the Exodus refused to humble himself before God and was subsequently wiped out (Exodus 10:3 And Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me, Exodus 14:22-23 And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. 24 And it came about at the morning watch, that the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25 And He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians." 26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen." 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore). e) Nebuchadnezzar is another example of a powerful, arrogant ruler who was humiliated by God. Yet his personal humiliation brought about true humility (Dan. 5:19-21 cf. Daniel 4:37 "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride."). 11) God takes pleasure in blessing the believer who manifests genuine humility in his thinking and behavior (Psa. 10:17, 25:9, 37:11; Isa. 66:2; James 4:6). 5

6 12) Certain tests in one s niche are designed to produce humility (Deut. 8:2, 16). 13) Various blessings associated with humility. a) Ph. 1 salvation (cf. Matt. 18:1-4). b) Ph. 2 deliverance (2 Chron. 12:7-12, 32:26, cf. Jonah 3:10 When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.). c) Divine viewpoint or wisdom (Prov. 11:2). d) Effective prayer (Ezra 8:21, Psa. 10:17, Dan. 10:12). e) Honor and prosperity (Psa. 37:11, Prov. 15:33, 18:12, 22:4). f) National prosperity (Ezek. 17:24, Luke 1:52 cf. Israel in Millennium, Zeph. 3:12). 14) Humility and the local church. a) The corporate success and well being of a LC is dependant upon the humility exhibited by its members (Eph. 4:2-3, 1 Peter 3:8). b) Individual service and applications toward other believers in the LC proceed from humility (Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others; cf. John 13:13-15 "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you). c) The p-t must possess humility in his ministry. This is demonstrated by teaching the truth of sound doctrine regardless of monetary gain (cf. 2 Cor. 11:7). d) The rejection of one s right p-t, a communicator appointed by God, manifests a lack of humility (2 Chron. 36:12, cf. James 1:21 Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls). 15) Concluding remarks. a) In light of the prevailing attitude of arrogance in mankind, the wise believer will gain a firm understanding of humility. b) The adjusted believer will view his achievements, gifts, failures, and weaknesses as they relate to God s grace, in a balanced perspective. c) In addition, a thorough understanding of the nature of God and His grace should provoke an attitude of humility in the believer. d) His plan of grace is extended to all mankind even while in a state of enmity. e) Believers ought to examine the attitude and conduct of Christ as the preeminent example of humility. f) He voluntarily agreed to submit Himself to the sufferings and limitations associated with His life on earth, including His death on the cross. 6

7 g) As Christ manifested true humility by obeying the Father s will, so the believer ought to demonstrate humility through obedience. h) Humility is essential in learning and applying principles of sound doctrine. i) Believers are enjoined to be humble in their interactions with others, especially with members of the royal family. j) God will bless the believer who is truly humble (Isaiah 66:2 " But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word ). k) Simply, it is important to remember, whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Matt. 23:12). James Allen 5/30/07 7