Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

An argument could be made that the most critical quality of a truly Christian life is humility. Jesus said that the kingdom of God belonged only to those who were “poor in spirit.” The kingdom of God belongs to those that mourn over their sin. By Jesus’s estimation, only the meek shall be able to inherit, and so, rule the earth.

Humility is not some ancillary attribute for the Christian. It is not the icing on the cake, but the quality that characterizes every aspect of the “cake.” This is why you see the repeated commands to humble oneself.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)

Why does God make such a big deal out of humility? The reason for this is simple:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

In God’s kingdom there is room for only one deity, and you are not Him.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

1 Peter 5 (ESV)

5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.