Bible Studies

---

The Greatest Contrast
Phil 2:5-8


INTRODUCTION: Our world is full of contrasts. They are found everywhere. Contrasts can be very useful in our lives. Contrasts are used to show opposition, emphasize differences. They can make life more interesting. We use them in our dress for warnings as in a red flashing light for danger. The Bible is full of contrasts. What do you think the greatest biblical contrast is? The humanist would probably say good/evil. The New Ager might say light /darkness. The religionist might say righteousness/unrighteousness.
I contend that the greatest contrast in the Bible is pride/humility. Let’s look at some biblical examples to see the power of the contrast, and what our attitude should be.
First let’s look at pride. Its origin is of the devil, re Isa 14:13-15. Satan pronounces his infamous five “I wills”. These are in direct opposition to God. Pride characterizes the world, re 1Jn 2:16. , the driving force for all the world does. While, the believer should be driven by a spirit of humility.
We also need to be aware of the effects of pride:
a. Ps 10:4 – keeps one from coming to God
b. Jer 43:2 – causes one to reject God’s Word
c. Pr 16:18 – leads to destruction, of life and relationship
d. Ja 4:6 - God resists the proud – “resist” to stand against
Lev 26:19 tells us what God promises will be the result of our pride.
As we’ve mentioned the contrast to or the opposite of pride is humility. Humility is an odd characteristic, in the sense that if we say we have it, we lie. It’s prideful to profess it. Or if we say, “I am trying to be humble.” We lie.
So the question is, if pride is so abominable, and humility is what God desires in us, how do we go about possessing it?
(1) We must first possess the mind of Christ, re Phil 2:5-8.
5 - To have the mind of Christ we must know His mind, and how He thinks, this implies that our every thought be subjected to Him.
6 – even though He was God
7 – He humbled Himself to come in the likeness of man
8 – Allowed Himself to be crucified, the ultimate in humility
(2) Be willing for self to be mocked and ridiculed, even killed for Christ’s and the Gospel’s sake.
(3) We put it on as a garment re, Col 3:12. The implication here is that it is a fruit of the Spirit. Pride is the fruit of the flesh. Humility is an attitude of the heart.
(4) You must be filled with the Spirit. But to be filled you must first be emptied. ILLUSTRATION: Show a glass of water. You can’t fill it until it’s emptied.
Finally, re Phil 2:9, as God exalted Christ to the highest seat in Heaven, likewise He wishes to exalt His people to sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus 1Pt 5:6. But first comes humility.
Seek to be filled with Spirit- you cannot be filled with self and the Spirit at the same time
Seek to be filled with Spirit- you cannot be filled with self and the Spirit at the same time
Allow the Spirit to strip you of your proud self – humble yourself to serve Him.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE