Bible Studies

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TRUE HUMILITY AND SINCERE LOVE

Philippians 2:3-8; Romans 12:3, 10; 1Corinthians 13: 4-8; John 13:34-35
Humility and Love are the two pivots of Christian living and their identity as heaven-bound pilgrims. Whatever other Christian experiences one may profess to possess without this “TRUE HUMILITY” and “SINCERE LOVE” are mere “sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal”. Someone had said, “We are not everything nor are we nothing. It is humility which created this understanding and keeps us in balance. Humility is the proof of self-mastery of conquered the “I and My“ which snare a person into a game of power, into games of manipulation”
Therefore, when these essentials are lost in the life any believer, it means that the vitality of true Christianity is lacking in such a believer. In short, Jesus said “ … it is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and be trodden under foot of men”.

HUMILITY, IDENTFIABLE MARK OF CHRIST’S DESCIPLE
Matthew 11:29; 1Peter 5: 5-6; James 4: 6-7, 10; Romans 12:3, 10; Psalm 1138:6
Those who have been yoked with Christ (in body, soul and spirit), and daily lean on Him by following His foot-steps are bound to manifest the same kind of humility and those inside Him have the tendency to manifest it. The true glory of a Christian consists in his being humble as his Lord.
True humility therefore entails making oneself of no reputation, lowly and gentle in mind, not thinking of oneself more highly than necessary, and being submissive in the spirit to God, brethren, or leadership. Though easy-going but firm, and in honour preferring and esteeming others better than oneself. When we are in entire dependence on Christ, we are strongest where we are weakest,, for at our weakest point the strength of Christ has its fullness opportunity (1Corinthians 12:9); but we are living the self-sufficient life, we are weakest where we are strongest, for there, we are most vulnerable to Satan’s attack (1Corinthians 10:12). In ourselves, we are weak even where we are strong. In Christ we are strong even where we are weak. The lower we are the feet of Jesus the higher we rise. Humility is the soil which all grace grows.
However, pride which goeth before destruction is the characteristic mark of the followers of Satan because he is the embodiment of pride (Isaiah 14: 12-15; Ezekiel 28:1-7, 12, 14-17). Hence, sinners cannot manifest this Christ-like humility. The carnal man is selfish and self-centred, and he is incapable of the agape love of God.

2. SINCERE LOVE: VISUAL AID TO THE WORLD ABOUT CHRIST

John 13:34-35; 15: 12-13; 1John 3:14-18; James 2:15-16; 1John 4:7-12, 16, 20-21; 1Corinthians 13:1-8
“Now the end of the commandment is Charity (Love), out of a pure heart, and of good conscience …”(1Timothy 1:15). The subject of love in Christendom is quite different from the one manifested in the world. Infact, the true love in the church is being mis-interpreted as lust in the world.
Love is not passive but active – it expresses one’s strong affection for others which is not sensual or having evil desire “For God so love the world, that he gave His only begotten son …”; and “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. Are two expressions showing the actions of love. This is agape love! The true and supreme love. This is not abstract or passive. God gave the best that He had, the Son gave also the best He had – His life.
Hence, the practical demonstration of this love through giving material or spiritual things (or helps), even our own very life to the brethren in need is a proof and conviction to our Christian profession (Acts 2:44-47); 4: 43-37). However, for this to be rewarding, it must be void of any kind of interior motive – not having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage (Jude 16). Also, “let love be without dissimulation (pretence) …” (Romans 12:9)

3. HUMILITY AND LOVE: THEIR BENEFITS

John 14: 21-23; Ephesians 17-19; Psalm 145:20; Matthew 18:4; Luke 14:11; James 4:6; Isaiah 57:15

“But as it is written, eye bath not seen, nor ear, heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1Corinthians 1:9).
There are lots of blessings both here on earth and in heaven awaiting those who wholeheartedly practice this humility and love. Humility seems to cripple us but in reality it gives us wings. The way up is down! The way to the cross is through the cross!
The reward of humility is “greatness” while that of Love is “God’s continual abiding presence”. When a believer truly practice these in its totality, both the Father and the Son will make their abode with that person with the effect of making him/her great in all endeavours of life.

Akinbowale Isaac Adewumi
www,devinehome.blogspot.com

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