MANIFESTING THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

MANIFESTING THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST

Devotional Text: Phil 2:5-11

Introduction:

The word “humility” indicates the absence of pride in one’s life. It means that one is not governed by the dictates of the flesh or self. One who possesses the element of humility is not proud and does not regard oneself as better than others.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)    Humility makes one great in heaven, (Matt. 18:4)

(2)    God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, (James 4:6).

(3)    Pride goes before a fall, (Prov. 16:18).

(4)    The crown of humility is exaltation, (Luke 18:14).

THE CONTRASTING POINT

        Lucifer (Satan) is the embodiment of pride, whereas, Jesus is the embodiment of humility. Where there is pride, Satan is in charge. And where there is humility, Jesus is in charge, Pride is an over-lifting of oneself, one’s position, possession or achievement. On the other hand, one who is humble shows a modest opinion of oneself, one’s position, possession or achievement.

        Having exposed the above, it becomes proper to examine closely the qualities or otherwise of the contrasting figures.

(i)           Lucifer was demoted by pride, (Isa. 14:12-16)

a)       He was full of “self”, (verse 13).

b)      He was determined to dethrone God, (verse 13)

c)       He was proud in his heart, (verse 13).

d)      So, he was demoted, (verse 15).

(ii)         Jesus was promoted by humility, (Phil. 2:6-8)

a)       He was obedient to his equal, (verse 6)

b)      He took the form of a servant, (verse 7)

c)       He was obedient unto death, (verse 8)

d)      So, he was promoted, (verse 9).

HOW TO MANIFEST THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST

Every truly converted person carries the humble nature of Christ. One who possesses this nature can;

a)       serve one’s younger or junior ones at home or in the ministry, (John 13:3-17).

b)      serve God selflessly, (John 5:30).

c)       display a high degree of child-like character, (Matt. 18:2-4).

Finally, note that one carries a false claim where one claims one is converted but does not manifest the above traits of humility.