[ ] 7/31/2011 #945

HUMILITY

Luke 14:1-14

INTRODUCTION:If you visited any bookstore in America, you would have a hard time finding books on “How to be Humble.” You would find many books dealing with self-help or self-esteem. In today’s world, we are told to love ourselves and to build our self-esteem. You would be hard pressed to find any mention of self-esteem in the Bible.

I. HYPOCRISY

A. HYPOCRITES’ TRAP FOR JESUS. (v. 1-2)

The man suffered from dropsy, accumulation of fluid. The man had either a problem with his kidneys, liver, blood, or heart.

B. HYPOCRITES TESTED BY JESUS. (v. 3-6)

II. HUMILATION

A. PRIDE REVEALED. (v. 8)

B. PRIDE REBUKED. (v. 9)

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

Missionary William Carey had inscribed on his tombstone: “Awretched, poor and helpless worm, on Thy kind arms I fall.”

III. HUMILITY

A. PRACTICE OF HUMILITY. (v. 10)

“A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honor such selfless people. Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth. Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.

The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. ‘It's perfectly all right, Madam,’ he replied. ‘Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it's always a delight to do something for a friend.’ She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.”

B. PRINCIPLE OF HUMILITY. (v. 11)

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7

The more we grow in grace, the more we will grow in humility. Biblical humility is the recognition that everything good has come as an undeserved gift from God.

Watchman Nee: “Lord, I see it now! Not only what I have done is wrong; I am wrong!”

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “My own experience is a daily struggle with the evil within. I wish I could find in myself something friendly to grace, but, hitherto, I have searched my nature through, and have found everything in rebellion against God” (C. H. Spurgeon Autobiography [Banner of Truth], 1:229).

Winston Churchill was once asked, "Doesn't it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?" "It's quite flattering," replied Sir Winston. "But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big."

IV. HOSPITALITY

A. REPROOF OF THE HOST. (v. 12)

B. RECOMPENSE FOR THE HUMBLE. (v. 13-14)

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” Proverbs 22:4