Week of October 1, 2023
October 2-6 Humility
Humility was not embraced in the time of ancient Rome nor is it a virtue sought after in American culture today. Nevertheless, the first Christians chose this word to express the attitude of Jesus Christ who though having divine honor … chose to come as a humble servant and give his life. Christians over the centuries have made humility a virtue because we want to live like Jesus and because humility is a relationship builder.
Monday | Philippians 2:1-11
The Apostle Paul instructed those first Christians in Philippi that they were to be like Jesus in terms of his humility. How were they to demonstrate humility (see especially verses 3-4)? What is the relationship between lives of humility and the unity that their church was to aspire to? How did Jesus demonstrate humility?
Tuesday | 2 Chronicles 7:13-16
God’s people were called to humble themselves before Him, especially in times of national calamity. What does it mean to humble yourself before God? What is the connection between humility and repentance? How do we move from resistant pride to spiritually receptive humility?
Wednesday | Proverbs 11:2, 13:10, 15:33, 18:12, 22:4
These are assorted proverbs (ancient wisdom) on the contrasting themes of pride and humility. How do you think the Bible’s wisdom writers understood “pride”? What about humility? Why is it wise to live humbly rather than with arrogant pride? What different outcomes are ascribed to each?
Thursday | 1 Peter 5:5-7
The Apostle Peter instructs the younger to submit themselves to the older, but in general, we are to live humbly in our relationships with others. What does it mean to you to approach others with humility? What will you do and not do? Why do you think God is against pride but blesses humility? How do we show our humility before God (see verse 7)?
Friday | Titus 3:1-8
Here the Apostle Paul is instructing co-worker and church leader Titus about what Titus is to be teaching his people. He is to teach the Christians to be humble toward all people. This would mean Christians and non-Christians alike. Why can it be difficult for Christians to relate humbly to those who don’t share their faith? What do you think it means to have a humble attitude toward non-Christian friends and family? What is the normal human bent with regard to relationships (see verse 3)? How did Jesus change all that (see verses 4-7)?
