First Principles. Lesson 5 Lesson Text—Matthew 8:8-10 Matthew 8:8-10 8 The centurion answered and...

First Principles

Lesson 5

Lesson Text—Matthew 8:8-10

Matthew 8:8-108 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.


9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great

faith, no, not in Israel.


Matthew 8:11-1311 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.


12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame

hour.

Lesson Text—Luke 18:9-12

Luke 18:9-129 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.


11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.


Luke 18:13-1413 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.


14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Focus Verse—James 4:10

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of

the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Focus Thought

Jesus presented a strange

paradox about humility. The

message of humility says, “If you

want to win, you have to lose.”

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideCULTURE CONNECTIONHumbling Experiences

Life has its share of humbling experiences. I can think of quite a few. For example, I remember once when I was in grade school and ripped out the seat of my blue jeans, I had to walk home in that rather exposed condition. Or, there was the time I had just stepped out of the shower and my wife’s great aunt walked in on me. I am not quite sure who was shocked the most! Both experiences

were humbling, to say the least.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideThen there was my close encounter with death, riding to the hospital in the back of an ambulance, focused on the little square windows in the back and wondering if I would see my family again in this life. It is indeed humbling to reflect briefly on your life, wondering if you gave your best, accomplished all you could, loved as much as you should have. It was a humbling experience.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideIt is not in the carnal nature of

mankind to be humble. Rather, by nature we tend to be proud and selfish—both self-centered and self-serving. However, why does it take humbling experiences to humble us? Would it not be better to humble ourselves? James admonished, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Life has its way of keeping us humble, but let us not wait for humbling experiences; let us humble ourselves.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideCONTEMPLATING THE

TOPIC

Someone articulated possibly one of the best definitions of humility in modern times: “On a life I did not live, on a death I did not die, I place all my hope for eternity.” Where these words originated is unclear, but the truth and power of the statement are undeniable.

V.A. GuidrozThe late V. A. Guidroz reportedly told

a group of Texas young people, “If you are humble, you don’t have to tell anybody; it shows! And if you’re not, that shows too!”

Today we will consider the subject of humility. There is a fine line between the true principles of humility and the exhibition of false pride masquerading as humility. The Scriptures will be our guide as we contemplate the subject. For example, Paul wrote to the believers at Rome,

V.A. Guidroz“For I say, through the grace

given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think

soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure

of faith” (Romans 12:3).

I Peter 5:6

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (I Peter 5:6).

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideHumbling oneself takes purposeful

action on the part of the individual. Because humility runs counter to human nature, the effort to achieve humility requires work all our lives. When used as a verb, the word “humble” describes the action of striving to achieve humility. Taking such life-changing action requires one to reevaluate the verbs by which he lives life. Boasters and braggarts must learn a new vocabulary if they are to pursue humility. They must change their sentence structures.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideThey need to learn to speak and live in ways that exalt the Lord Jesus Christ rather than themselves. Even the man Christ Jesus, as our example, humbled Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

A person’s expressions tend to display his spirit and reveal whether he is humble or arrogant. May we as Christians ever pursue the path of humility, rejecting the arrogance so common in our world.

Merriam-Webster — Humility

Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines humility as “the quality or state of being humble in

spirit: freedom from pride or arrogance.”

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideSEARCHING THE

SCRIPTURES

Man’s Tendency to Exhibit Pride

Some people wear their tendencies toward certain attitudes on their faces. A person’s face expresses much about him. Arrogance and pride seem to have a way of showing up on a person’s face at exactly the wrong moment.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideIt is impossible to miss the certain look of arrogant disdain on an individual’s face. One thing is certain: pride shows. And sadly, mankind simply has an innate tendency to exhibit pride. David referred to a proud countenance as an attribute of the wicked and blamed it for their oft-exhibited inability to seek God. (See Psalm 10:4.)

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideMany people quote Solomon’s

words: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Solomon further offered a remedy to mankind’s dilemma with pride in Proverbs 29:23: “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Honor with true humility always wins out over human pride.

A. Pride from SatanA. Pride from Satan

In his first epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul exhorted his youthful protégé concerning the qualifications of a bishop. Paul revealed the danger of inexperience among young or new ministers: swelling up with sinful pride and falling into condemnation. He wrote, “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (I Timothy 3:6).

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideT. G. McNeely once preached a

message titled “Hell’s Trophy Case.” In the message he observed that pride is one of Satan’s primary tools for conquering souls. It is easy to succumb to the praise and laud of people. Who does not want to be admired, accepted, and honored? It appeals to the flesh.

John admonished the church, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:16).

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideIn other words, lust and pride grow out of the system of this world and from the influence of the god of this world, Satan. Believers must constantly guard against the intrusion of arrogance into their lives. Satan consistently attempts to draw us away through worldly attractions and pleasures. However, mankind must not love this world’s systems, which fosters fleshly lust and pride and is counter to godly humility.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideSatan attempted in vain to appeal to

the fleshly desires of Jesus Christ in his feeble effort to tempt Him. As demonstrated in the temptation of Christ, the very nature of Satan’s allurements are based in sinful pride. But Jesus steadfastly rebuked and resisted him, saying, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7). (See also Deuteronomy 6:16; Luke 4:12.)

B. The Fallen Nature of Mankind

B. The Fallen Nature of Mankind

Disguised as a serpent, Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. He hoped to rouse her interest and appeal to her normal curiosity, make her feel deprived, and awaken pride within her spirit. He used words such as “Ye shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5). Consequently, Eve took the bait and fell, and she led her husband also to join in her disobedience. Since that eventful day in the Garden of Eden, mankind has

been victim to his fallen nature.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideSince sin entered into Adam and Eve and mankind became guilty before God, life has been fraught with battles between a person’s human will, ego, and foolish pride, and God’s desire for him to humbly submit to God. The Scriptures warn repeatedly of the fallen nature of man and his need of regeneration. To the church of Ephesus Jesus stated, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent” (Revelation 2:5).

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideJesus understood that mankind has a weakness in his character that the adversary has exploited through the ages. This fallen nature of humanity makes it difficult to achieve and maintain true humility. A person must intentionally overcome his human pride by consistently surrendering his will to God with forthrightness and a self-effacing manner.

C. Self-ExaltationC. Self-Exaltation

To the believers in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Someone once cautioned a haughty young man, “Don’t hold your nose so high; you may drown if it rains.” It is easy for an individual to become filled with ambition and self-importance.

C. Self-ExaltationThe human ego loves to be satiated throughout one’s lifetime, from the very youngest child to the most ancient among us.

A young child about three years old insisted on standing up on the seat of the pew during service. Several times his dad sat him down. Finally, out of exasperation, he disciplined the child and firmly made him sit down. In the ensuing quiet of the congregation, the youngster plaintively said, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing up on the inside.”

C. Self-ExaltationThus is the picture of self-willed human nature.

We must war against the same spirit that caused Lucifer to attempt to ascend above the very throne of God and then later try to tempt the Son of God to worship him. Today, children, teens, and adults alike experience pressure by peers, teachers, and many others to grow their self-esteem. Numerous parents and individuals of our day buy in to this idea, which, when taken to an extreme, opposes the principle of humility.

C. Self-ExaltationA person must have some measure of self-esteem and personal ambition in order to accomplish goals, but it is dangerous when left unchecked or allowed to get out of balance. Unchecked ambition and an overblown sense of self-worth plants seeds of disrespect, disobedience, and rebellion. Rather, a believer should pursue true humility and seek first the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:33). Only then can an individual understand his true value, talents, and ultimately his worth.

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideJesus presented a parable

concerning the differences between the prayers of the Pharisee and the publican, directing the parable at “certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9). The Pharisee was of the opinion he was superior to the publican. The Pharisee smugly prayed, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Luke 18:11).

I. Man’s Tendency to Exhibit PrideJesus contrasted the spirit of the Pharisee with that of the publican by giving a concise overview of the publican’s prayer: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Jesus concluded, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

II. God’s Blessing on HumilityGod’s Blessing

on HumilityEvery true believer longs to receive

the blessings of God. Just as a child often goes out of his way to impress a parent in anticipation of a rewarding hug or kiss, the people of God relish His blessings and the opportunity to please Him with their lives. Further, they welcome every divine hug. Clearly, Jesus also wanted to please the heavenly Father.

II. God’s Blessing on HumilityAt the age of twelve Jesus went to the Temple to dialogue with the elders of Israel. When, after much searching, Mary and Joseph found Him, He astounded them with His words: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). Jesus desired to please the Father.

Believers desire to please God, and the Lord loves to bless His children. He delights in providing for their needs and blessing them.

II. God’s Blessing on HumilityWe cannot earn or merit the blessing of God, but it is possible to prevent God from blessing our lives. James wrote, “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” (I Peter 5:5). When we give in to the human inclination toward pride, we create a barrier between us and God. However, while humility cannot purchase the blessing of God, it opens and prepares us to receive His

blessings.

II Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and

pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their

sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxGod has placed a high premium on

humility, placing the humble soul directly in the path of blessing, honor, and eventual exaltation. Certainly, when the Roman centurion humbly approached Jesus, he knew the Master could answer his prayer. “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxFor I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it” (Matthew 8:8-9).

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxJesus marveled at the faith and humility of this Roman soldier. Recognizing that Jesus had undeniable power over sickness, the centurion placed his faith in Him completely. Recognizing both Jesus’ authority and power, and presenting himself with obvious humility, the Roman received his petition. (See Matthew 8:13.)

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxA. God’s Ways Are a Paradox

A paradox is a statement or idea that is true yet seems as though it contradicts common perception. Because God’s ways are always high above the ways of mankind, His ways often seem paradoxical to the human mind. (See Isaiah 55:8-9.) Jesus often made statements that seemed paradoxical, and in many ways, His very life and death seemed like a paradox.

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxThe extraordinary reason for the existence of the Son of God was paradoxical when one considers that for Him to accomplish His mission, He had to die. He died that we might have life.

Jesus said, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39). The apostle Paul understood this paradox of the Christian life. He told the believers at Philippi, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

A. God’s Ways Are a ParadoxFurther, in Paul’s message to the Corinthians he promoted the need of continually reaching for humility by dying to his own self-interests: “I die daily” (I Corinthians 15:31). In order for one to win the reward of eternal life, he must discipline the desires of his flesh—dying daily to personal interests. Living a submitted and a humble life requires daily effort.

Even the idea of humility versus self-exaltation is a paradox.

Matthew 23:12

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted”

(Matthew 23:12).

B. God Brings Down the ExaltedB. God Brings Down the

Exalted

God only required a young man with a made-up mind and a slingshot to bring down a giant who had exalted himself highly above God and His people. God knew the right formula for the needed result.

Goliath was a proud man as he challenged the people of Israel daily and blasphemed their God. There was certainly nothing humble about Goliath.

B. God Brings Down the ExaltedHe was highly insulted that Israel would send out a mere boy to fight him. He proudly boasted of his intention to feed David to the birds and the beasts. However, God knew His man and David knew his God and his weapon. God had prepared David for this momentous day, and He used the humble David to bring down the proud and mighty.

God still hates pride. Proverbs 6 reveals seven things God hates, which includes pride: “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, . .

.” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Isaiah 2:11

“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD

alone shall be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:11).

Luke 14:8-9 “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the

highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be

bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with

shame to take the lowest room” (Luke 14:8-9).

C. God Lifts Up the Humble

Luke 14:10-11 “But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that

when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up

higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at

meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:10-11).

III. What Humility DoesJesus used this simple parable to

teach both humility and honor. It is a biblical principle to honor those to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). Further, humility is essential for believers. Vain and willful attitudes will never win the favor of the Lord, but He is drawn to those who have a humble and contrite spirit. (See Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2.) God always lifts up the humble.

Jesus honored Nathanael upon meeting him when He said, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”

(John 1:47).

III. What Humility DoesIn the lesson text today we observe an example of the Lord honoring humility. The Roman centurion received his petition as a direct result of his faith and humility. In true humility the centurion recognized his unworthiness.

A stanza of the song “Unworthy,” by Ira F. Stanphill, says the following:

Unworthy am I of the grace that He gave, Unworthy to hold to His hand.Amazed that a King would reach down to a slave, This Love I cannot

understand.

III. What Humility DoesWhat Humility Does

Humility works within the heart of mankind to keep in check the unregenerate human will. Humility opens the door to allow the grace of God to operate within the life of a believer.

I Peter 5:5-6 “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” (I Peter 5:5-6).

A. Humility Reflects the Spirit of Christ

A. Humility Reflects the Spirit of Christ

Every person who professes to be a Christian should reflect the Spirit of Christ. A person can reflect His Spirit only when he also exhibits the essence and character of the Savior. During His earthly ministry, everywhere Jesus walked He displayed a spirit of love and concern tempered by genuine humility. There was nothing artificial about the true character of the One in whom the fullness of God manifested

itself.

III. What Humility DoesHumility of heart and soul must flow from a person’s innermost being. It is insufficient only to present a convincing façade. Actors learn, over time, how to project a desired image for acting purposes. The audience either laughs or cries depending on the front the actor presents. When it comes to humility, however, there is no such thing as a façade.

III. What Humility DoesWe must have a true heart of humility if we are to reflect Jesus Christ to our world. How wonderful it would be to live so much like Jesus Christ that when we see Him face to face it would be like looking in a mirror!

B. Humility Presents a Spiritual Example for all Humanity

B. Humility Presents a Spiritual Example for all

Humanity

Humans develop opinions of others in only the first few moments of the initial meeting. Salespersons often close or lose a sale based on the first five minutes of their presentation. Further, it is almost impossible for an individual to recover from making a bad first impression.

B. Humility Presents a Spiritual Example for all Humanity

Considering these things, it is vital that believers make a strong, positive impression on the unbelievers they meet if they are to influence the lost for Jesus Christ. We have a short time to influence the lost and help them to see Jesus in us.

Humility empowers believers to present a spiritual example for all people. Genuine humility works in tandem with the fruit of the Spirit in us to showcase the power of Christ within.

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorIn the nineteenth century Andrew

Murray wrote a book titled Humility (revised 1982, Whitaker House). In this writing Murray states, “It is easy to think we humble ourselves before God. Yet, humility toward men will be the only sufficient proof that our humility before God is real. It will be the only proof that humility has taken up its abode in us, and become our very nature—that we actually, like Christ, have made ourselves of no reputation.”

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorMuch has been said about the art of

mentoring. Perhaps Jesus gave the primary lesson on the mentoring of humility in individuals when He clearly directed, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). What better way to learn humility could there be than to learn it from the Master? The psalmist agreed: “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9).

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorC. Humility Wins God’s Favor

It is evident throughout the Scriptures that the Lord intends to exalt and reward the humble. Many verses make clear God’s desire for humility in mankind and His rejection of those who are defiant or proud.

Psalm 147:6

“The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the

ground” (Psalm 147:6).

Psalm 9:12

“He forgetteth not the cry of the humble” (Psalm 9:12).

Proverbs 22:4

“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life”

(Proverbs 22:4).

Isaiah 29:19

“The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of

Israel” (Isaiah 29:19).

Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

James 4:6

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

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorThose who desire to please God and seek His blessing upon their lives will resist the human tendency toward self-will and will rely on the Lord Jesus Christ to cultivate a spirit of humility within their heart.

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorINTERNALIZING THE

MESSAGE

Believers possess every tool necessary to work at perfecting their human spirit, endeavoring to emulate the great example of humility given to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus set the example throughout His life and years of ministry. Whether teaching by the seaside, praying in the Garden, or suffering the little children to come to Him, He consistently portrayed a spirit

that was humble, meek, and lowly.

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorFrom the smallest to the greatest disciple, the lessons He exhibited leave no one with an excuse to live with fleshly pride.

Satan’s constant scheming and plotting to derail Jesus came to naught. And by God’s grace, we too can overcome the devices of the wicked one. “If” is a tiny word with a great impact. In II Chronicles 7:14, God maximized the potential of humility, but prefaced it with the little word “if.” The great promises God gave in that verse are contingent upon a person first

humbling himself.

C. Humility Wins God’s FavorJesus presented a strange paradox

about humility. The message of humility says, “If you want to win, you have to lose.” One can only imagine the depth of humility the Roman centurion must have felt to realize that all his hopes rested in a Galilean Jew. Somehow he knew a secret that has been true through the ages: “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

First Principles. Lesson 5 Lesson Text—Matthew 8:8-10 Matthew 8:8-10 8 The centurion answered and...

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