Introduction Humility is an aspect of character most think they have, but they don’t. Jesus Christ is the absolute ultimate example of humility: Phil. 2:5-11 Examining His humility helps us understand several misconceptions people have about humility. We need to better understand humility so we can be sure to exhibit it in our character.

Misconceptions About Humility Philippians 2:1-8

Humility is not weakness Jesus’ friends and enemies testified to His power: Jn. 11:43; Mk. 6:2; Matt. 8:27; Jn. 5:19 Humble people recognize their weaknesses and allow God’s power to work through them: Phil. 4:13 Paul did that very thing and calls on us to emulate his example: 2 Cor. 12:9-10; 1 Cor. 11:1 Misconceptions About Humility

Humility does not preclude leadership He is the “Chief Shepherd” of the flock: 1 Pet. 5:4 The “King of kings and Lord of lords”: 1 Tim. 6:15 Recall how Jesus described Himself? Matt. 11:29 Did this prevent His exercising leader- ship? Some refuse to accept leadership because of their “humility”: 1 Tim. 3:2, 6; Rom. 12:3; 1 Pet. 5:3 Misconceptions About Humility

Humility does not forbid rebuking sin Many believe humility is inconsistent with rebuking sin: Matt. 7:1 Jesus is the ultimate example of humility and He rebuked sin! Matt. 19:14; 21:12-13; Matt. 23; Eph. 5:1; Phil. 2:5 Can’t be easily dismissed because “that was Jesus” and “we are not Jesus.” Humility is essential in dealing with those captivated by sin: 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Gal. 6:1 Misconceptions About Humility

Humility is not inconsistent with personal initiative Humility does not mean someone can’t “take the bull by the horns” and do something! The church needs the input of every Christian: Eph. 4:16 “Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose.” Humility demands always putting others first, but does not preclude personal initiative: Phil. 2:3 Misconceptions About Humility

Humility does not mean we think badly of ourselves Many think they have to think disdainfully of themselves, speak of self disparagingly, etc. to show humility. In reality, such an attitude is the opposite of humility! Humility is the solution to such self-centeredness. Jesus was the ultimate in humility, but did not grovel before anyone! Jn. 19:11 Misconceptions About Humility

Conclusion True humility replaces: Self-seeking w/seeking first the kingdom: Matt. 6:33 Self-will with doing God’s will: Matt. 7:21 Self-reliance with reliance on God: 2 Cor. 3:5 Self-confidence with confidence in God: 2 Tim. 1:12 Self-exaltation with exaltation by God: 1 Pet. 5:6 These are the very qualities that made Jesus humble: Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 5:6