What Mattered to Jesus - Humility Fox Valley Church of Christ March 24, 2019 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  - Matt 18:4

What Mattered to Jesus - Humility To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

Tearing it down – Like Jesus Actions like Jesus: I listen to others to learn their story before telling them about my faith. In recent years, I have influenced multiple people to consider following Christ. I regularly choose to have meals with people with very different faith or morals from me. I try to discover the needs of non-Christians rather than waiting for them to come to me. I am personally spending time with non-believers to help them follow Jesus. Attitudes like Jesus: I see God-given value in every person, regardless of their past or present condition. I believe God is for everyone. I see God working in people’s lives, even when they are not following him. It is more important to help people know God is for them than to make sure they know they are sinners. I feel compassion for people who are not following God and doing immoral things.

Tearing it down – Like Pharisees Self-Righteous Actions: I tell others the most important thing in my life is following God’s rules. I don’t talk about my sins or struggles. That’s between me and God. I try to avoid spending time with people who are openly gay or lesbian. I like to point out those who do not have the right theology or doctrine. I prefer to serve people who attend my church rather than those outside the church. Self-Righteous Attitudes: I find it hard to be friends with people who seem to constantly do the wrong things. It’s not my responsibility to help people who won’t help themselves. I feel grateful to be a Christian when I see other people’s failures and flaws. I believe we should stand against those who are opposed to Christian values. People who follow God’s rules are better than those who do not.

Tearing it down – Self Righteousness Scriptures taken out of context Matt 5:14 - 16 - Light of the world and city on a hill Matt 7:24 - Wise man who built his house on the rock Mark 8:38 - Whoever is ashamed of me, the Son of Man will be ashamed Comparing ourselves to other people Focus on behaviors Take focus off the heart

Build it back up At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matt 11:25-29

Build it back up – Humble in heart Humble = tapeinos (ta-pie-nos) Literally not rising far from the ground As a condition, lowly or low degree Lowly in spirit; humble Jesus described his heart as humble Submitted himself to God the Father’s plan Associated with all classes of people Did not elevate himself despite his power Made common people and sinners the primary focus of his ministry Easy to be his follower Approachable Heart-based life of faith versus behavior-based religious duty

Build it back up – Exhalted When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11

Build it back up – Exhalted Putting yourself in a position of humility can be frightening Can be very challenging to take the less important seat at the table God will exalt…honor…respect those how humble themselves 1 Pet 5:5b-7

Practical application Pray to have your heart transformed Practice behaviors that honor other people Courtesy Generosity Hospitality Assume a posture of humility before God Confess your sins to God Be transparent with people who care