Joyful Living Devotional - Day 19
Day 19 – The Humility of Christ
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT) 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-11 is known as the Hymn of Christ. Scholars tell us that these verses contain an actual hymn that the early church sang. In this chapter, Paul issues a strong call to unity. Paul’s desire for the church to be united in love and purpose is rooted in the Lord’s desire to see His church united and full of love. This unity of love and purpose can only be brought about by an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice. So, through the Holy Spirit's wisdom, Paul uses the greatest model of humility and sacrifice ever known: Christ. But to practice Christ’s humility, we must have Christ’s mind or attitude.
The doctrine of the deity of Christ Jesus has been attacked more than any other because Jesus's divinity is essential to our Christian faith, a fact that holds true throughout history and even to this day. If you can undermine Jesus to simply a good moral teacher or a prophet, Christ and His followers become powerless. The fact that Jesus is God and has always been is the reason we have faith, not just for today, but all our hopes are placed on our resurrected King.
That’s why John wrote in John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (ESV).
God becoming man, deity taking on human flesh, is the greatest act of humility. Jesus willingly gave up His divine privileges, not His divine person, and took the form of a slave, being born as a human being. In obedience, Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, not merely dying but dying a criminal’s death on the cross. Paul upholds Christ as the greatest example of humility, the model for us, so that we can clearly see what true humility looks like!
In his book The Crises of the Christ, G. Campbell Morgan wrote: "He was the God-Man. Not God indwelling man. Of such there has been many. Not a man deified. Of such there has been none save in the myths of pagan systems of thought; but God and man, combining in one personality the two natures, a perpetual enigma and mystery, baffling the possibility of explanation."
This passage from the Christ Hymn so powerfully describes the sacrifice Jesus made. He did not cling to His position. He gave up His privileges. He humbled Himself, took the lowest position—that of a servant—and was obedient, even though He knew it would cost Him His life. He was willing to die a criminal's death so that criminals could be welcomed into God's Kingdom. Now, how does your attitude compare to Jesus' attitude?
Needless to say, when we have the mind and attitude of Christ among us, how can we not build healthy, vibrant, Christ-honoring relationships? Relationships that build unity, resist division, prefer others, and show tender, compassionate love. We cannot claim maturity in Christ or even the wisdom of Christ if we continually bite and devour one another (metaphorically speaking). That’s why James admonishes us in James 3:13: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (NLT).
Wise people are humble, and humble people take their example from Christ. The opposite is also true. When we remain arrogant and are full of selfish ambition, we take our example from the demonic. “14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind” (James 3:14-16 NLT).
This rivalry, jealousy, and selfishness are hidden beneath a lie that takes the form of boasting. You ask how? We flatter and compliment, not from a sincere heart of truth but from a jealous heart of envy. The lie covers the reality. The lie is like the duvet cover on a bed; unfortunately, underneath is nothing but sheets of selfishness and jealousy, laid over a mattress manufactured from that which is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. A triple threat of dysfunction that smothers our ability to have life-giving and Christ-honoring relationships. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1 NLT).
Jesus has become our wisdom. He does not merely give us wisdom; He is our wisdom. That is the very reason Paul paints this striking picture of Christ’s humility for the Philippians and for us. We emulate Christ Jesus, who gives us the wisdom we need to live in humility, the essence of being a follower of Jesus. How can we be so arrogant when our Jesus is the very picture of humility? How can we claim to have His wisdom when nothing but selfishness broods within us?
As Symeon the New Theologian remarked: “A person who suffers bitterly when slighted or insulted should recognize from this that he still harbors the ancient serpent in his breast. If he quietly endures the insult or responds with great humility, he weakens the serpent and lessens its hold. But if he replies acrimoniously or brazenly, he gives it strength to pour its venom into his heart and to feed mercilessly on his guts. In this way the serpent becomes increasingly powerful; it destroys his soul's strength and his attempts to set himself right, compelling him to live for sin and to be completely dead to righteousness.”
Do you cling to your position or even your opinion? Are you willing to let go of what you believe you deserve, or do you demand your rights? Are you willing to take the lowest position, or are you quick to say, “That’s not my job”? Are you willing to lay down your life for another, even if they are not worthy in your estimation? “17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18 NLT).
Jesus is our example; let’s follow Him completely. Let’s stop fighting for our rights and privileges and instead humble ourselves, adopting the same attitude as Jesus. The people around us will be grateful we did, and peace, gentleness, and joy will mark our fellowship with others.
Pray this prayer today:
“Jesus, we come today and humble ourselves before You. We ask that You would enable us to clothe ourselves in humility. Just like You humbled Yourself and stripped Yourself. We pray through the power of the Holy Spirit that we would walk in the humility of Christ Jesus.
Remove any arrogance and self-reliance, replacing them with complete dependence on You. Deliver us from the need to look good or be lifted up in pride. Deliver us from selfish ambition and jealousies that dwell in the recesses of our hearts. Help us not to cover them with lies and deceit, but let the light of Your Word and Your life expel lies and darkness.
In our relationships, let there be no division among us. In lowliness of mind, help us esteem others and prefer them before ourselves. Help us not to be trapped in the spirit of this world, and deliver us from a “me first” mentality. Let the mind of Christ be in us, work through us, and be among us. Let us see others the way You see them, and not prefer one above another. Help us to enjoy the uniqueness of each person You created, and honor them with our actions, not just our words.
Deliver us from fear of losing out or of needing to be consulted. Deliver us from a heart easily offended by any injustice, whether small or great, whether real or perceived. Remind us that we have great peace when we love Your Word and that nothing shall offend us. Remind us that we died to self in Christ and that our true life is hidden in You. You are our example of humility, grace, and forgiveness. Help us live in the power of that grace. Whether rebuked, neglected, forgotten, overlooked, or underappreciated, remind us that You, Jesus, are our reward.
Help us love more, give more, serve more, and, above all, be like You, Christ Jesus. Let Your wisdom be our portion and Your Humility our clothing as we enter this day, not knowing what or whom we will encounter. Make us instruments of Your peace and help us sow seeds of peace so that we may reap a harvest of righteousness. We pray this in the Name above all names, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT) 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-11 is known as the Hymn of Christ. Scholars tell us that these verses contain an actual hymn that the early church sang. In this chapter, Paul issues a strong call to unity. Paul’s desire for the church to be united in love and purpose is rooted in the Lord’s desire to see His church united and full of love. This unity of love and purpose can only be brought about by an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice. So, through the Holy Spirit's wisdom, Paul uses the greatest model of humility and sacrifice ever known: Christ. But to practice Christ’s humility, we must have Christ’s mind or attitude.
The doctrine of the deity of Christ Jesus has been attacked more than any other because Jesus's divinity is essential to our Christian faith, a fact that holds true throughout history and even to this day. If you can undermine Jesus to simply a good moral teacher or a prophet, Christ and His followers become powerless. The fact that Jesus is God and has always been is the reason we have faith, not just for today, but all our hopes are placed on our resurrected King.
That’s why John wrote in John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (ESV).
God becoming man, deity taking on human flesh, is the greatest act of humility. Jesus willingly gave up His divine privileges, not His divine person, and took the form of a slave, being born as a human being. In obedience, Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, not merely dying but dying a criminal’s death on the cross. Paul upholds Christ as the greatest example of humility, the model for us, so that we can clearly see what true humility looks like!
In his book The Crises of the Christ, G. Campbell Morgan wrote: "He was the God-Man. Not God indwelling man. Of such there has been many. Not a man deified. Of such there has been none save in the myths of pagan systems of thought; but God and man, combining in one personality the two natures, a perpetual enigma and mystery, baffling the possibility of explanation."
This passage from the Christ Hymn so powerfully describes the sacrifice Jesus made. He did not cling to His position. He gave up His privileges. He humbled Himself, took the lowest position—that of a servant—and was obedient, even though He knew it would cost Him His life. He was willing to die a criminal's death so that criminals could be welcomed into God's Kingdom. Now, how does your attitude compare to Jesus' attitude?
Needless to say, when we have the mind and attitude of Christ among us, how can we not build healthy, vibrant, Christ-honoring relationships? Relationships that build unity, resist division, prefer others, and show tender, compassionate love. We cannot claim maturity in Christ or even the wisdom of Christ if we continually bite and devour one another (metaphorically speaking). That’s why James admonishes us in James 3:13: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (NLT).
Wise people are humble, and humble people take their example from Christ. The opposite is also true. When we remain arrogant and are full of selfish ambition, we take our example from the demonic. “14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind” (James 3:14-16 NLT).
This rivalry, jealousy, and selfishness are hidden beneath a lie that takes the form of boasting. You ask how? We flatter and compliment, not from a sincere heart of truth but from a jealous heart of envy. The lie covers the reality. The lie is like the duvet cover on a bed; unfortunately, underneath is nothing but sheets of selfishness and jealousy, laid over a mattress manufactured from that which is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. A triple threat of dysfunction that smothers our ability to have life-giving and Christ-honoring relationships. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1 NLT).
Jesus has become our wisdom. He does not merely give us wisdom; He is our wisdom. That is the very reason Paul paints this striking picture of Christ’s humility for the Philippians and for us. We emulate Christ Jesus, who gives us the wisdom we need to live in humility, the essence of being a follower of Jesus. How can we be so arrogant when our Jesus is the very picture of humility? How can we claim to have His wisdom when nothing but selfishness broods within us?
As Symeon the New Theologian remarked: “A person who suffers bitterly when slighted or insulted should recognize from this that he still harbors the ancient serpent in his breast. If he quietly endures the insult or responds with great humility, he weakens the serpent and lessens its hold. But if he replies acrimoniously or brazenly, he gives it strength to pour its venom into his heart and to feed mercilessly on his guts. In this way the serpent becomes increasingly powerful; it destroys his soul's strength and his attempts to set himself right, compelling him to live for sin and to be completely dead to righteousness.”
Do you cling to your position or even your opinion? Are you willing to let go of what you believe you deserve, or do you demand your rights? Are you willing to take the lowest position, or are you quick to say, “That’s not my job”? Are you willing to lay down your life for another, even if they are not worthy in your estimation? “17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18 NLT).
Jesus is our example; let’s follow Him completely. Let’s stop fighting for our rights and privileges and instead humble ourselves, adopting the same attitude as Jesus. The people around us will be grateful we did, and peace, gentleness, and joy will mark our fellowship with others.
Pray this prayer today:
“Jesus, we come today and humble ourselves before You. We ask that You would enable us to clothe ourselves in humility. Just like You humbled Yourself and stripped Yourself. We pray through the power of the Holy Spirit that we would walk in the humility of Christ Jesus.
Remove any arrogance and self-reliance, replacing them with complete dependence on You. Deliver us from the need to look good or be lifted up in pride. Deliver us from selfish ambition and jealousies that dwell in the recesses of our hearts. Help us not to cover them with lies and deceit, but let the light of Your Word and Your life expel lies and darkness.
In our relationships, let there be no division among us. In lowliness of mind, help us esteem others and prefer them before ourselves. Help us not to be trapped in the spirit of this world, and deliver us from a “me first” mentality. Let the mind of Christ be in us, work through us, and be among us. Let us see others the way You see them, and not prefer one above another. Help us to enjoy the uniqueness of each person You created, and honor them with our actions, not just our words.
Deliver us from fear of losing out or of needing to be consulted. Deliver us from a heart easily offended by any injustice, whether small or great, whether real or perceived. Remind us that we have great peace when we love Your Word and that nothing shall offend us. Remind us that we died to self in Christ and that our true life is hidden in You. You are our example of humility, grace, and forgiveness. Help us live in the power of that grace. Whether rebuked, neglected, forgotten, overlooked, or underappreciated, remind us that You, Jesus, are our reward.
Help us love more, give more, serve more, and, above all, be like You, Christ Jesus. Let Your wisdom be our portion and Your Humility our clothing as we enter this day, not knowing what or whom we will encounter. Make us instruments of Your peace and help us sow seeds of peace so that we may reap a harvest of righteousness. We pray this in the Name above all names, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
Posted in Joyful Living Devotional