Fruit of the Spirit—Humility
First Christian Church—Sunday, October 27, 2024
Chuck Foreman, Teaching/Missions Pastor

The Deadliest Sin    
 
When we no longer humbly recognize God,
the relentless quest for power becomes our god.
Prideful power, the pseudo right to dominate,
allows merciless tyranny to reign in God’s place.
 
When we keep in step with God’s Spirit living inside us, he will build the fruit of humility, the antidote to pride, in us.

Humility gives power back to God alone, keeps us bowing before him, and serving others.

GOD’s Story—Fruit of the Spirit—Humility, Philippians 2:3-11; 1 Peter 5:5b-6  

In humility value others above yourself, like Jesus.  (Philippians 2:3-11)                        

• Contrast the example of Jesus with the pursuit of prideful power. Prideful power seeks only to promote, preserve, and perpetuate itself. 
• The Prideful Pursuit of Power is responsible for every evil in our world: oppression, exploitation, slavery, human trafficking, racism, poverty, tyranny, misogyny, misandry, control, neglect, deceit. And then along comes Jesus who showed us a what happens when we pursue humility and servanthood.
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• Jesus is the model for men and husbands. Ephesians 5:25
• God’s design for the “Patriarchy” (dirty word now) is not about “male privilege” (which implies inherent guilt just for being male) but about male responsibility!
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• Clothe yourself with humility toward one another, like Jesus. (1 Peter 5:5b-6) 
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• If you are prideful, watch out! God is opposed to you!
• If you humble yourself, God will lift you up. (He does not need you to toot your own horn!)
• How did Jesus clothe himself with humility? What did he do with his power?
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• Story: Jesus Washes His Disciple’s Feet, John 13:1-17 

 
 

• Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit in producing humility 
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• Don’t be selfish or conceited, value others above yourself.  Philippians 2:3
• Consider the interests of others not just your own.  Philippians 2:4
• In your relationships have the mind of Christ.  Philippians 2:5  
• Be humble toward each other. 1 Peter 5:5b
• Remember, God opposes your pride. God’s favors your humility.  1 Peter 5:5c  
• Humble yourself by serving, like Jesus. John 13:1-17 
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 What did you discover in this story?_______________________________________
 
BIG Idea:
“Humility is not the absence of pride,
          but the relentless effort to subdue pride in oneself.”         

Men & Women of FCC, spend a weekend away with us as we gather in Northern Arizona for a time of rest, community and God's word. Click "Sign up" for more info on dates, prices, locations and to sign up. You can also visit: fccphx.com/men OR fccphx.com/women