Humility as Greatness
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Definition and Concept:
Humility, in the biblical context, is the quality of having a modest view of one's importance. It is not merely the absence of pride but an active submission to God's will and a recognition of one's dependence on Him. Humility is often juxtaposed with greatness in the Scriptures, where true greatness is defined not by power or status but by a humble heart and service to others.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible consistently elevates humility as a virtue and a pathway to true greatness. In the Old Testament, humility is seen as a prerequisite for receiving God's favor and guidance. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." This verse underscores the blessings that accompany a humble spirit.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus, though being in the form of God, "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This passage highlights the paradox of humility as greatness, where Jesus' self-emptying and obedience lead to His exaltation.

Teachings of Jesus:
Jesus taught His disciples that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is marked by humility and servanthood. In Matthew 18:4 , He states, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus uses the example of a child to illustrate the purity and dependence that characterize true humility.

Furthermore, in Matthew 23:11-12 , Jesus declares, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching reverses worldly notions of greatness, emphasizing that those who serve others selflessly are truly great in God's eyes.

Apostolic Teachings:
The apostles continued to emphasize humility as a key Christian virtue. James 4:10 advises believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5-6 instructs, "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you."

Practical Implications:
Humility as greatness has practical implications for Christian living. It calls believers to prioritize others above themselves, to serve without seeking recognition, and to rely on God's strength rather than their own. This attitude fosters unity within the body of Christ and reflects the character of Jesus to the world.

Examples in Scripture:
Several biblical figures exemplify humility as greatness. Moses, described as "very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3), led Israel with meekness and reliance on God. King David, despite his royal status, often demonstrated humility, as seen in his willingness to repent and seek God's forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a humble servant of Christ, considering himself "the least of the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:9). His life and writings emphasize the transformative power of humility in achieving spiritual greatness.

Conclusion:
The biblical portrayal of humility as greatness challenges believers to redefine their understanding of success and leadership. By following the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, Christians are called to embrace humility as the true path to greatness in the eyes of God.
Subtopics

Humility

Humility is Before Honor

Humility: A Characteristic of Saints

Humility: Abraham

Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce

Humility: Ahab

Humility: Blessedness of

Humility: Centurion

Humility: Christ an Example of

Humility: Cornelius

Humility: David

Humility: Elihu

Humility: Elisabeth

Humility: Elizabeth

Humility: Excellency of

Humility: Exemplified

Humility: General Scriptures Concerning

Humility: Gideon

Humility: Hezekiah

Humility: Isaiah

Humility: Jacob

Humility: Jeremiah

Humility: Job

Humility: John

Humility: John the Baptist

Humility: Joseph

Humility: Joshua

Humility: Josiah

Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life

Humility: Manasseh

Humility: Mephibosheth

Humility: Moses

Humility: Necessary to the Service of God

Humility: Paul

Humility: Peter

Humility: Saints should be Clothed With

Humility: Saints should Beware of False

Humility: Saints should Put On

Humility: Saints should Walk With

Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By

Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom

Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God

Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God

Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God

Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God

Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God

Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace

Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God

Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor

Humility: Want of, Condemned

Humility: Woman of Canaan

The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet

The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of

The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised

The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate

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Humility as a Virtue
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