hanks

Q41. (1 TIMOTHY 6:3-4,17; COLOSSIANS 2:18) Why does having an abundance of wealth and knowledge tend to make us feel superior? Why do false doctrines and heresies often come with a feeling of superiority over lesser Christians who believe differently? How can you show humility if you are wealthy? How can the well-educated show humility? It is so easy for us to take credit for everything we have achieved, our wealth, our knowledge, our possessions; forgetting who gave us the ability and opportunities for such success. We push God to the background and become proud of our own hard work and ability. Never thanking our Lord for everything we have, and not realising that all is due to His grace upon grace, and that we are here manage it for Him. Wealth, honour, power, and/or prestige add nothing to our value in God's eyes; only the faithful work we do for Him has eternal value. False doctrines can lead to a feeling of superiority; perhaps it’s the thinking of knowing something others don’t. Being wealthy and well-educated is a great responsibility but a wonderful opportunity to help those in need and to spread the gospel. In both cases we are not to be arrogant and not looking down upon people but rather trying to help others with love.

Q40. (ROMANS 12:16; JAMES 2:1-9) Why does Christ's humility require us to associate those considered lowly? Who are the "lowly" in your community? What are you and your congregation actively doing to break down the barriers between these people and yourselves? What message does lack of favouritism send to a world that is intently watching Christians? Our Lord Jesus demonstrated and taught us that we should treat all people with respect. I feel we should look upon others as made in the image of God – especially those people who are normally looked down upon - the so called lowly. This may humble us as we may be too proud to mix with them. In my country with its extremes of poverty and riches the people that are sometimes looked down upon are the very poor, the unemployed, those of a different race or culture, the handicapped, sometimes the very young and even the elderly. Yes, we are actively involved in a sister church in a very poor area. I doubt whether the world would notice our lack of favouritism, but I feel that it is quick to notice favouritism or any other wrong in our churches and be extra quick to call us a bunch of hypocrites. Very quick to criticize and pass judgment and slow to give, if at all, any credit due.

Q39. (MATTHEW 5:38-39; ROMANS 12:19; 13:4) Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing? In unforgiveness there is a focus on self – the injustice done to us. Whereas in humility the focus is on God and others. This point of focus is not compatible with each other. On a personal level our desire should not be for vengeance but rather to love and forgive. Here only the Holy Spirit can give us the strength required. On a judicial level we should leave it to God to apply justice if needed. Vengeance is God's right, and we should not interfere with what is His right. He will repay at the proper time and in the proper manner.

Q38. (MATTHEW 7:1-2; 9:13; HOSEA 6:6; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12) What prevents a judgmental spirit from being compatible with humility? How can we maintain an attitude of mercy towards sinners in our fallen world while still maintaining godly standards within our Christian community? In what way does comparing ourselves with others work against humility? How do backbiting and a critical spirit betray a judgmental spirit? When we start judging others by worldly standards of success and achievements we might look down upon others – having an inflated opinion of ourselves. Definitely not compatible with humility. We can maintain this spirit of mercy towards sinners by remembering that we are sinners saved by grace. We are prone to judge others more harshly than ourselves, quick to see the extent of evil we think we perceive in others, while being blind to our own much greater wrongs. Careful, for without repentance and faith there can be bo salvation. We must get rid of these hypocritical judgments, judgment without self-judgment and replace it with a sincere care for each other recognising that we are members of the same body of Christ. The moment we compare ourselves with others pride kicks in and we start looking down towards others. What we should be doing is comparing ourselves with God’s standards - how does my life compare to that of Jesus Christ? When we start speaking evil of others, slandering, and gossiping we are criticising them - downgrading them, putting us on a higher level. This is a cause of great grief and trouble in churches.

Q37. (ROMANS 12:16; EPHESIANS 4:1-3) How does conceit make it difficult to live in harmony with others? Why do you think maintaining the unity of the Spirit is such a high value for Jesus and His apostles? What are the tensions in your own congregation that threaten the unity of the Spirit? How can you lessen those tensions and promote harmony? In order to live in harmony with others it is necessary that every existence of sinful pride be banished. Jesus taught us to treat all people with respect, never considering others as being beneath us. It does not matter what their race, ethnicity, or social position is. We are all united in Christ, and all made in the image of God. Do not use people to help us climb the social ladder. Jesus and His disciples are our absolute example of unity of the Spirit. In a congregation unity is threatened when pride takes hold of a person or persons causing division. This can take place in many forms such as impatience, jealousy, boasting, rudeness, inflated self-opinions, and because of our sinful nature the list goes on and on. We can lessen these tensions and promote harmony by loving our fellow believers. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs … (1 Cor 13:4-7).

Q36. (JAMES 1:19-20; COLOSSIANS 3:13) What is the relationship of patience to humility? What in us motivates impatient outbursts? What does it take for God to work in us "long-suffering"? Why is forbearance so vital in a marriage? We often have to humble ourselves when confronted with difficult people by displaying patience and not anger. The pride of self-importance and disrespect for others motivates our impatient outbursts. Humility is often seen in believers suffering patiently, “long-suffering,” thanking and fully trusting God in the midst of the trial – remembering that our Lord is full of compassion and mercy (James 5:11). Marriage humbles us - just as we have to put up with the idiosyncrasies of our partner, we must realise that they have to put up with ours – which may even be worse.

Q35. (TITUS 3:1-2; COLOSSIANS 3:23-25). How is appropriate submission related to humility? Why does opposing church leaders so often exhibit pride? When you have to submit to a harsh person, how can you look at it in a way that is spiritual? How can we submit voluntarily in our hearts without being slavishly servile? Appropriate submission is that made to those in authority over us, and in difficult circumstances we consider it as a service to our Lord Jesus. This applies to a harsh or difficult person, and we gladly submit to our Lord as an honour to serve Him. Even the humblest service can be glorified and dignified by doing it for the Lord. In a true church our leaders are representatives of God and are to be respected. Authority has been given to them, and we as believers should be submissive to this authority, remembering that they will eventually have to give an account to God. Opposing displays the pride of recognition. Rather than destroying the church find another church.

Q34. (1 PETER 3:15; ROMANS 12:10; 1 PETER 3:9) How is humility related to respect for others? To honouring others? How can we minister to someone for whom we have no respect? In what way does insulting speech trample upon humility? How does interrupting a person show disrespect? Humility is related to respect of others as we focus on others rather than ourselves. We honour others as we see them made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and Christians as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ministering to a difficult person demands patience, gentleness and respect so that they might see the love of Christ in us and not be put off by any hypocrisy. We should never retaliate and repay evil for evil, the humble thing to do is repay insult with kindness. Interrupting a person is disrespectful in that it send them a message that their answer does not matter, that we are not interested in what they have to say. We would rather hear our voice – less of them, more of us.

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of "moderation in all things"? Temperance is moderation – avoiding excesses. Whereas abstinence is avoiding completely, totally. Alcohol and drugs will only disrupt the humble life if used in excess – when we lose control of our actions. Today our Christian communities are made up of people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints that there is always the danger of conflict. On top of this we live in a pagan and often hostile world. Self-control is needed and is important and we need the wisdom and power of discernment from the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our actions. Self-control includes moderation, but “moderation in all things” cannot be true Christianity, since we are not to be moderate in our devotion to our Lord Jesus as an example.

Q32. (EPHESIANS 2:10; TITUS 3:1-2; JAMES 2:17-18) How are good deeds related to humility and compassion? What kinds of good deeds were common in the early church? Is it possible to have faith without any fruit of good deeds that demonstrate your faith? Being compassionate towards others and by taking care of their needs is part of humility. It focuses less on us and more on others. In the early church the attention was more on feeding the poor and looking after widows (Acts 6:1). No, without faith there is no salvation - we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good deeds (Eph 2:10). On the other hand, our union with Christ has made us a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) – the old things have passed away; all things have been made new. We are saved for good deeds, not by good deeds, but for good deeds. These good deeds, our generosity and acts of kindness, prove the reality of our faith (Jam 2:17). Summed up: Faith leads to salvation. Salvation results in good deeds. Good deeds will be rewarded by our Father in Heaven.

Q31. (JAMES 4:1-3) How does pride fuel conflict? How do fighting and quarrelling prevent a peaceable life? According to James, what is at the root of our fighting? How do we respond to conflict, knowing that peace doesn't depend solely upon us? Since conflict is inevitable, what are some ways we can disagree agreeably, humbly? Conflict arises because of our evil selfish desires that originate from our heart full of pride. This selfishness can dominate our lives if allowed to feed off pride, resulting in fighting and quarrelling. A peaceable life is attained by following Paul’s advice: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3). The root of our fighting are the evil desires battling within us: we want more - more status, more money, more possessions, more recognition, more and more – never satisfied. We respond to conflict by relying on the wisdom that comes from God to help us maintain the peace. All our thoughts, words, and deeds must be peaceable and undefiled. By being gentle and courteous; approachable and willing to yield; anxious to help and find a right solution; compassionate and kind; and sincere without hypocrisy.

Q30. (TITUS 2:15-3:2) How does living God's way require humbling ourselves before God? To live God’s way, we have to humbly surrender our lifestyle to our Lord Jesus. He must be in control – there must be more of Him and less of me. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we live in obedience to His Word; in submission to His will; and turning over control of our life to Him (Rom 12:1-2). We learn from Him as He trains us in His ways, “for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mat 11:29).

Q29. (1 PETER 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office? What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like? Proud people tend to be friends of the world, by contrast humble people know that they are completely dependent upon God. A person cannot be friendly with the world and with God at the same time (James 4:4). The world does not tolerate friends of God, for they are considered enemies. The reverse is also true. God regards “a friend of the world” as an enemy. “The person who meets God as his enemy stands alone, for the world cannot help him (John Knox). “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Pride shuts out grace, but the believer who lives in constant fellowship with God, who desires to do God's will in all things, and who demonstrates the love of the Lord Jesus is the recipient of God's abundant grace. Leaders should be leading by example, not by force, not like dictators, or like high-and-mighty know-alls. Godly leaders do not command from the rear but rather leads as an example from the front. They should be walking ahead, not be driving from behind. Pride should not prevent them from doing this. This humility is to be shown not only in relation to others but to God as well. Humbly obeying God, whatever our present circumstances, will result in Him honouring us – all in His good and perfect time. Although we do not deserve God's favour, He wants to lift us up and give us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings.

Q28. (1 JOHN 2:15-16) What role does pride have in worldliness? How can we live holy lives in this world? What does "stealing the glory" look like? How can it be dangerous? For example, we see it when worldly prosperity makes us proud and vain, and we expect to be greatly honoured by others. When we esteem and favour persons purely according to their birth, fortunes, and success. When there is an unholy ambition for self-display and self-glorification. Pride also appears from our wilfulness and our uncontrollable efforts to get what we want – no matter what. A true Christian living in the world is like a ship sailing on the ocean. It is not the ship being in the water which will sink it, but the water getting into the ship. So in like manner the Christian is not ruined by living in the world, but by the world living in them. This world living in us is controlled by Satan. He is the ruler and god of this world (John 14:30). Satan's power exists only because God allows him to act. If we obey Jesus and align ourselves closely with God's purposes, Satan can have no power over us. As soon as we allow anything of love for the world, we shut ourself off from the love of the Father. By taking personal credit for everything that our Heavenly Father has done for us, we steal the glory that is due to Him. Every good thing, everything we have achieved, everything we are proud of has all been made possible through our Lord. There is nothing we can take personal credit for – without Him nothing is and was possible. It can be very dangerous to steal God’s glory as seen in the case of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:23) when God took his sin of pride seriously and he immediately died a horrible death.

Q27. How can small businesspeople promote themselves without sinful boasting? What are the guidelines? There is no need to boast, they can advertise their awards and achievements letting them speak for themselves. Loyal clientele will quickly accept and acknowledge them. Complete honesty is essential. Also striving to give the best service possible – even going the extra mile. Having a humble give and take attitude, not always one of maximising profits. Reaching out to the community and providing for their needs. Customers are quick to notice the difference between a genuine business and a fly by night one.

Q26. Is it okay to use flattery to smooth social situations? To get our way with a difficult person? If flattery is insincerity and manipulation of another's pride, how do you think God views flattery? No, in both cases flattery can often result in a person being deceived into believing that they deserve it. Too much flattery can result in one becoming proud – making it difficult to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m sure God views flattery as preventing us from believing in His Son. Spurgeon said that fame, honour, and celebrity hinder true faith.

Q25. What is the role of ambition in leadership? What does leadership look like without ambition? True leadership must have as its motivation the love for God and His people – an ambition to serve God. One without rivalry and conceit and one that practises humility in dealing with others, working hard for overall advancement. Taking their own needs and the needs of others into account – seeking greatness by serving others. Leadership without ambition is leadership without any intended goals similar to a failed state ending in chaos. An example could be leaders jockeying for position or trying to take over leadership instead of the desire to see the enterprise flourishing. Seen here selfish ambition is wrong.

Q24. (2 TIMOTHY 1:7) How is faith related Christian assertiveness? How is courage related? What is the relation of assertiveness to submission? Is assertiveness opposed to humility? What factors might keep leaders from being assertive when they need to be? How does assertiveness display itself in the heroes of the faith? Faith gives us the courage which enables us to be assertive. The Holy Spirit living in us gives us the necessary power/strength and ability needed. It is this assertiveness that overcomes submission. No assertiveness is not opposed to humility, since God has also given us a spirit of love. And it is this love that keeps us humble and makes us willing to serve Christ and endure hardships in order to serve others. Christian leaders and heroes of the faith have also been given self-discipline as well as power and love. These enable them to make wise balanced choices and not to act unwisely, hastily or foolishly.

Q23. (NUMBERS 12:3) Why is Moses called the most humble man in the world? What is the essence of his humility? What is the essence of Jesus' humility? What is the lesson for leaders today? It is the testimony given by the Spirit of God about the character of Moses. Him being meek and mild as the reason, why he did not take any action to defend himself against Miriam and Aaron. He did not take the law into his own hands, did not stand up for himself, instead he allowed God to intervene on his behalf. Moses was God’s chosen instrument for leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and during his 40 years in the wilderness God had prepared him for this task. He displays his humility by his faith and total obedience to God. It takes great humility to be in charge of as much as Moses was and still be willing to take advice from others. We see this humility in the way he treats his father-in-law Jethro with proper respect. Jesus, too, depends fully upon His Father (John 5:19). "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21-23). The humble leader shows respect to others. Good leaders understand that though they may have power, prestige, and position in certain areas, this does not mean they should expect to be spoilt and praised wherever they go. True humility understands that no matter how important we may seem, we must still show proper respect to those whose age or position require it. The humble leader doesn’t try to do everything himself. We must realise that although we are made in the image of God, we are also sinners and wholly dependent upon our Heavenly Father.

Q22. (MATTHEW 6:1-4; JEREMIAH 17:9-10; PROVERBS 4:23) Why are motives so important to genuine humility? If the heart is deceitful, how can we ever have pure motives? What does it mean for us to guard our hearts? We are to guard our motives, making sure that they are done only with good intentions and not for appearance or to receive recognition and praise. They must be done so that God only gets all the glory. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we are being sanctified and with time our motives will become in line with those of our Lord Jesus. The source of all the trouble we bring upon ourselves is our heart, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Mat 15:19). It is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jer 17:9) and therefore we must guard it and our motives with all diligence. One sin that will take the lead if we are not careful is pride - pride is also the last sin that dies in the heart of a child of God.

Q21. (ACT 9:36-42; JAMES 1:27; LUKE 14:12-14). Why does caring for orphans and widows constitute pure religion? Why does helping those who can't help you show humility? Why are Dorcas and Mother Teresa so inspiring? Caring for orphans and widows is pure and faultless in the sight of our Heavenly Father, in that it is done in purity of the heart. There is no hidden agenda here. Insincere motives are not involved here. They are usually the most vulnerable of all and are not in a position to repay us for any help. It takes a humble person to do this, knowing that God takes care of orphans and protect widows (Psalm 68:5). This means serving God who seeks the helpless and the socially deprived ones. It shows that we empathise with them in their situation and express our concern for them. I read that Mother Theresa once said, “Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity, and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent.” A truly humble servant of the Lord.

Q20. (MARK 9:41; MATTHEW 25:31-46) What do Jesus' saying about giving a cup of cold water and Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and the Goats have in common? What kinds of services might please Jesus that can we perform for needy people? Jesus is saying that even the smallest kindness done in His name will be rewarded in heaven. Since we as His disciples are bound together in Christ, all our acts of humble service are done to Jesus Christ Himself bringing Him all honour and glory. A cup of water may not be seen as much, but to the truly thirsty it is a great refreshment, and Jesus experiences this kind act as done to Himself. In the parable of the Sheep and Goats we have the same message. The Lord makes it clear that He and His disciples are one, and that everything done for even the least of His own have been done for Him. Anything we do to help our neighbours that are in need will please our Lord Jesus. Our love for God can be measured by how we treat others.

Q19. (JOHN 13:4-17) Why did Jesus intend to shock His disciples by performing such a lowly act? What message was He trying to instil in them by this foot washing? After their in-fighting of who is the greatest Jesus had to shock them into meeting the needs of others self-sacrificially. Jesus was setting His disciples an example of humble service – one they would never forget. They had to learn that if they want to be first, they must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35). The message was that they must serve each other. This example helps us remember that if pride prevents us from stooping to serve others, that we are not greater than our Lord, who humbled Himself to wash those who were unworthy and unthankful, even knowing that one of them would betray Him.

Q18. (MARK 10:42-44) What is the basic difference between the world's pattern of leadership and Christ's pattern? What does servant-leadership look like? Can you be a "great" Jesus-follower without serving humbly? The world’s pattern of leadership is measured by personal achievements, whereas Christ’s pattern is measured by the success gained in serving others – how the needs of others are met. Servant leadership is not proud, is not egotistical, is not self-centred, is not self-promoting, and is not self-exalting. Our perfect example is our Lord Jesus Christ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, the form of a slave. Humbling Himself to the point of death, even death on the cross. I should imagine it is possible to give the impression of being a disciple while still harbouring worldly attitudes in one’s heart, but in God’s kingdom true and lasting greatness is only measured by God’s standards. It’s all about what values are the most important to us – do our actions reflect the world’s values or God’s values?

Q17. (JAMES 4:6-10) In what way does pride make God your opponent? (vs. 6)? What does submission to God have to do with humility? How do we "wash our hands and purify our hearts"? (vs. 8b) What does that require us to do? Why does humbling have to precede God lifting us up? God hates sin, but even more so pride, the sin that sets itself against Him. Other sins are against God’s laws, but pride is against His sovereignty – the sin that turned angels into devils. We humble ourselves before God by submitting to His authority and will, committing our lives to Him and His control. We live a life in obedience to His commands – we put His Word to work in our lives, making it a vital guide for everything we do. Psalms 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” We stop sinning and repent when we “wash our hands and purify our hearts.” We need to give Him our all, and come to Him with singleness of heart in true humility. He wants us to love Him first and foremost and not the material things of this world. Worldliness is enmity with the world (James 4:4). He opposes the world which is hellbent on satisfying the **** of the eyes, the **** of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Having humbled ourselves He will exalt, honour us. No need to worry about our position, status, and recognition here on earth. In His good and perfect time – in this life or the next – He will exalt us (1 Pet 5:6).