Ultimate Humility

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 58-60 and Philippians 2.

The section from Isaiah includes the oft quoted 59:1,2 certainly well deserving to be put into our hearts!

Once again, we note that the Lord is ever ready to provide a way to those who would humble themselves, turn from iniquity and seeks His Will.

"Eschew evil, and do good..." (1Pe 3:11) and the Lord will bless to us "eternal excellency, a joy of many generations" (Isa 60:15), ultimately manifested in our eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2 contains the glorious passage on Christ. Our perfect example in humility and obedience.

It comes with little coincidence, after the Paul's instructions to our attitudes toward one another -

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 

Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 

Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

Notice the common ground emphasised in v. 2 - Likeminded, same love, one accord, of one mind.

Paul reminded us to "set our affection of things above" (Col 3:2). Then again in Rom 12:16 to be of "the same mind one toward another" in spite of our different personalities and roles. Being called and united in the same purpose as determined by God (2Ti 1:9). And above all in the same love exemplified in Christ (c.f. 1Co 13; 1Jo 2-5), which is the bond of perfectness (Col 3:14).

The subsequent verses emphasises the important of humility toward one another. In class, we talked about the account in Jhn 13 of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This is the exact attitude portrayed here - that of the humble servant. When we take away the veil of pride, then can we truly allow Christ to shine through our lives. As Peter and James declared,"God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble" (Jam 4:6; 1Pe 5:5; c.f. Pro 3:34).

And to drive home the point, Paul made reference to our Lord and Saviour, who had the full right (and indeed ability!) to exercise judgment to his accusers, yet CHOSE to remain obedient to God, unto the death on the cross.

Brethren, today we can CHOOSE to be humble and obedient to God, if we allow ourselves to be guided by the Word. True humility and obedience entails we put aside all our pride and prejudices and follow in Christ's example to do His good Will. Again and again we want to exhort one another not to be high-minded and go about establishing our own righteousness, but only follow what God had commanded and willed.

Ultimate humility will then finally lead to ultimate salvation in Christ Jesus.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him

Paul

-- 

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ~ John 17:17

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. ~ John 20:30,31