How to Respond to Humbling Circumstances

April 26, 2015
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What do you do when life keeps pressing you down into humbling circumstances? Is there a way out of the low valley?

Pastor Richard explores the paradox Jesus stated in Matthew 23:12, “…whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Is that really the way life works? In general, the world would say, “No.” But if Jesus’ statement is true, then how does the Christian humble himself and position himself for God’s blessing? This message looks at biblical examples that shed light on answering that question.

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OUTLINE

Intro

  1. Paradox in Matt 23:12 “…whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
  2. Pursuit of World Opposite
  3. PrincipleWearetoLiveby

Examples from Bible
A. Jesus Ultimate Example (Phil. 2:5-11 Ampl.)

B. Joseph & David (went down before up)

What do you do when God has ordered your steps into humbling circumstances?

II. Exhortation from Peter
1 Pet. 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt

you in due time.”
A. Sometimes God uses His hand to lift us up; but sometimes He uses it to hold us down.

  1. Pride will drive the Presence of God away.
    C.S. Lewis wrote, “…the utmost evil is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.”
  2. Jesus made of Himself no Reputation and shows us how to respond to humbling circumstances.

III. Erroneous Response by Israel

  1. Isaiah 9:8-13
  2. The Harbinger by Rabbi Cahn makes interesting application to AmericaEccl. 3:4 “A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance.” 2 Chron 7:13-14 God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

IV. Explanation of Worship
A. Focus on humbling ourselves and waiting on Lord

B. SilencebeforeGod

Questions

  1. Did you feel discomfort in the silent time? Did God speak anything to you during that time?
  2. How does the world’s avenue for success differ from the one Jesus stated in Matt. 23:12? Have you had experiences where the world’s way seemed to work for you? Have you had experiences in which the Lord’s way worked for you?
  3. Has the Lord led you through experiences in which His hand was holding you down? Has He led you through experiences in which His hand was lifting you up?
  4. Do you think humility is an important foundation for Life Church? How would you suggest that be cultivated in our culture?
  5. Do you see humility as essential for inviting God’s presence in our church services and in our daily lives?
  6. How does the 12 step recovery program emphasize humility?
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