The Importance of Humility in the Church

Jupiter, Florida – Humility is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, deeply grounded in the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. As my pastor, Jerry Wragg, continued to lead us in our study of 1 Corinthians today, he tackled this issue head-on in a way that is sure to have an impact for a long time to come.

The sermon began with a reading from Matthew 18:1-14, where Christ taught about what true greatest looks like in His kingdom. Jesus invited a little child to stand among the disciples and then admonished them saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4 BSB). This passage highlights the importance of humility as a prerequisite for entering the kingdom of heaven and being considered great in God’s eyes.

The basis of the sermon at large was 1 Corinthians 4:7-14, where Paul addressed the Corinthians’ pride and reminded them that everything they had was received from the Lord. The Apostle wrote, “For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 BSB). Paul contrasted the Apostles’ humility and suffering with the Corinthians’ arrogance, urging them to recognize their dependence on God’s grace.

Pastor Wragg’s sermon also provided practical advice for cultivating humility within the church. Christians are encouraged not to seek the praise of others, whether from fellow believers or the world. Instead, they should view themselves as low-level helpers in the body of Christ, following the example of Christ’s humility.

Humility involves recognizing one’s limitations and not boasting about one’s abilities. Revelation 3:17 serves as a reminder that material wealth and self-sufficiency can blind individuals to their spiritual poverty. As John wrote there to the church at Laodicea,  “You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (BSB).

While humility may lead to obscure and unknown service in the church, believers are assured that God will praise them when the time is right. Pastor Wragg encouraged us not to expect or demand honor in this life, but to be willing to be counted as fools for the sake of Christ. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who often faced persecution and hardship for their faith.

In conclusion, humility is essential for a healthy and thriving church community. It fosters a spirit of service, dependence on God’s grace, and a willingness to endure difficulties for the sake of Christ. By embracing humility, believers can truly reflect the character of Jesus and contribute to the growth and unity of the church.

References

Disclaimer: Grace Immanuel Bible Church is not affiliated with The Believer’s Byline (save in the fact that this reporter attends there). GIBC did not sponsor this article and is not responsible for its content.
Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is a project of Bible Hub. Used with permission. The Berean Standard Bible has been released into the public domain.