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God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod gives grace to the humble. This principle is emphasized in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5, where it is stated that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humility is a virtue that attracts God's favor and grace. By humbling ourselves before God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves to receive His abundant grace.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gives grace to the humble, a principle deeply woven into the fabric of our relationship with Him. As stated in James 4:6-8, He resists the proud but bestows grace upon the humble, drawing near to those who approach Him with a contrite spirit. This humility, essential for effective prayer, attracts His presence like a magnet, ensuring that He looks to those who are poor in spirit and tremble at His word, as highlighted in Isaiah 66:1-2. Similarly, I Peter 5:5-6 urges us to be clothed with humility, for God gives grace to the humble and exalts them in due time. Humility manifests itself in obedience, a quality crucial not only for salvation but also for growth, witnessing, and glorifying God. Deuteronomy 8:1-3, 16 reveals that God humbles and tests us through life's pilgrimage to prove our hearts and prepare us for His purpose, ensuring a good outcome at our latter end. This sequence of humility leading to submission, obedience, and ultimately honor is evident in Proverbs 15:33, 18:12, and 22:4, where humility precedes riches, honor, and eternal life. In the context of prayer, humility is vital as it forces us to admit our humanity, inadequacy, and dependency on God. Prayer becomes a daily exercise in humbling ourselves before Him, recognizing His greatness and our need, as seen in the model prayer of Matthew 6. It is not about changing His mind but aligning with His will, acknowledging that without Him, we cannot succeed. God reveals His will to the humble, granting blessings that equip us for service in His Kingdom, ensuring that our spiritual growth and preparation are rooted in a posture of submission.
From Pride to Humility
Sermon by John O. ReidGod gives grace to the humble, a principle deeply rooted in His disdain for pride and self-sufficiency. In Isaiah 66:2, the Lord declares that while He has made all things and heaven is His throne, He looks with favor upon those who are poor and of a contrite spirit, trembling at His word. Such a heart, humble and obedient, is more precious to Him than any magnificent temple built by human hands. This attitude stands in stark contrast to the proud, self-willed spirit that God abhors, as it refuses to submit to His ways. The danger of pride is evident in the Laodicean era, where wealth and self-reliance lead to a lukewarm faith that God despises, warning in Revelation 3:14-19 that He will reject those who are neither hot nor cold. Pride, whether in riches or poverty, fosters rebellion against God, attributing to oneself the honor due to Him alone. Yet, God promises to dwell with the humble, as seen in Isaiah 57:15, where He, the High and Lofty One, chooses to revive the spirit of the contrite and humble, offering them eternal companionship. Jesus Christ exemplifies this humility, teaching in Matthew 11:28-29 that He is gentle and lowly in heart, inviting all to learn from Him. He further illustrates in Matthew 18:1-4 that unless one becomes as a little child—humble, teachable, and without ambition—they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles themselves in this way will be the greatest in His kingdom. Likewise, in Luke 18:13-14, the tax collector's humble plea for mercy is justified over the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer, showing that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while the humble will be exalted. God's call to humility is a call to transformation, as seen in Micah 6:8, where He requires His people to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. This humility enables one to be taught by God, to seek His ways as David did in Psalm 25:4-5, and to overcome the pride that resides in the deceitful heart described in Jeremiah 17:9. Through fasting, prayer, and obedience, pride can be subdued, allowing one to reset priorities and recognize their dependence on God. Ultimately, God is building His temple in those who are humble, as stated in I Corinthians 3:16-17, where believers are called the temple of God, holy and indwelt by His Spirit. Defiling this temple with pride invites destruction, but embracing humility aligns one with God's purpose. Zephaniah 2:3 urges the meek to seek righteousness and humility, promising protection in the day of the Lord's anger. Thus, humility before God is not weakness but the path to true greatness and eternal reward in His kingdom.
Living by Faith and Humility
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPeople resist God because of their pride, but pride can be neutralized by humility, a character trait that allows a person to submit to God.
The Role of the Outcasts (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David F. MaasA humble spirit is a teachable and moldable spirit, but a haughty, self-satisfied, pride-filled spirit cannot be molded or shaped into a godly vessel.
Overcoming (Part 9): Self-Exaltation
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsSelf-exaltation was one of the sins that got Satan in trouble. Conversely, we are to humble ourselves so God can exalt us in due time.
The Role of the Outcasts (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David F. MaasGod the Father in His sovereignty evidently looks upon the experience of rejection, scorn, and humiliation as necessary precursors to godly service.
The Poor in Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing that we could ever do could impress God, except for our contrition, acknowledgment of our infirmity, and remorse for our sins which displease God.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
Faith (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is a perverted comparison that elevates one above another. Because of its arrogant self-sufficiency, it hinders our faith. Faith depends on humility.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHumility is not low self esteem, but instead it is a proper estimate of our relationship to God, which is a choice to act and behave as a servant or slave.
Those Who Mourn
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorldly sorrow leads to death while godly sorrow leads to repentance and life. After godly repentance, sorrow is swallowed up in profound joy.
Psalms: Book Five: (Part Three): The Hallel: Psalms of Praise
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Book Five of the Psalms, Psalms 113-118 (sometimes termed the Hallel) are to be considered one continuous Psalm of praise, associated with the holy days.