The picture above shows a stone cross nestled in a quiet woodland scene.
When I searched pixabay.com for an image to represent humility, it came up as an option.
Other words associated with the picture include cross, faith, and religion.
So why did it come up when I searched for the word humility?
What connects these words: cross, faith, religion with humble worship?
Are You Humbly Worshiping? | Philippians 1:27-2:11
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. (Php 1:27–28)
Describe the gospel of Christ.
List the items mentioned in the verses above that reveal one is living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Php 1:29–30)
What two things does Paul say belong to the Philippians?
Describe the conflict Paul refers to. (See Php 1:12-14)
How are the Philippians engaged in the same conflict as Paul? (See Php 1:19-26)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Php 2:1–2)
What is Paul encouraging the Philippians to cultivate? Why?
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Php 2:3–4)
How is humility essential to cultivating unity among the Philippians?
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Php 2:5–8)
What did Christ’s action cost him?
How does Christ’s example relate to what Paul encourages the Philippians to do?
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:9–11)
What resulted from Christ’s example of humility?
Are You Humbly Worshiping? | The Power of the Cross
Consider the picture I chose for this post.
A simple stone cross nestled in a quiet woodland scene.
Based on the example of Christ as described by Paul in the opening chapters of Philippians, how does this image fit the concept of Christian humility?
First, what does the stump the stone cross is leaning against represent? (Review Php 1:29-30 and 2:5-8)
I see the stump as a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Paul was in jail because he was preaching the gospel message of Christ dying for our sins to accomplish what we could not.
Paul made sacrifices and accepted suffering because Christ sacrificed and suffered an excruciating death to save humanity.
What else could represent humility better than Christ setting aside his divine state to suffer on our behalf?
Second, what does the fresh growth on and near the stump portray? (Review Php 2:1-4)
Based on this phrase from 2:1, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ,” I see the new growth on and around the stump in the picture as a symbol of the unity and effectiveness that occurs when Christians “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.”
When we fail in this area, our witness to the world reveals a lack of humility not only with each other but, most importantly, towards Christ.
Last, why is the cross made of stone? (Review Php 2:9-11)
Breaking up a stone and carving it into a shape of any kind requires an extreme effort for humans. Thus, we consider stone an extremely reliable and secure resource.
I see the stone cross in the image above as representing the assurance that one day every knee will indeed bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Are You Humbly Worshiping? | Personal Reflection Questions
Consider the activities you have pursued in the last week.
Do these activities reveal unity with the mind of Christ? Why or why not?
Consider the conversations you have had with others in the last week.
Do these conversations reveal an understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for you and others? Why or why not?
Based on today’s study, why is humility a strength rather than a weakness?
Why is humility important for our worship of God?
What encouragement is there when we suffer because of our faith?
Are You Humbly Worshiping? | A Prayer for Us
Our heavenly Father, we humble ourselves before you and your son, Jesus Christ to seek your kingdom and will before anything else. We thank you for your daily provision of sustenance for all our needs. Our debt to you is immeasurable, yet you have forgiven us through your son Jesus Christ’s suffering sacrifice. Help us stand firm on the surety of Your love for us. Amen.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
PS. I will check for and reply to any comments left on Monday evenings.