Chapter 5-6 Humility

The next two chapters explore the practical applications of humility in the light of the Gospel. CJ reminds us that it is a DAILY battle against our natural tendencies to drift away from the Truth. Like every morning, I “feel” like an unbeliever again (despite my perfect standings with God via Christ) and need to preach the Gospel to myself. Here are some practical ways done at beginning of day:

1. Start the day with acknowledging your NEED for God
2. Express your gratitude to God in all things that He has done for you
3. Practice spiritual disciplines: prayer, study of God’s Word, worship

Here are some practical ways done at end of the day:

1. Transfer the glory to God by thanking Him for all His grace demonstrated throughout the day for you!
2. Accept the gift of sleep! Yes, it is a gift!
3. Be thankful endlessly regarding the Savior’s sacrifices on the Cross.

Couple things that hit me like a brick. One, too often I tend to listen to myself rather than talking to myself. CJ (originally from ML-Jones) shares with us that we need to intentionally talk to ourselves about the Truth! That means when I’m having a difficult day because of (tough circumstances or situations or blatant sins that I’ve committed and feel overwhelmingly guilty) then I need to remind myself that the great Savior has saved me from the wrath that I totally deserve! And yes, I’m THAT BAD but Christ has clothed me in perfect righteousness! But I find myself these situations more rapidly evolving throughout the day as I’m working…(esp. when I face unlikable/angry patients or feeling self-righteous because of my ability to handle work, etc.) It’s everywhere, not just work.

Two, the gift of sleep! Man, ain’t this the truth! The fact that I’m tired and I cannot live (at least physically and functionally) without sleep! Thank God for this! But I think overall, the biggest challenge is practicing my spiritual disciplines DAILY rather than haphazardly.

For those of you who have long commutes to work, how do you spend your time in your car? Do you practice these spiritual disciplines regularly? If so, with joy of Christ? As you survey your work hours, do you have some ‘down time’ where you can periodically practice these spiritual disciplines? I find this to be difficult…mainly because I tend to forget. Please feel free to share with us.

Summary of Chapter 4 “Greatness Demonstrated”

From chapter 3 we learned how humility is an act of true greatness that was exclusively demonstrated by Christ Himself. In chapter 4, CJ points us to some really key truths of our understanding of the Gospel:

• Our former captivity in sin: we were once enslaved/bondage to sin and therefore rightfully condemned to death…that is until
• Jesus Christ as a “ransom” for many: Jesus became the ransom through the death on the Cross to appease God’s wrath for us…
• Implications of His Sacrifice on the Cross: we are now free in Christ, meaning no more bondage/enslaved to sin but free to obey for the glory of God for our joy in serving others.

(Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I just listed three key things above. But if I’ve missed something crucial details please inform and post it!)

There were couple things that hit me like a brick. One, in the act of true humility, “our own serve to others is always both an effect of His unique sacrifice and the evidence of it.” How often do I really remind myself about the sacrifice of His precious blood when I see others demonstrating humility? But here CJ stresses and reminds us that it was indeed His sacrifice that allows us or enables us to actually experience and demonstrate true humility. By reminding this truth to ourselves, it leaves no room for pride of self-glorification or man-centered perception of self-righteousness because it was Christ ALONE who had done the work for us on the Cross. Plus, God takes His glory seriously and does not delight in glory-robbers. Two, the great implications of the word “random” for both the recipient (us, sinners) and the one who is acting as ransom (Christ). It reminded me again that a great payment was required to deliver us from serious condemnation (His judgment) due to our sins and from our seriously sorry-state of deprived sinful nature. CJ reminds us that we “cannot free ourselves from pride and selfish ambition; a divine rescue is absolutely necessary.” Three, we see that Christ’s death is really central to Christianity. Without His death on the Cross, there would be no opportunity for us to serve others in humility, let alone act in obedience through faith in Christ (sanctification) that would please God. It was ultimately His death that made it possible for us to emulate the Savior’s example in true humility.

In nutshell, we are full beneficiaries of His death in that we are not only reconciled to Christ but we also have the privilege to participate in the awesome glory of His Son. And it doesn't matter what kind of serving opportunities available because in any circumstances that entails true humility, it should reminds us of His death and the evidences of it. Does that make sense? Sorry it's late so I shall clarify later.

I don’t have any specific questions for now (mostly because I’m still thinking about this) but I encourage you to post them! Thanks.

Summary of Chapter 3 “Greatness Defined”

Summary of Chapter 3 “Greatness Defined”

* Pride attempts to compare oneself to another in order for self-glorification, and “claim greater importance” and acknowledgement from others.
* True humility is an act of greatness that was fully demonstrated by Jesus.
* Biblical definition of “greatness:” Serving others for the glory of God!

There were two things that hit me this chapter. First, Jesus does not forbid the desire to be great (Mark 10:43-44). However, Jesus defines for us what it really means from God’s perspective to be great: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Imagine that, a slave of all…everyone. When was the last time I thought to myself, “I’m going to be a slave of all” in serving others, Church, my wife, and family? Perhaps, all of us have some competing passion inside of us that desires to be great in something. It could be work or ministry, desiring to be acknowledged by
parents, friends, etc. But here Jesus is defining for us what a real, eternally worth greatness is and how one can really achieve that. The question is how do we do this? I believe chapter 4 answers this shortly so stay tuned.

Secondly, I was struggling (in my own sinful nature) to accept this true definition of greatness defined by CJ: Serving others for the glory of God. For one, I quickly became burdened by the thought of serving others because it sounded like so much like work without joy. Also in my mind
was the question of “why should I do this? Just because Jesus did it?” I guess in the past, I would’ve just gone along with the notion that I must do what Jesus asked me to do simply because He did it. But this is where chapter 4 nails me in the head and wakes me up.

Chapter 4 to be posted soon.