TO THE LEADER OF THE STUDY (Tap to Expand)
Humility is essential in beginning and maintaining a relationship with God. Pride, the opposite of humility; is often difficult to see in oneself. It can be described as stubbornness toward God, his Word, and others, or as independence from God or others (Use examples of interactions you’ve observed between the teen and others that show a lack of humility. Share from your own life as well).
Discussion
What is pride?
- Being stubborn
- Thinking you are better than others
- Thinking your ideas are best and that things should always go your way
Not apologizing/admitting your wrong (Leader of Study: Share an example)
What do you think humility is?
Possible negative responses:
- Letting people walk all over you
- Letting people tell you what to do
- Having no opinions
Possible positive responses.
- Listening to advice and getting help from God and others
- Taking correction well
- Apologizing for sin
The goal of this study is for you to see your pride so that you can humbly accept and respond to the word of God.
The Scriptures
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 (Tap to Expand)
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
How was Jesus humble?
- He was God but became a man.
- He became a servant to everyone.
- He died for others!
Bottom Line: To really be like Jesus is to be humble and selfless.
EPHESIANS 4:2-3 (Tap to Expand)
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
How does God want us to get along and be unified with others?
- Be humble and gentle (no selfishness)
- Deal patiently with people
- Focus on our love for others so that we can bear with their faults
Bottom Line: To get along with others, we must put ourselves aside–that’s what Jesus has done for us.
1 PETER 5:5-6 (Tap to Expand)
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
How can humility be like clothing?
- Put it on every day before you go out
- Not a natural part of us. It has to be put on (thought about)
- Should be the first thing people see in us
What is in store for the humble person?
- They will receive grace
- They will be lifted up by God
- Relief because his anxieties/burdens will be carried by God and not himself.
- Better relationships (As God opposes the proud, so do other people!)
Bottom Line: The humble person is on God’s team.
Personal Heart Check Questions
1. Do you see pride in your life? When is it hardest for you to be humble?
2. Are you willing to change your pride and attitude to be humble toward God/others? Be specific about what ways and to whom.
Practical Applications
ISAIAH 66:2B (Tap to Expand)
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
To be humble when you sin:
- Accept full responsibility (no excuses)
- Do not be defensive
- Apologize humbly
When others sin against you:
- Tell them in a respectful way
- Focus on your love for them and not on what they have done to you.
- Forgive them and forget about it, moving on to being even better friends
Write out a half-page description of how you have seen your pride in your relationships and how you can turn it into humility.
