Becoming Humble
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The story of Scotty Pippen:
Moral of the story: The Bulls didn’t need Scottie Pippen.
God and his Church will win with or without you.
Let’s contrast this will a video from 1996. A year and a half later.
I think many of us get that Scottie Pippen’s scenario was pretty lacking in humility.
Some may even argue that Jordan may have been “humble” in this situation, but you can come up with plenty of examples of his lack of humility in other situations.
The truth is this message isn’t about Pippen or Jordan. It’s about people like Steve Kerr who have the humility to step up and play their role.
Most of us think about a person who lacks humility as boastful or arrogant. But there is another type of person who lacks humility. This person discounts their abilities and talents and fails to see that their lack of participating on the team is just as detrimental to the entire team than the arrogant ego maniac who has to be seen as the star.
A humble person is more interested in the good of the team than in getting the credit whether they are the star or the 6th man or woman.
It’s easier to watch the “stars” shine than it is to stand in the spotlight yourself. If they miss the shot, it’s on them. If they pass to us, and we miss the shot, well let’s just say, I’m having flashbacks to middle gym class. In many cases, self preservation forces a lot of people to shy away from the light of this very reason. “What if I fail?” “What if I let the team down?” “I don’t want the ball.” “I’m not good enough.” “That’s not my job.” or the biggest one, “I just don’t want to.”
Most of us think about a person who lacks humility as boastful or arrogant. But there is another type of person who lacks humility. This person discounts their abilities and talents and fails to see that their lack of participating on the team is just as detrimental to the entire team.
And here is our connection to the church. Too many people are content to sit back and the let the “stars” play. Too many people are content to be fans of the ministry of others. Not stepping up because they aren’t as talented or know as much as someone else. Too many people are not willing to get into position for the betterment of the team.
It takes humility to step and say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn. I’m willing to grow.”
1 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.
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.
1 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.
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.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Big Idea: Team Unity requires individual humility.
Big Idea: Team Unity requires individual humility.
A humble person is more interested in the good of the team than in getting the credit.
Transitions: There are a lot of assumptions, that Paul makes, in this passage. Assuming there is encouragement in be a part of the church; assuming there is love in the relationships. He is assuming that these people are actually following Jesus as evidenced by the Holy Spirit.. Assuming that you like one another.
The obnoxious, arogant.
A humble person is more interested in the good of the team than in getting the credit.
Paul is assuming that there is commitment here. That people actually want to be here.
Assuming you actually want to be a part of the church, these are some of the most basic expectations.
1. Be a team PLAYER. (vs. 1-2)
1. Be a team PLAYER. (vs. 1-2)
Explanation: Encouragement, love, participation, affection, sympathy, like-mindedness, unity are all relational terms. The problem is that true give and take relationships require humility on the part of all parties. This requires that we are all thinking about and pursing a single goal and purpose.
Illustration:
Application: Part of the problem here is that many aren’t team players because they don’t know what they are good at. tells us that we are given gifts that will help us to play on the team. In fact, there is some indication that the gifted individuals are actually gifts to the church. and what is the purpose?
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Now, if we are all given gifts to used for the common good of the church, then when we don’t play that part, not only are we lacking in humility (remember thinking we have nothing to contribute is every bit as arrogant as the one who thinks his/her gifts should be honored more) but the whole church suffers.
It is often attributed to C.S. Lewis that Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. I don’t think it was actually C.S. Lewis but rather Rick Warren in the Purpose Driven Life. Being a team player, you think about others as they fit into the church of Christ. so...
2. Think about yourself LESS and others MORE. (vs. 3-4)
2. Think about yourself LESS and others MORE. (vs. 3-4)
Explanation: This is a pretty bold statement. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit.” Again, Paul’s assumption is we are already doing that and need to make a conscious choice to stop. But this takes a lot of faith and trust, not just in God, but in your teammates. That they will play their part and that they will be there when you need them most.
Your needs will be met by someone else when everyone is looking out for everyone.
Illustration: Jesus thought about you.
Application: I’m not sure how to tell you to do this. There is the part that is “Just do it!” But on the other hand, apart from Jesus, you won’t be able to anyway. We are marred by sin. And the sinful nature always desires to do that which is selfish prideful and...well...sinful. If it had not been for Jesus freeing us from the bondage of our own sin, we would still be lost in that.
Yet, we see in Scripture, sinful men and women selfishly abandoning Jesus in His hour of greatest need, even hiding in upper rooms, scared that they would be next. Then after the Holy Spirit, came
3. Remain in JESUS.
3. Remain in JESUS.
Explanation: This is impossible apart from Jesus. Like we’ve been saying for the last few weeks, only Jesus has this kind of power to unite us and humble us to the point of being able to actually serve one another. He is our example when we can’t quite figure it out. He is our strength when we are weak.
Illustration: There is so much division in the world today. Not all division is selfishness. In fact we are called to be divided from the world. By our humility.
The church was always God’s plan A to change the world, one person at a time.
Application: Do whatever it takes to remain in Jesus daily. Learn to trust him. Follow wherever He leads. But know without question that to follow Jesus is a life faith. There will be sacrifice, suffering, there will be pain. But there will unspeakable joy.
It has always been about relationships....first with Jesus and by extension, with His people.
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
But to remain in Jesus mean, as and , and means that we do so in community with others.
It has always been about relationships....first with Jesus and by extension, with His people.
Reflection: How often do you think about the needs of others? How might North Hills be different if everyone looked after someone else?
Reflection: How often do you think about the needs of others? How might North Hills be different if everyone looked after someone else?
Find community. In a Life Group? Bible study. people sometimes want to say, I’m an introvert. Great; so am I. Being an introvert is not an excuse to disobey God’s command to be in community with others. Introverts struggle with humility just like any other extrovert. It just shows up differently.
Do you struggle with selfishness? I think we all do. I think the most dangerous prayer you can ask is for God to humble you, because He tends to oblige. We can and should repent and pray that God would give us opportunities to be humble.
But remember, you can’t do this without Jesus.
Matthew 28:18
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”