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What is humility?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by mont974x4, Sep 27, 2012.

  1. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    How do you define humility? Or, to put it another way, what does it mean to be humble?


    I'll share my thoughts later.
     
  2. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    Pick out the person, at church, that you least like to be around, for whatever reason. Get on your knees and wash his feet, with a sense of gladness in your heart that you have the opportunity to do so in the name of our Lord.
     
  3. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Thats difficult!
     
  4. Old Union Brother

    Old Union Brother New Member

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    Amen and amen! That is one of the reasons that feet washing services are a blest experience.
     
  5. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Can you add Desenex or Tenactin to the ritual? :laugh:
     
  6. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    To me, humility is knowing that whatever we have that is good has been given to us as a gift by God and we are responsible to Him to use those gifts for His glory and for His purposes.
     
  7. Berean

    Berean Member
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    A charactistic found rather infrequently on the BB.
     
  8. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    One aspect of humility is that is not something you do, it is about allowing things to be done to you. Christ is our model and lets think real hard about what God in the flesh, capable of stopping the wind or turning water into wine, allowed. A cat of nine tails, a whip encrusted with sharp stones and bones, was used to peel the flesh off his body, turning Him into a blood unrecognizable object of hate. Write that down in your book, it is allowing, for the love of God, your life to be taken by prideful men. And btw, they tell me to die on the cross is really really painful. They did not have the capacity to do it to Him, He allowed in His humility, that they do could do it without opposition.

    Just saying...
     
  9. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    Most often I hear humble or humility being used to describe someone that is little more than a doormat. We have begun to assume that when we post unless we have constant attitude of "this is my opinion and I am probably wrong" then the person is proud, arrogant, and anything but humble. This is also seen in how we define what it means to be meek. The general idea is that if you are bold or have firm convictions then you are not being humble and you are certainly not Christ-like.

    The problem is that understanding is not correct. The word meek is best illustrated by a powerful horse being reigned in by the rider he has come to trust, respect, and obey.

    Now, concerning humble and humility. Between the Old and New Testament there are 10 different words being translated as humble or humility, or a related word. I will post the definitions and references in my next post. They are not all positive. For example, it could be used to describe the poor being oppressed by the rich or what happens when a woman is raped. This is the basis for our word humiliate. Many of David's psalms cry out against this kind of oppression and seeks justice. Micah 6:8 tells us that justice is important. Besides the worship of false gods we see that a lack of justice and rampant oppression are major complaints of God brought against His people through Isaiah.

    So, let's consider the positive aspects and what it is that we are to be and do.

    Jesus, in submitting to the cross and in washing of feet, was an example of His humbling Himself. What is important to point out is He did come hat in hand and milquetoast weak in either instance. He was still God incarnate. He was still the Rabbi instructing His followers. He was the perfect example of total commitment to the plan of the Father.

    Perhaps the best definition I have heard from a friend is this:
    Knowing my place, knowing God's place & knowing the difference.

    The Complete Word Study Dictionary, in defining one of the original words (G5012) is the "correct estimate of ourselves".

    Paul, a man few of us would regard as anything but humble, considered himself the chief of sinners. He was also boldly challenging leaders, fellow apostles, and the general public time and time again. He was imprisoned, beat, and stoned for boldly preaching unpopular truths...and yet prayed for more boldness and more opportunity.

    To be humble is to remember who we are in Christ and act accordingly.We were sinners without any redeeming quality. We are not perfect, but we are blameless. We are saints who do sin. We are members of a royal priesthood. We are capable of knowing and proclaiming truth. We are given a ministry to reach the lost and spur our brothers and sisters on to good works and righteous living.

    I'll end this post with this reminder:
    2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (NASB)
     
  10. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    Humility and Humble O.T.
    H6038
    ‛anāwāh: A feminine noun indicating humility. It indicates patience, mildness, tenderness, characteristics of God that foster growth in His king, David (Psa_18:35 [36]). It is found in Psa_45:4 [5], but see H6037 also. It indicates an attitude of humility that brings a person honor (Pro_15:33; Pro_18:12; Pro_22:4); and possibly mercy in the day of judgment (Zep_2:3).
    Found in:
    Ps 15:33
    Pro 18:12; Pro 22:4
    Zep 2:3
    H6031
    ‛ānāh: A verb indicating to be afflicted, to be oppressed, to be humbled. It refers to being oppressed, in a state of oppression. It means to bow down, to humble oneself, to be humbled (Exo_10:3; Isa_58:10). In some senses of the verb, it means to inflict oppression, to subdue, to humble someone: of Israel's oppression in Egypt (Gen_15:13; Exo_1:11-12); to deal with persons harshly, to oppress them (Gen_16:6); to humble a woman (Deu_21:14); to afflict, humble oneself (Gen_16:9; Lev_16:29; Psa_132:1). It is used of raping a woman (Gen_34:2). It is possible to humble oneself, to afflict oneself by fasting (Ezr_8:21; Dan_10:12). The psalmist was often disciplined by affliction from God (Psa_119:71); the Suffering Servant of Isaiah was afflicted by the Lord (Isa_53:4).
    Gen_15:13; Gen_16:6; Gen_16:9; Gen_31:50; Gen_34:2
    Exo_1:11; Exo_1:12; Exo_10:3; Exo_22:22; Exo_22:23
    Lev_16:29; Lev_16:31; Lev_23:27; Lev_23:29; Lev_23:32
    Num_24:24; Num_29:7; Num_30:13
    Deu_8:2; Deu_8:3; Deu_8:16; Deu_21:14; Deu_22:24; Deu_22:29; Deu_26:6
    Jdg_16:5; Jdg_16:6; Jdg_16:19; Jdg_19:24; Jdg_20:5
    2Sa_7:10; 2Sa_13:12; 2Sa_13:14; 2Sa_13:22; 2Sa_13:32
    1Ki_2:26; 1Ki_8:35; 1Ki_11:39; 2Ki_17:20
    2Ch_6:26
    Ezr_8:21
    Job_30:11; Job_37:23
    Psa_35:13; Psa_88:7; Psa_89:22; Psa_90:15; Psa_94:5; Psa_102:23; Psa_105:18; Psa_107:17; Psa_116:10; Psa_119:67; Psa_119:71; Psa_119:75; Psa_119:107; Psa_132:1; Psa_140:12
    Isa_25:5; Isa_31:4; Isa_53:4; Isa_53:7; Isa_58:3; Isa_58:5; Isa_58:10; Isa_60:14; Isa_64:12
    Lam_3:33; Lam_5:11
    Eze_22:10; Eze_22:11
    Dan_10:12
    Nah_1:12
    Zep_3:19
    Zec_10:2
    H6035
    ‛ānāw: An adjective meaning poor, oppressed, afflicted, humble. It is used of persons who put themselves after others in importance; persons who are not proud, haughty, supercilious, self-assertive, low in rank or position. Moses in the Old Testament is the prototype of the humble man before God and other human beings (Num_12:3), but he was not poor or low in rank. The word also refers to persons who are poor, afflicted, low in societal standing, oppressed (Job_24:4; Psa_10:12, Psa_10:17; Psa_22:26 [27]). God favors the humble or meek to inherit the land, to be blessed (Psa_37:11); God gives help and grace to the afflicted (Pro_3:34). A humble or contrite spirit is of great value (Pro_16:19). God will finally give justice to the poor (Isa_11:4). The poor were oppressed by the rich and the immoral (Amo_2:7).
    Found in:
    Num_12:3
    Psa_9:12; Psa_10:12; Psa_10:17; Psa_22:26; Psa_25:9; Psa_34:2; Psa_37:11; Psa_69:32; Psa_76:9; Psa_147:6; Psa_149:4
    Pro_3:34; Pro_14:21
    Isa_11:4; Isa_29:19; Isa_61:1
    Amo_2:7
    Zep_2:3
    H8216
    šēp̱el: A masculine noun meaning a low place, a low estate. It refers to a social position of relatively low power, influence, and esteem by the world's standards (Ecc_10:6). It describes the people of Israel at a time when they were powerless and oppressed in the land of Canaan (Psa_136:23).
    Used in only 2 verses:
    Psa_136:23
    Ecc_10:6;
    H8217
    šāp̱āl: An adjective meaning low, humble; lower. It refers to a tree being low (Eze_17:24) but often refers in a figurative way to low social positions (2Sa_6:22). It describes a short tree or a shrub in a parable (Eze_17:6). It has the sense of a humble, despondent, meek, or contrite spirit (Isa_57:15).
    Found in:
    Lev_13:20; Lev_13:21; Lev_13:26; Lev_14:37
    2Sa_6:22
    Job_5:11
    Psa_138:6
    Pro_16:19; Pro_29:23
    Ecc_12:4
    Isa_57:15
    Eze_17:6; Eze_17:14; Eze_17:24; Eze_21:26; Eze_29:14; Eze_29:15
    Mal_2:9

    Humble and Humility –N.T.
    G4240
    praǘtēs; gen. praǘtētos, fem. noun from praǘs (G4239), meek. Meekness, but not in a man's outward behavior only, nor in his relations to his fellow man or his mere natural disposition. Rather, it is an inwrought grace of the soul, and the expressions of it are primarily toward God (Jas_1:21; Jas_3:13; 1Pe_3:15; Sept.: Psa_45:4). It is that attitude of spirit we accept God's dealings with us as good and do not dispute or resist. Praǘtēs, according to Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason (orgilótēs [n.f.]), and not getting angry at all (aorgēsía [n.f.]). Therefore, praǘtēs is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason. Praǘtēs is not readily expressed in Eng. (since the term "meekness" suggests weakness), but it is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character.
    Syn.: epieíkeia (G1932), fairness, moderation, gentleness, expressing an active dealing with others; chrēstótēs (G5544), kindness, mellowness; tapeinophrosúnē (G5012), humility; praüpátheia (found in some MSS in 1Ti_6:11), a meek disposition, meekness.
    Ant.: orgḗ (G3709), a disposition to anger; thumós (G2372), anger externalized; parorgismós (G3950), exasperation; aganáktēsis (G24), indignation.
    Found in:
    1Co_4:21
    2Co_10:1
    Gal_5:23; Gal_6:1
    Eph_4:2
    Col_3:12
    2Ti_2:25
    Tit_3:2
    Jas_1:21; Jas_3:13
    1Pe_3:15
    G5011
    tapeinós; fem. tapeinḗ, neut. tapeinón, adj. Low, not high, particularly of attitude and social positions.
    (I) Of condition or lot, meaning humble, poor, of low degree (Luk_1:52; Jas_1:9 where it is the opposite of ploúsios (G4145), wealthy, rich; Sept.: 1Sa_18:23; Job_12:21).
    (II) Of the mind, meaning lowly, humble, modest, including the idea of affliction, depression of mind (2Co_10:1 where it means timid, modest, the opposite of tharrṓn, the pres. part. of tharréō [G2292], to exercise courage, courageous). In the masc. (Rom_12:16). Elsewhere with the accessory idea of piety toward God (Jas_4:6; 1Pe_5:5 [in contrast to huperḗphanos {G5244}, proud] quoted from Pro_3:34). See Mat_11:29; 2Co_7:6; Sept.: Psa_18:28; Psa_34:19; Isa_11:4; Isa_66:2.
    Deriv.: tapeinóō (G5013), to humble.
    Syn.: eleeinós (G1652), pitiable.
    Found in:
    Mat_11:29
    Luk_1:52
    Rom_12:16
    2Co_7:6
    2Co_10:1
    Jas_1:9
    Jas_4:6
    1Pe_5:5
    G5012
    tapeinophrosúnē; gen. tapeinophrosúnēs, fem. noun from tapeinóphrōn (n.f.), lowminded, base, which is from tapeinós (G5011), lowly, humble. Humility, lowliness of mind, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so, the correct estimate of ourselves (Act_20:19; Eph_4:2; Php_2:3; Col_2:18, Col_2:23; Col_3:12; 1Pe_5:5). For the sinner tapeinophrosúnē involves the confession of his sin and a deep realization of his unworthiness to receive God's marvelous grace.
    Syn.: praǘtēs (G4240), meekness.
    Ant.: alazoneía (G212), pride, boasting, vainglory; huperēphanía (G5243), haughtiness, considering oneself better than others; phusíōsis (G5450), disdainful pride.
    Found in:
    Act_20:19
    Eph_4:2
    Php_2:3
    Col_2:18; Col_2:23; Col_3:12
    1Pe_3:8: 1Pe_5:5
    G5013
    tapeinóō; contracted tapeinṓ, fut. tapeinṓsō, from tapeinós (G5011), humble. To humble, bring low:
    (I) Particularly (Luk_3:5, "every mountain and hill shall be brought low [made level]," quoted from Isa_40:4).
    (II) Figuratively as to condition, circumstances, to bring low, to humble, abase. With the acc. heautón, to humble himself, to make himself of low condition, to be poor and needy (Mat_18:4; 2Co_11:7). Mid. or pass. (Php_4:12; Sept.: Pro_13:7; Isa_2:9, Isa_2:12). In mind, to make humble through disappointment (2Co_12:21). In the pass. (Mat_23:12; Luk_14:11; Luk_18:14). With the idea of contrition and penitence toward God (Jas_4:10; 1Pe_5:6; Sept.: Isa_5:15; Isa_10:33). See Gen_16:9; Isa_58:3, Isa_58:5).
    Deriv.: tapeínōsis (G5014), humility.
    Syn.: kataischúnō (G2617), to shame, disgrace, dishonor.
    Ant.: hupsóō (G5312), to exalt, lift up; megalúnō (G3170), to magnify, enlarge; epaírō (G1869), to raise up, exalt; huperaíromai (G5229), to become haughty, exalt oneself, be proud; huperupsóō (G5251), to elevate above others, highly exalt; huperphronéō (G5252), to think too highly of oneself; tuphóō (G5187), to fill with pride.
    Found in:
    Mat_18:4; Mat_23:12
    Luk_3:5; Luk_14:11; Luk_18:14
    2Co_11:7; 2Co_12:21
    Php_2:8; Php_4:12
    Jas_4:10
    1Pe_5:6
    G5014
    tapeínōsis; gen. tapeinṓseōs, fem. noun from tapeinóō (G5013), to humble, abase. The act of humiliation. In Luk_1:48 the virgin Mary is described as being of tapeínōsis, a humble origin or lowly estate. In Act_8:33, tapeínōsis refers to our Lord's humiliation. In Php_3:21 tapeínōsis is translated vile, referring to our present body being a sinful one. See Sept.: 2Sa_16:12; Psa_136:23. In Jas_1:10 the rich is made low (tapeínōsis) in recognition that his riches can not extend his life or gain the approbation of God.
    Syn.: aischúnē (G152), shame, disgrace; atimía (G819), indignity, disgrace.
    Ant.: megaleiótēs (G3168), magnificence, majesty; timḗ (G5092), honor, respect; dóxa (G1391), glory.
    Found in:
    Luk_1:48
    Act_8:33
    Php_3:21
    Jas_1:10
     
  11. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    Recognizing one's place and what one deserves.
     
  12. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    One acquires humility by comparing himself to God, not to other people.

    All of us can think of some people we're better than.

    It doesn't mean we have a lower opinion of ourselves than we should.
     
  13. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I think your onto something, Tom.

    I know the most humbling thing in my life was coming to understand and accept the Doctrines of Grace. A close second was the realization, and submission to, a call to be a pastor. Both entail seeing how small I am and how unworthy I am, especially in relation to how big God is and how deep His grace is.
     
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