Cultivating Humility and Submission in Christ's Example

The Christian life calls for humility and submission, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate model for these virtues ^{[2, 5]}. His life, from incarnation to crucifixion, consistently demonstrated a profound lowliness of mind and obedience to God's will ^{[1, 10, 13]}.

Humility, as a prominent Christian grace, is a state of mind pleasing to God, bringing tranquility and patience in trials ^[3]. It is essential for serving God ^[2]. The Bible frequently links humility with God's favor, promising that God regards, hears, and delivers the humble, lifting them up and exalting them ^{[2, 3]}. Proverbs 15:33 states that "humility comes before honor," and Proverbs 18:12 notes that "before honor is humility" ^[2]. Conversely, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) ^{[2, 8, 9]}.

Christ's humility is evident in numerous aspects of his earthly existence:

Incarnation and Birth: He took on human nature, being born in humble circumstances (Philippians 2:7; Luke 2:4-7; Hebrews 2:16) ^[1].
Subjection and Station: He was subject to his parents and lived a modest life, identified as the son of a carpenter (Luke 2:51; Matthew 13:55; John 9:29) ^[1].
Poverty and Infirmities: He experienced poverty, stating that he had "nowhere to lay his head," and partook in human infirmities (Luke 9:58; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 4:15; 5:7) ^[1].
Servanthood: He came not to be served, but to serve, even washing his disciples' feet (Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:27; Philippians 2:7; John 13:5) ^[1].
Association with the Despised: He associated with those considered outcasts, such as tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-11; Luke 15:1-2) ^[1].
Refusal of Earthly Honors: He refused worldly honors, demonstrating a detachment from human praise (John 5:41; 6:15) ^[1].
Obedience unto Death: His ultimate act of humility was his obedience to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8) ^{[1, 13]}. This act of self-emptying (kenosis) is a central theme in understanding Christ's humility ^{[10, 13]}.

The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5), directly pointing to Christ's humility as an example to be emulated ^{[10, 12, 13]}. John Gill notes that this passage proposes Christ as "the great pattern and exemplar of humility," particularly in his assumption of human nature and his submission to suffering and death ^[10]. John Chrysostom similarly emphasizes that Christ presented himself as an example for his disciples in their actions ^[13].

Submission, closely linked with humility, is also a key aspect of Christian conduct. The New Testament calls for mutual submission "out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21) ^[7]. This includes younger individuals submitting to elders, and all submitting to one another, clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5) ^{[8, 9, 14]}. Matthew Henry interprets this as an exhortation for those who are younger or inferior to show respect and yield to the admonition of their elders ^[14].

The example of Christ extends beyond humility and submission to encompass other virtues such as love, righteousness, purity, obedience, and self-denial ^[5]. His life is described as a perfect example ^[5]. He demonstrated self-denial by foregoing worldly power and comfort, a test of devotion for his followers (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6-8) ^[6]. This self-denial is necessary for following Christ, engaging in spiritual warfare, and achieving spiritual triumph ^[6].

Cultivating humility and submission involves a conscious effort to imitate Christ's example. This includes:

Recognizing our past state: Understanding our condition before God's grace helps foster humility (Titus 3:3-4) ^[11].
Focusing on Christ: Keeping one's "eyes on Jesus" is crucial for enduring in the Christian life and emulating his faithful endurance (Hebrews 12:2) ^[15].
Diligence in Christian graces: Actively striving for perfection and cultivating virtues like humility is a requirement (Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Peter 1:5) ^[4].
Patient endurance: Christ's example demonstrates that patiently enduring undeserved suffering is acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:21) ^[16].

The call to humility and submission is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical requirement for Christian living, deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a path that leads to honor and grace from God ^{[2, 3]}.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
Ephesians “Ephesians 5:21 (BSB) — Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
1 Peter “Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” -- 1 Peter 5:5”
I Peter “I Peter 5:5 (LITV) — Likewise, younger ones be subject to older ones; and all being subject to one another. Put on humility, because God sets Himself "against proud ones, but He gives grace to humble ones." Prov. 3:34”
Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you,.... The Arabic version renders it, "let that humility be perceived in you". The apostle proposes Christ as the great pattern and exemplar of humility; and instances in his assumption of human nature, and in his subjection to all that meanness, and death itself, even the death of the cross in it; and which he mentions with this view, to engage the saints to lowliness of mind, in imitation of him; to show forth the same temper and disposition of mind in their practice, which also was in Christ Jesus; or as the Syriac version, "think ye the”
Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 2:1: The apostle proceeds in this chapter where he left off in the last, with further exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love. Here we may observe, I. The great gospel precept passed upon us; that is, to love one another. This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Phi 2:2) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. We are ”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily VI. Philippians ii. 5–8 “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Our Lord Jesus Christ, when exhorting His disciples to great actions, places before them Himself, and the Father, and the Prophets, as examples; as when He”
1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 5:5: Having settled and explained the duty of the pastors or spiritual guides of the church, the apostle comes now to instruct the flock, I. How to behave themselves to their ministers and to one another. He calls them the younger, as being generally younger than their grave pastors, and to put them in mind of their inferiority, the term younger being used by our Saviour to signify an inferior, Luk 22:26. He exhorts those that are younger and inferior to submit themselves to the elder, to give due respect and reverence to their persons, and to yield to their admonition”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”

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