Cultivating Humility and Submission to God's Sovereignty

Humility is a fundamental Christian virtue, characterized by a willingness to submit to God's sovereignty and acknowledge one's limitations. The biblical basis for humility is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the writings of the apostles. Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of humility, who "humbled himself to the point of death, even death on a cross" ^[1].

The biblical writers emphasize the importance of humility in the life of a believer. The book of Proverbs notes that "before honor is humility" (Proverbs 15:33) ^[4]. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to "clothe themselves with humility" (1 Peter 5:5), citing the promise that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ^{[2, 3]}. This theme is echoed in the writings of the Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, where Matthew Henry comments that humility is essential for a proper fear of God and subjection to His will ^[6].

The cultivation of humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God and submitting to His sovereignty. According to the Protestant academic tradition, true humility involves "submission to and dependence on God" (Tyndale House on Zephaniah 2:3) ^[9]. This submission is not limited to personal piety but also extends to relationships within the community of believers. The apostle Peter instructs younger believers to "submit themselves to the elder" and to "be subject one to another" (1 Peter 5:5) ^[2].

The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition emphasizes the importance of humility in the face of God's providence. Adam Clarke comments on 1 Peter 5:6, noting that those who "humble themselves under God's mighty hand" will be exalted by Him ^[11]. This perspective is echoed in the Puritan tradition, where Matthew Henry observes that humility is a necessary precursor to honor and that the humble are more likely to receive God's grace ^{[6, 7]}.

The biblical teaching on humility is closely tied to the concept of meekness. The fruit of the Spirit includes meekness, which is characterized by a willingness to receive instruction and correction (Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:21) ^[5]. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of meekness, who taught His followers to "turn the other cheek" and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:38-45) ^[5].

The practice of humility is not limited to personal virtues but has implications for relationships within the community. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received," characterized by "humility, gentleness, and patience" (Ephesians 4:1-2) ^[8]. This emphasis on communal humility is reflected in the Protestant academic tradition, where humility is seen as a key component of healthy relationships within the church ^[10].

Sources

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, ”
King James Version “[KJV] 1 Peter 5:5 — Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
I Peter “I Peter 5:5 (KJV) — Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Proverbs “The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. -- Proverbs 15:33”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 3:7: We have here before us three exhortations, each of them enforced with a good reason: - I. We must live in a humble and dutiful subjection to God and his government (Pro 3:7): "Fear the Lord, as your sovereign Lord and Master; be ruled in every thing by your religion and subject to the divine will." This must be, 1. A humble subjection: Be not wise in thy own eyes. Note, There is not a greater enemy to the power of religion, and the fear of God in the heart, than conceitedness of our own wisdom. Those that have an opinion of their own sufficiency think it below t”
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”
Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 4:2: Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: - To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of h”
Zephaniah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Zephaniah 2:3: 2:3 all who are humble: True humility involves submission to and dependence on God (Pss 18:25-27; 119:142-144; Prov 15:33; 18:12; 22:4).”
Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:12: 18:12 Haughtiness cultivates pride. It leads to failure because it does not allow for change in the face of criticism. Humility learns from others and leads to the honor of success.”
1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves - Those who submit patiently to the dispensations of God's providence he lifts up; those who lift themselves up, God thrusts down. If we humble not ourselves under God's grace, he will humble us under his judgments. Those who patiently submit to him, he exalts in due time; if his hand be mighty to depress, it is also mighty to exalt.”

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