Embracing Humility in Theological Growth and Revision
Humility, a prominent Christian grace, is a state of mind that is pleasing to God and essential for spiritual growth [1]. It involves a lowliness of spirit, where individuals hold a modest estimation of themselves, recognizing their dependence on God and acknowledging their own limitations [6, 8]. This virtue is not merely a passive state but an active disposition that influences one's conduct and theological understanding.
The Bible frequently highlights humility as a core characteristic of believers and a prerequisite for divine favor. For instance, Micah 6:8 indicates that humility is necessary for serving God, while Proverbs 15:33 states that humility precedes honor [3]. The humble are regarded, heard, and delivered by God, and they enjoy His presence [3]. God promises to lift up those who humble themselves, as seen in James 4:10 and Luke 14:11 [3].
Jesus Christ Himself serves as the ultimate example of humility [1, 3]. His humility was evident in His incarnation, taking on human nature (Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:16), His birth in humble circumstances (Luke 2:4-7), and His willingness to become a servant (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:7) [2]. He associated with the despised and refused worldly honors, even washing His disciples' feet as an act of service (John 13:5) [2]. This example underscores that humility is not a sign of weakness but a profound expression of divine love and strength.
In theological growth and revision, humility is crucial because it fosters an openness to correction and new understanding. It involves entertaining and expressing "the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others," and a willingness to receive instruction even from those considered less significant [5]. This disposition helps believers avoid intellectual pride, which can hinder genuine learning and spiritual development [7]. As one commentary notes, humility is fitting when considering one's state before God's kindness and love intervened [4]. It allows individuals to accept God's dealings without disputing and to patiently endure injuries from others, viewing them as permitted by God for chastening and purification [6]. This posture is vital for navigating complex theological discussions and for revising one's understanding in light of deeper scriptural insight or new experiences.
Sources
- 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: 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, ”
- 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).”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not envying the gifts and graces of others, but rejoicing at them, and at every increase of them; in a willingness to receive instruction from the meanest saints; in submission to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence; and in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God: and so to behave, is to walk agreeably to their calling of God; and what the”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:2: lowliness--In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [TRENCH]. meekness--that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (Sa2 16:11; compare Ga”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 1:4: To give subtlety to the simple,.... Men of mean abilities, weak capacities, shallow understandings, incautious, credulous, and easily imposed upon: these, by attending to what is herein contained, may arrive to a serpentine subtlety; though they are simple and harmless as doves, may become as wise as serpents; may attain to an exquisite knowledge of divine things and know even more than the wise and sage philosophers among the Gentiles, or any of the Rabbins and masters of Israel; or any of the princes of this world, whose wisdom comes to nought; and become very caut”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 5:4: And patience experience,.... As tribulations tend to exercise and increase patience, so patience being exercised and increased, enlarges the saints' stock and fund of experience; of the love and grace of God communicated to them at such seasons; of his faithfulness in fulfilling his promises; of his power in supporting them; and of their own frailty and weakness; and so are taught humility, thankfulness, and resignation to the will of God: and experience, hope; hope is a gift of God's grace, and is implanted in regeneration, but abounds, increases, and becomes more s”