Biblical Humility: A Look at Philippians 2, the Kenosis, and the Mind of Christ

Digging Deeper

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Humility is not just one virtue among many – it is an essential foundation for your relationship with God and others.  Romans 12:3 instructs “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”  Humility requires an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as well as your gifts and limitations.

With true humility you understand and accept your true position as a created one before the Creator.  You recognize you are a recipient of grace and that any proud self-assertions are meaningless and absurd.  Acknowledging that everything you are and everything you have comes from God is the first step to true humility.  1 Corinthians 4:7 puts an exclamation point on this truth: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

Scripture clearly portrays God as opposing the proud but favoring the humble.  Proverbs 16:5 warns: “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”  The term “abomination” tells you pride is highly offensive to His very nature.  James 4:6 issues one of the most sobering statements in Scripture: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” God sets himself against the proud. Yet Isaiah 66:2 reveals His favor to the humble: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

God not only exalts the humble but declares it is necessary to receive the Word and grow spiritually.  James 1:21 commands: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”   Matthew 18:3-4 records Jesus teaching: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”   Proverbs 11:2 notes:” When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”   Wisdom and humility are linked just as are pride and disgrace.  Genuine wisdom can come only through humility.

Humility also is essential for an effective prayer life, which defines the intimacy of your relationship with God.  2 Chronicles 7:14 proclaims a famous promise of God: “'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 

You are called to demonstrate this same humility in your relationships with others.  Philippians 2:3-4 commands: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

The humility Christ displayed is presented in verses 5-11, continuing the above Philippians passage: “… have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!”  Jesus did not just teach humility, but he embodied it completely.  

He also explicitly called His followers to imitate His example.  Your posture of humble service and meekness of being is essential to Christian character.  Romans 12:16 instructs: “Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.”   Humility also produces the patience you are called to have with others.  “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. “  This unity through humility is testimony to a healthy Christian life and community.  Within the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5), we are told: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”   

While humility is ultimately a gift of grace, Scripture does provide practical instruction on cultivating it.  Proverbs 15:31-33 teaches: “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise … The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”  Be attentive to correction spoken in love.  Honestly acknowledge any sin in your life, repenting in humility.  Consciously recognize that every breath, opportunity and blessing comes from God.  Reflect daily on Christ’s example – be broken bread and poured out wine for others.

Do not despise trouble.  God often uses suffering as a tool to produce humility and remind you of your dependence on God.  Paul records in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 that his “thorn in the flesh” God allowed “to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations.”  After Paul prayed for its removal, God responded, “ ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. “  Humility, even in the midst of suffering, actually can empower you as the power of Christ goes with you.

Humility is a settled posture of your heart that sees God as supreme, self as dependent, truth as authoritative, grace as essential and Christ Jesus as the example and Master.  Humility prepares you for true greatness in God’s kingdom.  “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31) for “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)