Growing In Humility
Zac Poonen teaches that true spiritual growth is measured by increasing humility and gentleness, modeled after Christ's example of self-lowering love.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in humility and gentleness, rather than just acquiring knowledge. It highlights the need to learn from Jesus' humility and to evaluate our growth based on our attitude towards others. The speaker uses examples from Paul's life to illustrate the journey of deepening humility and the significance of recognizing God's presence in our lives.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Evaluate spiritual growth annually beyond knowledge
- Jesus teaches learning gentleness and humility
- Growth measured by Christlike character, not intellect
-
II
- Christ's humility exemplified by incarnation and servanthood
- Paul's progressive humility as a model
- True humility is a deep inner conviction, not artificial
-
III
- Recognizing God's holiness leads to humility
- Importance of conscious worship and awareness of God's presence
- Exhortation to seek humility continually
-
IV
- Humility means esteeming others as more important
- Willingness to serve in lowly tasks without pride
- Humility is a practical attitude in daily relationships
Key Quotes
“The three secrets of the Christian life are humility, humility, humility.” — Zac Poonen
“God's greatest blessings are on the lowest shelf, not on the top shelf.” — Zac Poonen
“Humility is not to look around at the church and say, well, everybody's more spiritual than me. That's an artificial humbug.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Regularly assess your spiritual growth by your humility and gentleness, not just knowledge.
- Cultivate a Christlike attitude by serving others humbly and esteeming them as more important.
- Be conscious of God's presence during worship and daily life to deepen your humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Zac Poonen define spiritual growth?
He defines spiritual growth as increasing in humility and gentleness, following the example of Jesus, rather than just gaining more Bible knowledge.
Why is humility considered the secret of the Christian life?
Because Jesus humbled Himself from God to man, servant, and even to death on the cross, and Christians are called to have the same attitude of self-lowering love.
How did the Apostle Paul demonstrate humility?
Paul progressively saw himself as the least of the apostles, then the least of all believers, and finally the chief of sinners, showing his growing awareness of God's holiness.
What practical advice does the sermon give about humility?
Humility involves regarding others as more important than oneself and being willing to serve others in lowly ways without pride.
How can believers evaluate their own humility?
By examining their gentleness in speech and actions, their behavior in daily life, and their attitude toward difficult people, as well as their desire to grow in humility.