Sunday: Who Do You Think You Are?
Read Proverbs 30:1–3, Prov. 30:32-33. Together, what are they saying?
The self-negation seen in these texts is quite a break from the usual self-exaltation of kings in the ancient Near East, who often liked to boast of their wisdom, achievements, and military victories. Solomon himself is recorded as surpassing all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom
(1 Kings 10:23, NKJV; Eccles. 2:9). And then, of course, there’s Nebuchadnezzar, who proclaimed: Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?
(Dan. 4:30, NIV).
Because our author understands his own ignorance, he calls boasting foolish.
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
The Hebrew word for foolish
here is nabal, which is the name of Nabal, whose behavior exemplified foolish pride as well (1 Samuel 25). Such boasting, which implies pride, also carries the potential for humiliation and thus, for anger and strife. The apostle Paul also called some of his church members fools
who considered themselves wise and were, even worse, boasting about it (2 Cor. 11:18-19).
Read Luke 18:9–14. Why might it be easier to be like the Pharisee than one might think? How can we make sure that we don’t fall into this same trap even in the subtlest ways?
You have to feel sorry for people who boast (usually it’s a cover for insecurities anyway); it shows just how self-deceived and ignorant they really are.
(25)
"How can we make sure that we don’t fall into this same trap even in the subtlest ways?" When I think of how Jesus, the rightful ruler of the universe, "although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men," my self-serving pride becomes more obvious. (Philippians 2:6-7) When I think of how Jesus, the source of my life, "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross," so that I could be forgiven and recreated, I see the sinfulness of my pride. (Philippians 2:8). When I think of Him who, day and night, year after year, "always lives to make intercession for" me, my impatience is silenced. (Hebrews 7:25)
Lord, recreate my heart so I can become who you want me to be. I say Amen to the top comments.
The picture here is a picture of a slave being bought with an extreme price. Not silver, not gold, but blood, not just anyone’s blood, but the blood of the sinless Son of God. So that’s where it starts. Am a child of the king bought with a price...
In the introduction to the account of the Flood the Bible mentions giants in the land without much explanation (Genesis 6:4). Apparently something unusual was going on. We know the people then had superior brain capacity and advanced knowledge due to their very long life, multiple generations coexisting and less than two thousand years separated from the vitality of the tree of life.
Taking pride in their intellectual prowess the antediluvians experimented in ways not approved by Heaven. The mighty men were also proud of their size and abilities. They were lifted up in their heart (Ezekiel 28:2; 1 Timothy 3:6). As well in Sodom there was experimentation of devious kinds and great pride attended their strange activities (Ezekiel 16:49). God had to act in decisive ways to end the debauchery.
Looking down to the close of time Jesus observed the same condition among the people (Luke 17:26-30). As scientific knowledge increases and pride of achievement swells there is increased experimentation with physical and social life and championing of alternatives to holy structures instituted by the Creator.
These developments ought not to go unnoticed, but a reminder that the end is near. More than that they should mobilize the remnant to duty and place the faithful on guard concerning the dangers of pride in anything, including that which seems good. A little pride cherished soon grows into an untamed giant, so that God is made to seem small or irrelevant.
Notwithstanding the self-esteem push of modern psychology we do well to preserve a sense of our nothingness (Isaiah 2:22). Those who are proud of ‘stuff’ get their reward here. Those who empty themselves of self get on the ark, out of Sodom, and into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2)
I think what you say is so true. When I see what major corporations are willing to do for money it is heartbreaking. But they aren't the only ones, I think the people of the world are just as involved in the downward spiral as big business. I also think they are far less inclined to consider moral values today than they were in the past.
Slowly but surely we seem to be losing our grip on the value of life and the fact that we are on a much higher plain than animals. There is now a movement to allow assisted suicide and in the courts of the US there is a push to make animals, plants, and even streams to have the same legal rights as humans (think of the implications of that when it comes to food sources and water rights). There is a video and a book out titled, "The War on Humans" and it is shocking what some groups are willing to do just for the sake of planet earth which they seem to worship. Sometimes I wonder if we haven't just gone to the dogs.
Tyler,
To add to what you have observed; recently there was a news report out of the United Kingdom noting that members of parliament were seriously concerned about the production of 'designer babies' as they debated the bill/law to allow three-parent babies. At this rate who knows if we could see giants again?
All these developments are taking place while the church is still trying to work out how to relate to transgender persons.
There is a reference which your last sentence invokes, found in Revelation 22:15.
oh wretched man that iam , who shall deliver me from this body of death , thanks be to Christ , in Him we live and have our being . I cnt even see any good in me bt the excellence of Christ . Thank you Jesus .
The humbleness of a person is a function of a seed of Christ in him/her. Christ denial of self to die for a creature depicts a life worth emulating.
How to be humble? That is a catch 22 question, the more I try to be humble the less I will be humble because I am concentrating on myself.
A humble person is one who has a realistic estimation of her own abilities and an appreciation for the abilities of others.
As a Christian I realize that all that I have and all that I am is a gift from the LORD who is the Supreme Being in the Universe which was created by Him.
I resonate with your definition of a humble person, Shirley.
Perhaps there is another definition for a Christian: A humble person is one who does not compare him/herself with others but always practices the Golden Rule. That would mean that the person who says, "I am nothing" or "I am not very good" or something equivalent is not necessarily humble.
I find this paragraph from Thought from the Mount of Blessings deeply meaningful:
The lack of humility may be seen in how we view the people around us. We would not consider inviting someone to share a crust with us because of how they look, how they speak, if they are wearing a lot of bling, or are heavily tattooed. I have to pray and ask the Lord to cleanse my heart and to be willing to serve that person if the need arose.
The old addage, as I think I become. I do think I am a Christian. By the grace of God daily I become a Christian. The text in Isaiah 26:3 comes to mind: He will keep me in perfect peace, because my mind is stayed on Him, and I trust in Him.
If our lives centres around self it will be hard, difficult and impossible for us to be humble. There must be a transformation from Self to the Saviour. Childlike humbleness is a rare gem of characters, hard to be found, not appreciated in coarse, vile, vindictive and violent society. Yet we are to be translated it is a hurdle that we by the help of God must surmount.
As i read todays lesson i realized that i have been like the Pharisee too many times. Please pray for my ignorance. The more and more i try to be righteous the more unrighteous i feel and become. It is so hard to be a true Christian. I invite everyone to pray for one another. I realize now that i need a true Holly Spirit invasion in my heart and my mind. May God Bless u always!
Am a saint, blessed, appreciated, saved, reconciled, afflicted, heard, gifted, new, forgiven, adopted, loved, rewarded and victorious.victorious. Ephesians,4:17-24...A child of God,made of His image.
Like the Pharisees it's easier to see the faults and short comings of others with our eyes. We must allow God into our hearts and He will point out our faults in love and like the Publican we must recognize we are sinful beings, clothed in filthy rags only saved through the mercy of God. As we focus on our individual relationship with God our eyes will only sees Him and the need to love one other.
A friend of mine was discussing with me the story of the publican and pharisee and asked who I identify with. I said the Publican. "That proves you're actually the pharisee".
The reverse is true.
I find this lesson very interesting as well as the comments made above. I do wonder however whether pointing the finger at big corporations and other members of society is being truly humble. Wouldn't true humility be to point the finger and then realise that there are three fingers pointing back at us? We are all flawed, we are all sinners and we all need the saving grace of Christ.
God put His love in human form,a sinless being,yet we compare ourselves to him,how could we?? we are nothing close to Him..please Lord help my soul to be humble...
joeli, I think that Jesus is the only One to whom we should compare ourselves. When we look at Him, in contrast to ourselves, we will see how little we have to boast of and how much we need Him. I believe the secret of humility is to beconstantly looking to Jesus.
I agree with you Sarah, we must look to Jesus alone. Pointing a finger at others simply means that the person pointing the finger is in need of a Savior. God is not a respecter of persons, we are all the same in His sight (sinners in need of a Savior). As we pray for one another remember that our hands are reaching up to God. Be blessed today.
I think from the title of today's lesson, it can be answered on how u relate to the people u are living with. Many are times that we look at our deeds and feel comforted with that we are able to identify as right in our sight. Its true some people will never see good in others but one of the best way of identifying who we are is by seeing your self using other peoples eyes.