Shaping Disciples Through Trials Part 3
Sermon Purpose: To call the hearer to conquer trials by rejoicing in their status in life, by rejoicing in the Lord in humility.
Sermon Proposition: There are 3 exhortations for humility based on one’s status in life.
I. The status of the poor requires humility in trials. V.9 (Luke 18:9-14)
A. The behavior of a disciple in lowly status is to rejoice in the Lord.
Kauchaomai – rejoice/boast
“James is speaking of a legitimate form of pride that even the most destitute Christian can have a high position as a child of God in the countless blessings that position brings.” – John MacArthur
B. The behavior of a disciple in lowly status is to rejoice in their exaltation.
1 Corinthians 4:13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
“Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self; it is no humility for a man to think less of himself than he ought.” – C. H. Spurgeon
“The source of humility is the habit of realizing the presence of God.” – William Temple
II. The status of the rich requires humility in trials. V.10
A. The behavior of a disciple in rich status is to rejoice in the Lord. (Matt. 21:28-32)
B. The behavior of a disciple in rich status is to rejoice in their humiliation. (Matt. 19:23-30)
C. The behavior of a disciple in rich status rejoices in his ability to aid the poor. (Matt. 19:16-22)
III. The status of life requires humility in trials. V.11 (Luke 12:13-21; 14:7-14)
“If you plan to build a tall house of virtues, you must first lay deep foundations of humility.” – Augustine of Hippo
“We must view humility as one of the most essential attitudes that characterizes true Christianity.” – Jonathan Edwards