Tier 1:

The call to humility is repeated throughout Scripture and, unsurprisingly, is intertwined with our capacity to engage with other Spiritual Disciplines authentically. The Pharisees serve as a warning against seeking to live these holy habits from a motive of pride. Humility is a precondition for God’s living with us, and meeting us and changing us through the dynamics of our Rule of Life.

Tier 2:

It is important that we understand what humility is… and what it isn’t. Humility is linked to service of others. This too can be subject to misunderstandings. It is surprising how much of our service is conditional and undermined by our desire for recognition and even reciprocation. Self-righteous service uses people as a means to prove myself; or perhaps even a reputation for humility. It is easy in our culture to think even of service in terms of my own fulfilment, rather than sacrifice.

Tier 3:

Any gift we have been given is for the purpose of serving others as a steward of God’s grace. Our humble service is the expression of God’s grace to others! And at the same time that humble service is what His grace is seeking to achieve in you. There is a difference between choosing to serve (where we stay in control) and choosing to be a servant. It is too easy to decide when it wouldn’t be realistic to be expected to serve; and it takes an uncommon maturity to serve others through our own storms.

Key Bible Passage(s):

John 13:1-17; Phil.2:2-12; Matt. 6:1-18 & 23:8-12

A great book that explores the dynamics of temptation in an accessible and entertaining way is C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. It is a little book full of insight into the dynamics of righteousness and evil, and our relationship to both. It consists of letters from a senior demon to his nephew, offering advice on how to tempt humans and undermine their faith.

The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.

Tim Keller

Discussion Groups:

Read John 13:1-17

What is the connection between what we are told Jesus knew in v.3, and what he does in v.4?  How can similar dynamics in our own faith help us serve others?

Do we need more humility to serve, or to be served?  Why?

How does this passage help us understand Jesus’ ultimate act of service in His death on a cross (Mk.10:45)?

What sort of ‘serving’ do you think Jesus has in mind in vv.14-16? How can we put this into practice?

What does He mean that those who do what He commands will be ‘blessed’?

and later in the session:

Read Phil.2:1-12

Why does Paul start with our experience of God (v.1)?

What does vv.3-4 look like in real terms?  Can you give specific examples of how this could work out?

How do you ensure people don’t take advantage of you?  Why does it matter if they do?

How does Jesus example shape and define our vision for discipleship?

What is the connection between humility and obedience?

How does Jesus embody his own teaching (Lk.14:10-11)?  How would this work out in your own experience?

and if covering Tier 3:

What does it mean to be ‘opposed’ by God (I Pet.5:5)?  What might that look and feel like?

what is to stop us being taken advantage of if we commit to serve others?

when should you say ‘No’ to the demands / requests of others?

What’s the difference between a Church teaching about service, and just trying to fill its rotas!?

Homework:

Over this half-term we will be working to memorise Matthew 5:38-42. You will have to keep refreshing Matt.5:1-37, Matt.6:5-34 and Matt.7:1-28 whilst you do this.

(we’ll memorise the whole of the Sermon on the Mount over the 3 years of DTP)

To Be A Christian Q&A 209-220

Perform a hidden act of service (each day) this week.

Read / listen to C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters