Wisdom Study #5
The Wisdom of Humility
During these challenging days – navigating between the invitation of Spring to life and the restrictions of a pandemic – we have nonetheless been mining for the treasures of wisdom in Proverbs 3. So far, these gems:
3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments for length of days and years of life, and peace, they will add to you.
TEACHING TRUTH: Because the stakes are high, let both parents and sons/daughters fully appreciate the value of handing off and accepting wisdom.
3:3-4 Do not let steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So then you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and of men.
Nothing can reward your life as a from-the-core expressing of God’s love and reliability.
3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
The greater my active dependence on the Lord, the clearer my path to the best.
3:7-8 Be not wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord. Turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh, and refreshment to your bones.
Humility is my healthiest choice.
OVERVIEW – what’s your key take away from this week’s teaching?
Let’s get STARTED – Talk in your group about PRIDE. Describe it. Illustrate it. Where do you see it? Is there anything good about it? Is it sinful? Always? What other things usually are displayed by someone with a pride problem?
Summing – have each finish this sentence.The problem with pride is…
Let’s Explore in the WORD – What are the contrasts the Spirit provides about PRIDE vs. HUMILITY Read each passage (and if helpful, the context too!) and then describe in ONE WORD…
The problems that accompany PRIDE | The advantages HUMILITY offers
- Psalm 10:4
- 2 Samuel 22:27-29
- Psalm 59:12
- Psalm 25:9
- Proverbs 16:18
- Psalm 149:4
- Isaiah 2:11,17
- Isaiah 66:2
- Obadiah 1:3
- Zephaniah 2:3
- Mark 7:21-23
- Matthew 18:3-5
- 1 John 2:16
- 1 Peter 3:8
DISCUSS: Having surveyed these Scriptures, which passage landed in your heart with a bit more weight than the others? Explain why.
Let’s Prioritize APPLICATION – Some personal inventory. HUMILITY (we have said) is my healthiest choice. Is there anything in your life that needs a pride-assessment, and a corresponding humility-correction? Take moments to think this through quietly, then share with this group what the Spirit is saying to you?
Do you sense this is a becoming like Jesus step? What Holy Spirit help do you need here?
The BEYOND THE SERMON Video Podcast is available each week on the CCC Facebook page or on the CCC App. It posts on Monday evening, 8:00 PM. Check it out!
