(a) Describe Paul's teaching on humility as contained in his letter to the Philippians. Indicate two ways by which a christian can manifest a life of humili...

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on humility in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 2:1-11)

Paul appealed to the Philippians to be united in love, of one mind and one accord. He urged, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." He then set before them Christ as the supreme example of humility.

Though Christ was in the form of God and equal with God, He did not regard that equality as something to be grasped or held onto. Rather He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Paul thus taught that true greatness comes through humble self-giving and obedience, and that God exalts the humble.

Two ways a Christian can manifest a life of humility

• By considering others as better than oneself and serving them selflessly rather than seeking personal glory.
• By being obedient to God and submitting to His will, even when it involves suffering or self-denial.