Humility on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the challenging command in Luke 17 for believers to view themselves as unprofitable servants who have merely done their duty. The speaker argues that modern Christianity often overemphasizes human worth and self-achievement, whereas Jesus demands a posture of humility and recognition of total dependence on God. By adopting this mindset, believers protect their attitude toward the Savior, preventing bitterness and entitlement, while also fostering grace toward other servants and appreciation for their specific calling. The message serves as a corrective to the cultural tendency to inventory one's good works, urging instead a heart of gratitude and continuous improvement. Ultimately, this self-defacing humility is presented not as abuse, but as the necessary foundation for a faithful and enduring relationship with God.

Preface to Murray's work on Humility, published 1895 by the South African minister.

This sermon examines the second priority in Jesus' training of the twelve apostles: cultivating humble faith and prayerful dependence. The speaker argues that in an era of information overload and self-reliance, the Church must counter-culturally model a life of total dependence on God. Jesus achieved this through four specific methods: setting an example of prayerful submission, instructing disciples on their need for grace, rebuking their pride and self-sufficiency, and placing them in the 'school of providence' to expose their limitations. The central message is that spiritual vitality and effective ministry are impossible apart from vital union with Christ, as He declared, 'Apart from me, you can do nothing.' The tone is instructional and convicting, challenging believers to abandon self-reliance and embrace a posture of desperate need for God's strength in all areas of life.

1. Kingdom of Heaven 2. The Kingdom of Humility 3. The Kingdom of Sacrifice

This sermon examines the final words of Jesus to His disciples in the upper room, focusing on three key themes: the abounding glory of God, the new commandment to love one another, and the danger of misplaced loyalty. The message explains that Jesus' glorification through the cross reveals the Father's holiness, justice, and mercy, establishing a pattern where humility leads to exaltation. It emphasizes that the commandment to love is new in its example, extent, and enablement through the Holy Spirit, serving as the distinguishing mark of true discipleship. Finally, the sermon uses Peter's response as a cautionary example of how pride and self-will can lead to failure, urging believers to surrender their own agendas and faithfully follow God's specific instructions.

This sermon examines the biblical practice of fasting through the lens of Isaiah 58, arguing that God rejects ritualistic self-denial performed with selfish motives or for the purpose of manipulation. The central message emphasizes that true fasting is defined not by the physical act of abstaining, but by the resulting transformation of the heart toward humility, justice, and compassion for the oppressed. By contrasting the disingenuous fasts of the Israelites with the 'fast that God chooses,' the teaching highlights that genuine spiritual discipline produces outward acts of love and service, such as feeding the hungry and freeing the oppressed. The tone is instructional and convicting, urging believers to move beyond mere religious performance to a deeper intimacy with God that renews the mind and aligns daily life with divine will. Ultimately, the sermon presents fasting as a vital tool for breaking self-centeredness and positioning believers to receive God's guidance, healing, and promises of restoration.

Pastor Paul Takach taught from Philippians 2:1–11, the "Christ hymn," showing that Paul's purpose is not merely doctrinal but practical: believers must have the mind of Christ—unity and lowliness of mind, esteeming others above themselves. "Being in the form of God" (morphe) means Christ's very essence: He is fully God who, unlike Adam, did not selfishly grasp at equality with God but willingly surrendered His rightful divine privileges. Christ "emptied Himself" not of deity but by veiling His glory in human flesh, taking the form of a bondservant—two whole, perfect natures in one person (Colossians 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Nicene Creed; 1689 Confession)—because redemption required a sacrifice both human and divine, whose perfect obedience is credited to believers. His humility extended to full obedience, even the shameful death of the cross, the most disgraceful execution in the Roman world. Borrowing Al Martin's pictures of an artist studying a landscape and a seamstress following a pattern, he urged believers to constantly look to Christ and give up their rights and preferences—in the church, in marriage, and in Christian liberty (1 Cor. 8:13; 9:12)—for pride is a "relationship destroyer." Unbelievers need more than a humility lesson—they need Christ Himself, for God-pleasing humility is impossible without faith in Him and the Spirit's power.

This sermon examines the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus as practical examples of a Christ-centered mindset, emphasizing that true devotion to Christ naturally results in genuine concern for others. The speaker highlights the simplicity and scarcity of this attitude, noting that while many claim to be Christ-centered, few exhibit the selfless humility and willingness to risk their lives for the work of the church that characterized these two men. By contrasting their selflessness with the common human tendency to seek personal interests, the message invites believers to evaluate their own hearts and motivations. The central argument is that having the mind of Christ means valuing His interests and the welfare of others above one's own comfort or safety. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to pursue this transformative mindset, recognizing that it is the only way to truly reflect the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

This sermon examines the divine authority, purpose, and humility required of church officers, drawing from Acts 8, 1 Peter 5, and the Belgic Confession. It argues that the offices of minister, elder, and deacon are not man-made social structures but God-ordained roles essential for the preservation of true religion and the propagation of the gospel. The central message emphasizes that these leaders are called to shepherd the flock with humility, avoiding the simony and self-promotion exemplified by Simon Magus. Congregants are urged to submit to this spiritual authority and hold their leaders in high esteem, recognizing that such order reflects God's design for the church's unity and mission.

Main Points 1. God desires and demands truth, righteousness, and mercy from His people. 2. God judges the fruit of wickedness. This sermon examines Hosea 10, highlighting the tension between God's demand for truth, righteousness, and mercy and His judgment on Israel's divided hearts and idolatry. The message explains that Israel's prosperity led to spiritual corruption as they trusted in their own strength and false gods rather than the Lord. Central to the exposition is the invitation in verse 12 to break up fallow ground and seek the Lord, which represents the necessary humility and repentance required to receive God's righteousness. The preacher emphasizes that human effort is insufficient for producing spiritual fruit, pointing instead to the necessity of abiding in Christ as described in John 15. The sermon concludes with a pastoral call for believers to humble themselves and for non-believers to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus.