Humility Lessons
What is humility?
1. Pass out humility questionnaire for students to fill out.
2. Discuss definition of humility.
An accurate understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses
Not thinking ourselves more highly or more lowly than is appropriate (Romans 12:3,
TPATG)
Giving God the Glory (Example: Sydney McLaughlin)
The virtue that begets all other virtues
What is a virtue?
Why would humility be considered the virtue that begets all other virtues?
1. Faith is belief in the right things (including the virtues!).
2. Hope is taking a positive future view, that good will prevail.
3. Charity is concern for, and active helping of, others.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Fortitude is never giving up.
Justice is being fair and equitable with others.
Prudence is care of and moderation with money.
Temperance is moderation of needed things and abstinence from
things which are not needed.
The ability to acknowledge mistakes and limitations
An appreciation of the value of all things
God’s creation, humanity, the small things, being present (Anne of GG)
Less self-focus and more other-focus (Philippians 2:3-4)
Not beating up on yourself or others/giving guilt and unforgiveness over to God
Growth Mindset
Trusting God’s Promises (Romans 8:28)
Believing what God says about you and other humans over anyone else’s opinion,
including your own
3. What does God say about you?
1. Created in the image of God
2. Christ’s workmanship
3. Children of God
4. The temple of the Holy Spirit
5. A new creation
6. Fearfully and wonderfully made
7. The light of the world
4. Jesus as the ultimate example of humility
John 13:1-17
Philippians 2:3-11
5. Humility is an attitude that comes from the heart. Like any virtue, it can be learned and
practiced.
A servant’s heart – Mark 9:35
Gratitude – 1 Thess 5:18
Submission – James 4:6-7
Imago Dei Vision – Genesis 1:27
Graciousness – Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:13
Repentance and Forgiveness – 2 Peter 3:9, Ephesians 4:32 (Anne of Greene Gables)
6. Fruits of humility
Empathy
Teachability
Modesty
Patience
Ownership of Mistakes, Feelings, Actions
Compassion
Forgiveness
Gratefulness (Very difficult to complain when you are feeling grateful, Pollyanna)
Respect
Contentment
All this equals WISDOM
7. Harvest of not having humility
Unforgiveness
Complaining
Pride
Resentment
Discontentment (Veruca Salt)
Arrogance
Guilt
Impatience
Selfishness
Anger
All this equals FOOLISHNESS
8. Case studies in Humility
9. The Prodigal Son
10. Final thoughts