Walk Humbly
The saints, servants, and sages of the church are frequently praised for their humility. They delight in simple things, avoid the spotlight, eschew material goods, downplay their accomplishments, and make their lives among the lowly. This focus on being humble as a follower of Jesus is reinforced when Paul tells the church at Philippi: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). The apostle went on connect the attitude of humility with the very mind of Christ. In Philippians 2:8 he says, “Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”
Yet, as will be seen in this practice, humility is hard to grasp. Indeed, the act of grasping at humility—striving for success at humbleness—seems to cause it to slip through our fingers. And perhaps that is the point. Through studying these sessions, participants will learn that humility is found in the knowledge that life is not a prize to be seized, but a gift to be received with gratitude. All our achievements, our powers and possessions, ultimately come from God and return to God—everything is grace. The four dimensions of this practice that are discussed include: remember that you are dust; favor the lowly; avoid judging others; and speak less, listen more.
Adult Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide uses the Adult Reflection Guide to lead a small group study on the practice. This guide contains a summary of the practice and the four (or six) sessions, background information on the Bible study for the session, and any preparation the leader may need to do ahead of the session. There are different options of activities and discussions to choose from throughout the session. Participants are asked to read through the Adult Reflection Guide, if possible, before each session. There are other great resources for adults in the Congregational Guide.
Featured in the Adult Leader’s Guide:
Remember that You Are Dust (Genesis 2:7; 3:19b; Luke 12:16–21)
Favor the Lowly (Luke 1:46–55; 4:17b–19)
Avoid Judging Others (Luke 18:9–14; 1 Corinthians 12:14–26)
Speak Less, Listen More (Ecclesiastes 5:1–3)
Series Description
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living is a twenty-seven-unit curriculum based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.
