Humbled by Praise
There are lots of ways a person can be humbled. God drove Nebuchadnezzar insane until he realized the folly of his pride (Daniel 4:1–37), Samson’s enemies sought to humble him with violence (Judges 16:5), and the Lord has sworn to humble those who persist in haughtiness (Isaiah 2:11–17).
Paul teaches a less painful way to humility in Philippians 2:1–11, we would be wise to heed his instruction.
Humility
Twice in this text, Paul speaks of humility, once as the complement to the central command, “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Then later, Paul lists humility as the main action of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming glory of Jesus Christ. “Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason, God has highly exalted him.”
The Apostle tells the Philippians to clothe themselves in humility towards one another because that’s what Jesus did. Simple enough, to be sure, but profound enough to invest a lifetime of reflection.
How?
Of the many things we could say about this magnificent text, there’s a subtle teaching method at work in Paul’s letter that bears drawing out. Notice how Paul seeks to foster humility in the Philippian church. He doesn’t call them dummies. He doesn’t point out to them their sinfulness. Paul doesn’t berate them for their selfish attitudes (though he will name some names later by chapter 4). Right here, in this central moment of the whole letter, in one of Paul’s most evocative passages, he leads worship to foster humility.
“Look to Jesus! He’s the greatest!” Paul exclaims, “He did the unimaginable! He was obedient even to the point of death, and now Jesus receives the name above EVERY name, and EVERYONE will kneel before Him in the judgment.” (Don’t take my paraphrase as Scripture; read verses 5-11 again!)
How can anyone be boastful when Jesus is in the room? How can any church quarrel amongst themselves over silly things when Jesus is at the Father’s right hand?
To Corinth’s congregation, Paul’s counsel was no different:
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:28–31, ESV)
Boast in the Lord
If, then, you want to be humble and avoid the Lord’s humbling hand of discipline, don’t chase after all manner of false humility in sack cloth and ashes. Don’t go around lamenting how pitiful you are or how high your sins have risen. Just lift your eyes to Calvary and sing a song or two.
I will not boast in anything:"
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.