Humility 101 | Resources
Devotional:
You may have heard the phrase “never read just a verse.”
Translation: context is key. As Peter starts chapter 5, he addresses the elders of the church. In verse 5, he turns his attention to “you who are younger.” In the following sentence, Peter addresses “all of you.” Why is this important? Because it informs what we read in verses 6–7. Paul is challenging all the believers in the churches in Asia Minor to a simple but daunting task: being humble.
You may read these verses and ask the same question I did: where is the connection between humility and casting our cares on God? Verses 6 and 7 form a single sentence, and seemingly attempt to convey two different ideas. But is that actually the case? Perhaps not.
The opposite of humility, as you know, is pride. The prideful person says, “I got this, God. I’m good.” The prideful person holds on to their cares, takes the stress, doesn’t pray, doesn’t seek God. The humble person, on the other hand, as Peter encourages in verse 7, casts all their cares on God, placing themselves “under the mighty hand of God.”
But therein lies the problem. We’re not wired for humility. We’re wired for pride and rebellion. Our first inclination is not to run to God, but from Him. So where do we find the strength to do this impossible task?
The last phrase of verse 7 holds the key: “because he cares for you.” God’s care for us is seen most clearly in one place: the cross. At the cross, Jesus, who perfectly humbled Himself under His Father’s mighty hand on our behalf, showed the ultimate care and love for us by dying for us. It is only through looking to our humble and caring Savior that we have any hope to be humble enough to cast our cares on Him. The gospel both humbles us, as it was our sin that put Christ on that cross, and shows us Christ’s deep care for us.
Church, let’s all look to Jesus, our humble and caring Savior, for the strength to be humble by casting all our cares on Him, because He cares for us.
by Tanner Battles
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Tim. 2; Hos. 3-4; Ps. 119:121-144
Monday: 2 Kings 13; 2 Tim. 3; Hos. 5-6; Ps. 119:145-176
Tuesday: 2 Kings 14; 2 Tim. 4; Hos. 7; Ps. 120-122
Wednesday: 2 Kings 15; Titus 1; Hos. 8; Ps. 123-125
Thursday: 2 Kings 16; Titus 2; Hos. 9; Ps. 126-128
Friday: 2 Kings 17; Titus 3; Hos. 10; Ps. 129-131
Saturday: 2 Kings 18; Philem. 1; Hos. 11; Ps. 132-134
Memory Verse:
“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What does it look like to humble yourself?
Are there areas of your life that you are in charge of and not God? In what areas of your life do you struggle to humble yourself before God? (My future, kids, finances, health, etc.)
What anxieties are you currently facing? Have you given these to your heavenly father, knowing that He cares for you?
Do you fully believe and comprehend that God cares for you? Why is this hard to believe sometimes?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?