Those Who Humble Themselves Before God
In these last days, people can easily mistake outward gentleness, modesty, and courtesy for true humility. Some may even appear humble before others while inwardly continuing to insist on their own will. Yet God does not look merely at outward appearances; He looks at the heart.
True humility means humbling ourselves before God: fearing Him, submitting to Him, being contrite in spirit and trembling at His Word, obeying His Word, laying aside our own will, and seeking to do His will. The Lord Jesus is our perfect example. He humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death. Therefore, through the Word of God, we should seek to understand: What is true humility in the sight of God?
In these last days, what is the difference between those who merely display humility before people and those who are truly humble in the sight of God? What are the characteristics of those whom God regards as humble?
1. The Humility of Jesus
Philippians 2:6–8
Though He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and being made in human likeness. He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even death on a cross.
Matthew 11:29
Jesus said, “I am gentle and humble in heart. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”
From these Scriptures, we see that Jesus, who is divine, took the form of a servant. The humility of Jesus is beyond comparison with human humility, as heaven is above the earth. How, then, can human beings learn to walk in the humility of Jesus? We must look to His example and learn to humble ourselves before God in obedience and submission.
2. Those Who Are Humble Before God Submit to God
James 4:6
But He gives greater grace. Therefore Scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:7
Therefore, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
These verses tell us that God gives grace to the humble and then calls us to submit ourselves to Him. Therefore, those who are truly humble before God are those who submit to God and obey His Word.
3. Those Who Are Humble Before God Humble Themselves Under His Mighty Hand
1 Peter 5:5–6
Likewise, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time.
From this passage, we see that those who are humble before God willingly humble themselves under His mighty hand. Such humility is demonstrated through submission to God and obedience to His commands.
4. Those Who Are Humble Before God Seek to Do His Will
Matthew 26:39
The Lord Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
From this Scripture, we see one of the clearest expressions of humility before God: not insisting on our own will, but surrendering ourselves to the will of God.
5. Those Who Fear God Are Humble Before Him
Proverbs 22:4
“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches, honor, and life.”
Proverbs 15:33
“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
These Scriptures show the close relationship between fearing God and humility. Those who truly fear God recognize His authority, honor His Word, and humble themselves before Him.
6. Those Who Humble Themselves Before God Receive His Saving Grace
John 14:23
Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.”
Ephesians 2:7
So that in the coming ages He might demonstrate the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8–9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. This is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in.
These Scriptures teach us that salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith and is not something in which anyone can boast. Those who love Jesus keep His Word, and Christ makes His dwelling with them. The humble therefore do not trust in their own works or boast in themselves; they depend upon God’s grace, remain in Christ, and walk in the good works God has prepared for them.
God gives grace to the humble. Those who truly humble themselves before Him will fear God, love Jesus, submit to His Word, and live by faith in His saving grace.
7. God Exalts Those Who Humble Themselves Before Him
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
Proverbs 15:33
“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
Proverbs 29:23
“A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who is humble in spirit will obtain honor.”
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
These Scriptures reveal a consistent spiritual principle: we should not seek to exalt ourselves. Rather, we are called to humble ourselves before God and leave honor and exaltation in His hands.
8. God Dwells with Those Who Are Contrite and Humble in Spirit
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and exalted, who inhabits eternity and whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with the one who is contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
The Most High and Holy God looks upon those who are contrite and humble in spirit. He dwells with them and revives their hearts and spirits.
9. The Humble Will Inherit the Land
Psalm 37:11
“But the humble will inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”
God promises that the humble will inherit the land and delight themselves in the abundance of His peace.
10. Those Who Are Humble Before God Have Wisdom
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Pride causes people to trust in themselves, but humility enables them to recognize their need for God. True wisdom therefore begins with a heart that is willing to humble itself before Him.
Conclusion
In these last days, we must understand the true meaning of humility. True humility is not deliberately lowering ourselves before people, nor is it an outward performance of gentleness or modesty. Rather, it is the complete surrender of ourselves before God.
The Lord Jesus gave us the perfect example when He said, “Not as I will, but as You will.” Therefore, a truly humble person fears God, submits to Him, obeys His Word, and willingly lays aside his own will in order to do the will of God.
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. He dwells with those who are contrite and humble in spirit and revives their hearts. If someone merely appears humble before others but refuses to submit to God or obey His Word, such outward humility is not the humility that God desires.
May we all follow the example of Christ, humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God. May we neither exalt ourselves nor depend upon our own understanding and desires, but fear God, love Him, obey His Word, and walk according to His will throughout our lives. May we become people who are truly humble before God and faithfully walk in His presence. Amen!