Humility – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Humility is the state of being humble, meek, lowly and modest in everything one does, and being unassuming. It is one of the greatest attributes of a good Christian. Without humility, one’s claim to be a Christian is not genuine.

Humility must be spontaneous and genuine, not sheer hypocrisy, as Paul and Peter taught.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define humility;
• explain how Paul used the example of Jesus Christ to teach humility (Phil 2:1-11);
• list ways of demonstrating humility;
• state the benefits of humility;
• state the consequences of pride (James 4:6-7).

What did Paul teach about humility? (Phil 2:1-11)

Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, stressed the need for humility among church members. When he wrote the message, there was disharmony among members of the church because of pride.

He reminded them that if their claim to be united with Christ was genuine, they should purge themselves of selfishness and conceit and embrace humility. They should not be self-centred. Instead, they should consider the interests of others above their own.

According to Paul, humility breeds love, as shown by Jesus Christ, whose life was free from selfishness, personal ambition and prestige-seeking. Christians should emulate these virtues. Paul used Jesus Christ as his example.

How did Jesus show humility?

• He was in the form of God but did not count himself equal to God the Father.
• He took the form of an ordinary servant and was born in the likeness of man.
• He humbled himself to the point of death, even death on the cross, which was considered one of the two worst forms of death.
• God rewarded him by exalting him and giving him the name above all names.

What are the ways of demonstrating humility?

1. Obedience to supreme authority.
2. Not boasting about one’s talent, but using it for serving God and our fellow men.
3. Feeling concerned about the needs of others.
4. Counting others better than ourselves.
5. Obedience to our parents and elders.
6. Rendering selfless service to the society we belong to.
7. Purging ourselves of selfishness or conceit.
8. Forgiving those who might have offended us.
9. Ensuring peace and harmony in the society in which we belong.
10. Being law-abiding.
11. Showing love to one another.
12. Not being arrogant.

What are the benefits of humility?

1. Humility promotes joyful Christian fellowship (Phil 2:1-2).
2. Humility promises exaltation from God in due time (1 Pet 5:6).
3. The humble enjoy the privilege of God’s grace (1 Pet 5:5).
4. Humility allows us to cast our anxieties on God and receive his refreshing in return (1 Pet 5:7).
5. Humility makes for restoration and refreshing in and by God (1 Pet 5:6-11).
6. Humility keeps a check on our attitude, behaviour and actions as part of the fellowship of God’s children.
7. Humility helps us to appreciate more the worth of other people and constantly reminds us of our need for the love and fellowship of others.
8. Humility sharpens and improves our relationship with other Christians, with Christ and with the Godhead.

What are the consequences of pride? (James 4:6-7)

1. God opposes the proud.
2. Pride leads to death.
3. Pride is followed by scorn and ridicule.
4. It destroys land and people.
5. It leads to lack of breakthroughs.
6. It leads to despair.
7. It leads to isolation and rejection.

Evaluation

1. What is humility?
2. Why did Paul write to the Philippians about humility?
3. How did Jesus Christ show humility, according to Paul?
4. List four ways of demonstrating humility.
5. State four consequences of pride.

Assignment

1. State four benefits of humility, with Bible references.
2. Explain how a Christian student can show humility at home and in school.