—— Pastor Ken Claytor | "The Humility Movement" | (follow along) | Aug. 11, 2024

• 2 Chronicles 26:1-16
  • ↪ Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his ancestors. Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He then rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful. Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them. He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil. Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army. In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.
• Pride is what killed Uzziah.
• We don't do anything for ourselves. We owe God all of the glory. All good things flow from Him.

HUMILITY MOVEMENT

• What is Humility?
  • The feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others.
• The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self. The Greek word translated "humility" in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means "lowliness of mind", so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance. Jesus said that those who are "poor in spirit" would have the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3). Being 'poor in spirit' means that only those who admit to an absolute bankruptcy of spiritual worth will inherit eternal life. Therefore, humility is a prerequisite for the Christian.
• Humility is lowliness of mind.
• "It's not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." - C.S. Lewis
• As Christians, we are to make sure the good things we received from God, we give back to him in a form of worship.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMBLE PEOPLE:

• 1. They don't have to be right all the time & are secure enough to say that they're sorry, or wrong.
• 2. They don't think they know it all.
• 3. They are a respecter of persons.
• 4. They are slow to cast judgment. (Righteous judgments are different)
• 5. They don't look down on others.
• 6. They aren't "Me First".
• 7. They are always teachable, pliable and coachable.
• 8. They consult with God even on small decisions.
• 9. They are quick to apologize.
• 10. They are amazingly grateful.
• Proverbs 22:4
  • ↪ By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
• When we are humble, we receive honor or 'promotion' from the Lord.
• Proverbs 11:2
  • ↪ When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
• Proverbs 18:12
  • ↪ Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
• Warning comes before destruction (Proverbs 29:1)
• A haughty person is arrogant, conceited, and isn't listening to the voice of God.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • ↪ If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
• James 4:6
  • ↪ And he gives grace generously. As the scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."