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The Doctrine of Humility in Christian Theology Explained

Humility, a prominent Christian grace, is a state of mind that is pleasing to God and essential for spiritual tranquility and patience in trials [1]. It is characterized by a lowliness of mind, where individuals hold modest thoughts of themselves and high regard for others [12]. This virtue is frequently exhorted in Scripture, with numerous passages highlighting its importance and the blessings associated with it [1, 3].

The New Testament consistently presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of humility [1, 3, 5]. His humility was evident throughout his earthly life, beginning with his incarnation, where he took on human nature [2, 4]. This included his birth in humble circumstances (Luke 2:4-7), his subjection to his parents (Luke 2:51), and his choice of a modest station in life (Matthew 13:55) [2]. Christ's poverty (Luke 9:58; 2 Corinthians 8:9), his willingness to partake in human infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), and his submission to religious ordinances like baptism (Matthew 3:13-15) further demonstrate his humble spirit [2]. He became a servant (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:7), associated with those often despised (Matthew 9:10-11), and refused worldly honors (John 5:41; 6:15) [2]. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5, 7) and his act of washing his disciples' feet (John 13:5) are also cited as powerful examples of his humility [2]. The "humiliation of Christ" encompasses his birth, his circumstances, his reputation, his suffering, his death, and his burial, all of which were necessary to fulfill God's purpose and satisfy the law [4].

Humility is considered necessary for the service of God (Micah 6:8) and is a characteristic of saints (Psalm 34:2) [3]. Those who exhibit humility are regarded by God (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2), their prayers are heard (Psalm 9:12), and they enjoy God's presence (Isaiah 57:15) [3]. God delivers the humble (Job 22:29) and exalts them (James 4:10; Luke 14:11; 18:14) [3]. In Christ's kingdom, the humble are considered the greatest (Matthew 18:4; 20:26-28) and receive more grace (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) [3]. Proverbs 29:23 states that "The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour" [6]. Another proverb notes that "Before honor is humility" (Proverbs 15:33) [7].

Christian theology emphasizes that humility is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which manifests in a regenerate person's heart [11]. It involves having mean thoughts of oneself and positive thoughts of others, avoiding envy, and being willing to receive instruction from even the humblest saints [12]. Humility also includes submission to God's will in adverse circumstances and attributing all one's blessings and achievements to God's grace [12]. Matthew Henry, in his commentary on Proverbs 22:4, connects humility with the fear of the Lord, stating that true religion involves "walking humbly with God" by reverencing God's majesty and submitting to His commands and providence [13]. This also entails having low thoughts of oneself and behaving humbly towards both God and humanity [13].

The apostle Paul exhorts believers to walk "with all lowliness and meekness" (Ephesians 4:2), emphasizing that this behavior is consistent with their calling from God [8, 12]. This humility is fitting when considering humanity's state before God's kindness and love intervened (Titus 3:3-4) [10]. The exhortation to humility is often paired with calls for unity and love among Christians [8]. In 1 Peter 5:5, younger members of the church are exhorted to submit to their elders, showing respect and yielding to their admonitions, which is another aspect of humility [9]. The Christian life is described as a journey, a race, and a warfare, requiring sobriety and holiness, which are intertwined with humility [14].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humiliation of Christ — (Phil. 2:8), seen in (1) his birth (Gal. 4:4; Luke 2:7; John 1:46; Heb. 2:9), (2) his circumstances, (3) his reputation (Isa. 53; Matt. 26:59, 67; Ps. 22:6; Matt. 26:68), (4) his soul (Ps. 22:1; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 22:44; Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15), (5) his death (Luke 23; John 19; Mark 15:24, 25), (6) and his burial (Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57, 58, 60). His humiliation was necessary (1) to execute the purpose of God (Acts 2:23, 24; Ps. 40:6-8), (2) fulfil the Old Testament types and prophecies, (3) satisfy the law in the room of the guilty (Isa. 53; Heb”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
  6. Proverbs “Proverbs 29:23 (YLT) — The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.”
  7. Proverbs “The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. -- Proverbs 15:33”
  8. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 4:2: Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: - To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of h”
  9. 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 5:5: Having settled and explained the duty of the pastors or spiritual guides of the church, the apostle comes now to instruct the flock, I. How to behave themselves to their ministers and to one another. He calls them the younger, as being generally younger than their grave pastors, and to put them in mind of their inferiority, the term younger being used by our Saviour to signify an inferior, Luk 22:26. He exhorts those that are younger and inferior to submit themselves to the elder, to give due respect and reverence to their persons, and to yield to their admonition”
  10. Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
  11. Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”
  12. Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not envying the gifts and graces of others, but rejoicing at them, and at every increase of them; in a willingness to receive instruction from the meanest saints; in submission to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence; and in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God: and so to behave, is to walk agreeably to their calling of God; and what the”
  13. Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:4: See here, 1. Wherein religion does very much consist - in humility and the fear of the Lord; that is, walking humbly with God. We must so reverence God's majesty and authority as to submit with all humility to the commands of his word and the disposals of his providence. We must have such low thoughts of ourselves as to behave humbly towards God and man. Where the fear of God is there will be humility. 2. What is to be gotten by it - riches, and honour, and comfort, and long life, in this world, as far as God sees good, at least spiritual riches and honour in th”
  14. 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 1:13: Here the apostle begins his exhortations to those whose glorious state he had before described, thereby instructing us that Christianity is a doctrine according to godliness, designed to make us not only wiser, but better. I. He exhorts them to sobriety and holiness. 1. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, etc., Pe1 1:13. As if he had said, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the”
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