Using Christ's Character and Example to Glorify God Humbly
The Biblical Foundation of Humility and Glorifying God
The concept of using Christ's character and example to glorify God humbly is rooted in biblical teachings. Christ's humility is a prominent theme in the New Testament, where he is described as having taken on human nature and humbled himself to the point of death on the cross (Php 2:7-8) [4]. This act of humility is presented as an example for believers to follow.
The biblical basis for glorifying God is also clear. According to 1 Corinthians 6:20, believers are to glorify God in their bodies [7]. Romans 15:9 quotes Psalm 18:49, stating that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy [6]. The Psalms frequently express the importance of praising and glorifying God for his greatness, holiness, and mercy [5].
Christ's Example of Humility
Christ's humility is a key aspect of his character that believers are called to emulate. He declared himself to be "meek and lowly in heart" (Mt 11:29) [1]. His humility was exhibited in various aspects of his life, including his birth, subjection to his parents, and association with the despised [4]. By following Christ's example, believers can cultivate humility, which is considered a prominent Christian grace (Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 3:5-7) [3].
The Relationship Between Humility and Glorifying God
Humility is closely linked to glorifying God. According to Proverbs 15:33, "humility comes before honor" [1]. The humble are regarded by God, heard by God, and delivered by God (Ps 138:6; Ps 9:12; Job 22:29) [1]. By walking in humility, believers can glorify God, as their actions reflect their reverence for him.
The apostle Paul writes that believers should have the same mind as Christ Jesus, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death (Php 2:5-8). This mindset is essential for glorifying God, as it involves surrendering one's own interests and ambitions for the sake of others and for God's glory.
Glorifying God Through Obedience and Praise
Glorifying God involves both obedience to his commands and praise for his character and works. According to John 17:4, Christ glorified God by completing the work given to him. Believers can glorify God by relying on his promises, praising him, and doing all to his glory (Col 3:17) [2]. The Psalms emphasize the importance of praising God for his holiness, mercy, and faithfulness [5].
Tradition and Interpretation
The importance of humility and glorifying God is a common theme across various Christian traditions. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the need to believe and live to God's glory [9]. Protestant and Reformed traditions also stress the significance of humility and glorifying God, citing biblical passages such as Romans 15:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 [8].
Sources
- 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, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- 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”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Praise — God is worthy of -- 2Sa 22:4. Christ is worthy of -- Re 5:12. God is glorified by -- Ps 22:23; 50:23. Offered to Christ -- Joh 12:13. Acceptable through Christ -- Heb 13:15. Is due to God on account of His majesty. -- Ps 96:1,6; Isa 24:14. His glory. -- Ps 138:5; Eze 3:12. His excellency. -- Ex 15:7; Ps 148:13. His greatness. -- 1Ch 16:25; Ps 145:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11; Isa 6:3. His wisdom. -- Da 2:20; Jude 1:25. His power. -- Ps 21:13. His goodness. -- Ps 107:8; 118:1; 136:1; Jer 33:11. His mercy. -- 2Ch 20:21; Ps 89:1; 118:1-4; 136:1-26. His loving-k”
- Romans “and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore will I give praise to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” -- Romans 15:9”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:23: 3:23 Just as they may now claim everything as their own, so Christ has claimed them for himself (see Rom 14:7-9), and in Christ they are ultimately claimed by God (see 1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:23).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 15:5: That ye may with one mind and one mouth;.... This is the end for which the above request is made, and shows, that a cordial and sincere affection for one another is necessary to the worshipping of God with one consent, to a joining together in acts of religious service, both in praying to God, and in praising of him, which latter seems here chiefly designed; for how should there be an agreement of heart and voice, of mind and mouth, in praising God, unless there is a singleness of heart, and oneness of affection? This is necessary in order to glorify God, even the F”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: I say of the Son, pass on to the Father. Now if this small and light matter (for it is but a light thing to God’s glory that the world should worship Him) is to the glory of God, how much more so are all those other things? Let us then believe to His glory, let us live to His glory, for one is no use without the other; when we glorify Him rightly, but live not rightly, then do we especially insult Him, because we are enrolled under Him as a Master and Teacher, and yet despise Him, and stand in no dread of that fearful judgment se”