I Choose Humility
Week 1
Mark Spurlock
Part of Choose a Great Year
January 2, 2022

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“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6a, 1 Peter 5:5a

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ Luke 18:9-12

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14

Three Prayers of the Humble

  1. Reveal Answer
    God Have Mercy
    Reveal Answer

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

  2. Reveal Answer
    Fix My Focus
    Reveal Answer

    Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:2a
    So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 2 Corinthians 5:16a


    3.
    Reveal Answer
    Change My Heart
    Reveal Answer

    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart… Matthew 11:29a

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Connection Question: Who is the most humble person you know? What makes them that way?

  1. Read Matthew 11:28-30. The series title is “Choosing a Good Year”, what principles from this verse could help you do that? What action could you start in 2022 that would help you be more “gentle and humble in heart”?
  2. Read Luke 18:9-14. How do you generally view others: with compassion or contempt? Who do you most identify with in this parable? What stood out to you in each prayer? Verse 14 says “for those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted”, what does that mean to you?
  3. Read 1 John 1:8-9. How is admitting sin a necessary first step in relying on God? When was the last time you admitted being wrong?
  4. Read Hebrews 12:2. Honestly, what is the source of your confidence? What does it mean to “fix your eyes on Jesus”? How would focusing on Jesus help you choose humility?

STAY CONNECTED