TOPIC:“Wearing the Robe of Humility”
by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap
TEXT:I Peter 5:1-6
“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility;
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Peter 5:5)
Have you ever thought of the value which men have put upon humility? Some go through life with an unhealthy and unholy regard for this grace. They are remembered for their self love and self conceit. But there are yet others who make it the aim of their hearts to manifest a meek and modest spirit.
Of this type there are not very many. John Ruskin, famous British author of past years, eloquently declared: “I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.” Jonathan Edwards, who carried the torch of revival during the early years of our country, proclaimed: “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devils reach as humility.” Augustine, the early church father, remarked: “Should you ask me, “What is the first thing in religion?” I should reply: The first, second, and third thing is humility.”
But in addition to these there is yet another who not only preached about humility, but practiced it as well. This is made clear from the words of Christ when He said: “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Again we read these words of Christ: “He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciple's feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded” (John 13:5).
Let me go further. If humility is a virtue to follow, then pride is a vice to flee. For whenever Jesus recognized the slightest pride in a person, He always spoke out arrogantly against it. He set Himself in battle against it. Surely He left no doubt in Peter's mind as to His feelings about pride. Peter declares in his Epistle: “God resisteth the proud” (I Peter 5:5). Assuredly, no class of men were more indignantly condemned by God than those who were proud.
Say what we will, living under the reign and rule of Christian humility makes life healthy and charming. And though it is not the easiest way to live, it will be rewarded. Give ear to the words of Christ: “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, 27).
I.
Consider, to begin with, how we are all encouraged to WEAR the ROBE of humility. This is made plain by the words of Peter: “be . . .