Thoughts from Week 1- Mercy & Humility

(You can find notes from this morning on the Side Page titled Week 1 and more notes on Marks post below)

Today one of the things we talked about at length was “mercy” and the Hebrew word Checed 2617 (see “What God desires for me”). It was mentioned that it implies you helping another person keep covenant. That prompted my attention (thanks Paul) as it showed my role in helping others. Using a Strong’s Concordance it reads:

3a But checed is not only a matter of obligation

3b It is also of generosity

3c It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy.

3d The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it

3e The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises

4 Checed implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law

The topic of humility came up.
Notes on Humility:

Humility – the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.

1. Humble Leaders Alone Receive God’s Grace (Deuteronomy 8:1-20)

A. God commands His people to remember His blessings in both bad times (Deut. 8:1-10) and good

times (Deut. 8:11-20).

B. Because that’s true, humility is the only appropriate posture—for leaders as well as followers.

1. The privilege of being a chosen people – God will lead and provide for us.

2. The price of being a chosen people – we must rely on His provision, not our own.

C. It’s easy for leaders to succumb to the conceit that they pulled off some victory or objective. Instead they should acknowledge that the success came to them as an under shepherd from the Master Shepherd.

D. “….God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

2. Humility: The Mark of a Leader Who Finishes Well (1 Chronicles 17:1-27)

A. Both Nathan and David showed genuine humility. Nathan had to modify his instructions to

David after he too quickly spoke for God, and David responded with grace when he learned he

would not build the temple. Humility keeps leaders on track and enables them to see beyond

themselves.

3. The Benefits of Humility, the Liabilities of Pride (Isaiah 10:1-6)

A. Beware of treating followers unjustly! God reserves a stern condemnation for oppressive

leaders.

B. In Isaiah 10, God speaks to both Assyria and Israel to declare the benefits of humility and the liabilities of pride. Later, God even models the leadership style He wants every leader to embrace by sending the Suffering Servant.

C. The Messiah, will come to serve, not to be served (Is. 52; 53; Mark 10:45). God perfectly illustrates servant leadership. Followers come when leaders serve. Look how often God calls His leaders “servants”:

1. Abraham:called God’s servant (Genesis 26:24)

2. Moses: called God’s servant (Exodus 14:31)

3. Joshua: called Moses’ servant (Exodus 33:11)

4. Caleb: called God’s servant (Numbers 14:24)

5. Samuel: called God’s servant (1 Samuel 3:9)

6. David: called Saul’s servant (1 Samuel 29:3)

7. Elijah: called God’s servant (2 Kings 9:36)

8. Isaiah: called God’s servant (Isaiah 20:3)

4. Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel: A Contrast in Pride and Humility (Daniel 2:1-28)

A. When the magicians of Babylon fail to interpret a troubling dream, Nebuchadnezzar threatens to

kill them all. He embodies pride and arrogance. Contrast him with Daniel, who steps forward to

interpret the dream, yet refuses to accept personal glory. Instead, he honors the God of heaven.

5. Humility: It Is Easier to Follow a Leader Who Follows God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

A. Paul could have taken great pride in his accomplishments, but instead threw away his trophies

(Philippians 3:4-7). He explained that his competency came from God, not himself. Let your

people notice your achievements of their own. They will follow a leader more easily who

humbly follows God.

6. Humility: Paul Never Forgot Where He Came From (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

A. While we know Paul as the greatest evangelist in history, he knew that, left to himself, he was the

worst sinner (1 Timothy 1:15). God chose him because of his weakness, so that the Lord could

display His great patience and grace in him. The more leaders mature, the more humble they

become.

Prayer Requests

1. Chisanga – prayer for family and how he can pour into his wife and children.

For next week:

1. Complete lesson 2 in Blueprint for Life
   1. If you have more that God has shown you on “His will” please bring that with you or send it out to us
2. Read John 15
   1. What is pruning?
   2. How is God pruning you or is He?

Matt Prielipp will be leading us next week. Please encourage one another as you go about your week in words and prayer. And with a little guidance from Curtis – be intentional about speaking words of affirmation and modeling Christ-like behavior for those closest to you (wife and kids). For me it would be (wife and dog). Does the dog count? Just curious. J

I encourage you to connect with another member of our group and go in-depth with our studies and share what God is teaching you.

Have a GREAT week. J

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Dennis Johnston