Humility: The Virtue of Peace
LESSON NINE – HUMILITY: THE VIRTUE OF PEACE
SERIES: HOW FAITH WORKS
Rubel Shelly, teacher
Text for This Study: James 4:11-17
1. Before viewing the video, how would you have defined the word humility? Reflect on Rick Warren’s suggestion that “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.” Define the term in words of your own choice.
2. How is verse 10 the “key” to everything in our text for this study? If one slanders other people or criticizes what James calls “the royal law found in Scripture” (2:8), what does that behavior reveal about the critic?
3. Does James 4:13 indicate it is wrong to plan for the future? Save money for one’s retirement? Be an entrepreneur? Explain your answer.
4. This section of text ends by speaking of “arrogance” – the polar opposite of humility. What is the specific arrogance in view here? How does arrogance destroy peace in a church, family, or friendship?
5. How does this section about humility fit with the true-faith-produces-good-deeds theme of the Epistle of James?
The following quotation is from C.S. Lewis in his beloved and well-known Mere Christianity. Reflect on the insight found in his observation.
Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call “humble” nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.
Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.
If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.