Small Group Discussion/Study Guide
Week 2: Becoming Humble
Reflecting on the Sermon
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Key Scriptures: John 13:12-17; Phil. 2:5-8; Matt.
18:1-5; Matt. 11:28-30
Opening Questions:
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What stood out to you from the sermon on
Being Human by Becoming Humble?
What do you see in the example of Jesus
about humility? Did Jesus merely act
humble as a good example to us, even
though he has every right to be proud
since he is God? Or is it truly in his nature
to be humble?
True Greatness
Patrick made the assertion that Christianity is
not opposed to the innate desire we have to
be “great.” However, Christ offers a radically
different pathway to greatness than the world.
The King Who Became an Animal
The Big Idea for this sermon series is
that when we develop our virtues, we
become more and more fully human, but
when we follow our vices we become less
and less human. Jesus is the prototype
for us of humility. In the Old Testament,
Nebuchadnezzar is a powerful example of the
opposite. In his case, pride literally turned him
into something less than human.
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READ DANIEL 4:28-37. How did
Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts reveal the
depths of his pride? How was God’s
judgment on him appropriate and fitting?
That is, how does pride make us act like
a brute animal? In what way was God’s
discipline actually a form of mercy and
compassion toward Nebuchadnezzar?
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READ PROVERBS 16:18. Because
Nebuchadnezzar was a “king of kings” with
no human authority over him, God had to
intervene directly to discipline him. What
are some other ways God might bring
discipline for pride into our lives?
Discussion Questions:
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Do you have a desire for greatness? Or
perhaps, did you have a desire to do or
become something great when you were
younger, even if the world has trampled
down your hopes and dreams as you got
older? Are you embarrassed by this desire
as a Christian, or do you wonder if it is
sinful? How could it change your viewpoint
if God truly does desire for you to achieve
greatness?
Humility is not the same thing as poor selfesteem, self-criticism, or shame. Discuss
your response to this quote from Rick
Warren: Humility is not thinking less of
yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.