Small Group Discussion/Study Guide Week 2: Becoming Humble Reflecting on the Sermon • Key Scriptures: John 13:12-17; Phil. 2:5-8; Matt. 18:1-5; Matt. 11:28-30 Opening Questions: • • 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. • 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? • 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: • 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.
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