With All Lowliness – Ephesians 4:2

1.   Lowliness: What are we talking about?

      a.   From a Greek compound, the first word meaning lowly or humble, and is translated “of low degree” - Luke 1:52; James 1:9; “of low estate” - Romans 12:16; “cast down” - 2 Corinthians 7:6

      b.   The second half of the word refers to one’s mind / understanding; therefore, one who is not “high minded,” a trait condemned in Romans 11:20; 1 Timothy 6:17; and 2 Timothy 3:4.

      c.   Appears 3 times alongside “meekness” - so related but not equal

      d.   This word also appears in:

             i.    Acts 20:19

             ii.   Colossians 2:18, 23 - refers to a false humility

             iii.  Colossians 3:12 - must be put on, implying such a state of mind does not come naturally or easily

             iv.  Philippians 2:3-8 (which we will examine in conclusion)

2.   Some men who LEARNED lowliness:

      a.   James and John, the sons of Zebedee

             i.    Called the “sons of thunder” – Mark 3:17

             ii.   They lived up (down?) to their nickname – Luke 9:52-56

             iii.  They desired preeminence – Mark 10:35-44

             iv.  They misconstrued Jesus’ intention for them (Mark 5:35-43 – raising of Jairus’ daughter; Matt 17:1-9 – the Transfiguration)

      b.   Saul of Tarsus

             i.    Philippians 3:3-4 – had much of which to boast in the flesh:

                   (1) excelled beyond his peers – Galatians 1:14

                   (2) a Benjaminite – Philippians 3:5 (see Vincent’s)

                   (3) a Hebrew of Hebrews – Philippians 3:5 “born & raised”

                   (4) a Roman citizen by birth – Acts 22:28

                   (5) Educated at the feet of Gamaliel – Acts 22:3

             ii.   Saul was shown how many things he should suffer for the name of Jesus – Acts 9:16

             iii.  Saul’s trials and afflictions – 2 Corinthians 11:23 - 12:10

             iv.  1 Corinthians 9:19-27

             v.   Galatians 6:14

      c.   Peter – Jesus brought him low so that He might exalt him in due time (cf 1 Peter 5:6)

             i.    Peter the braggart:

                   (1) Luke 22:33; John 13:37 – will go to prison and death

                   (2) Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29 – more faithful than the others

             ii.   Peter brought low:

                   (1) Luke 22:54-62

                   (2) John 21:15-22

             iii.  Peter “exalted”

                   (1) first to preach the Gospel to the Jews - Acts 2

                   (2) first to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles - Acts 10; 15:7

             iv.  1 Peter 5:5 “be clothed” compare to “girded” (John 13:4)

"This was the white scarf or apron of slaves, which was fastened to the belt of the vest and distinguished slaves from freemen, hence in 1 Peter 5:5, “gird yourselves with humility as your servile garb” means by putting on humility, show your subjection one to another. Also, this refers to the overalls which slaves wore to keep clean while working, an exceedingly humble garment. (Strong's)

3.   Jesus - a man who LIVED in all lowliness: Philippians 2:3-8

      a.   Jesus taught us how to THINK - v 5

             i.    About sinners – John 8:1-11; Luke 19:10

             ii.   About the poor and downtrodden – Matthew 9:35-38

             iii.  About ourselves – John 5:19, 30

      b.   Jesus taught us how to SERVE - v 7

             i.    Matthew 20:28

             ii.   John 13 (cf 1 Peter 5:5)

             iii.  Mark 1 - His personal time did not interfere with the Father’s work

      c.   Jesus taught us how to OBEY - v 8

             i.    John 6:38; 8:29

             ii.   Hebrews 5:8-9

      d.   Jesus taught us how to DIE - v 8

             i.    Hebrews 12:2

             ii.   1 Peter 2:21-24

             iii.  John 19:30