Dr. Dan Brown challenges students to "go lower," explaining that humility is a difficult virtue and that educational institutions like colleges and seminaries are perfect greenhouses where pride likes to thrive.
Scripture Text
1 Peter 5:1-6
Main Points or Ideas
The Principle of Humility (verses 1-6)
- Context shows elders/pastors must minister in humility, serving as examples rather than lords
- Verse 6 contains the command: "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God"
- This is both an attitude and an action that addresses our will - something we can actively pursue
The Relationship Between Humility and Exaltation
- God's pattern throughout Scripture: humiliation followed by exaltation
- Examples include Peter (denial followed by Pentecost preaching), Moses (40 years in desert followed by leadership), and Christ (cross followed by exaltation)
- "How low can you go?" - opposite of the world's approach to advancement
The Process of Humility (practical steps)
- Submit to God's authority and challenge all your assumptions
- Be satisfied with what God is doing in your life
- Be thankful in everything, even difficulties
- Trust in God's plan and timing for exaltation
- Be a servant, especially when returning home to your church
Conclusion
The challenge is to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, trusting that He will exalt us in due time, recognizing that pride is part of our sin nature that we must constantly fight against.
