08-19-2026 | 12NOON Bible Class | Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III

Main message: Christ’s humility — willingly giving up power, becoming a servant, and obeying to the point of death — is the model Christians must follow; true humility is choosing not to use your ability for self-exaltation and is inseparable from obedience to God.

Key points:

• Difference: weakness is inability; humility is choosing not to act though you can.
• Paul’s exhortation (Philippians 2) — be like-minded, value others above yourself, avoid selfish ambition and conceit.
• The humility of Christ: though in the form of God, he took the form of a servant, humbled himself to death on the cross, and was highly exalted by the Father.
• Humility and obedience are linked — to be humble you must often submit and follow leadership/ God's will even when you think you know better.
• Combat vain glory and reliance on people; humble yourself, swallow pride/preferences/reputation, stop complaining, and trust God to lift you rather than self-promotion.
• Practical application: study and imitate Jesus’ mind and attitude, choose meekness over retaliation or boasting, and let God orchestrate your promotion.

Scriptures mentioned: Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 1:21 (implied), Isaiah (Isaiah 6 allusion), Moses/Exodus allusion, John (Gospel, last chapter allusion)