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How Christians Grow in Humility: A Biblical Path to a Gospel-Shaped Life
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A
Host: Dave Jenkins
Show Summary
Humility is central to the Christian life, but it is often misunderstood. Some mistake humility for weakness or low self-esteem, while others praise it without knowing how it actually grows. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians grow in humility by seeing God clearly, remembering grace deeply, serving others intentionally, and depending on the Lord daily.
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Key Scriptures
- Philippians 2:3–5
- James 4:6–10
- 1 Peter 5:6–7
Episode Highlights
- Humility begins with seeing God’s greatness
- The gospel of grace produces true humility
- Serving others helps cultivate humility in daily life
- Dependence on God deepens humility
Full Article
Humility is praised in the Word of God, commanded by God, and modeled perfectly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet many Christians struggle to define humility clearly, much less pursue it faithfully in daily life. Some confuse humility with weakness. Others think it means denying their worth. But Scripture presents humility not as self-hatred or passivity, but as a grace-formed posture that flows from seeing God rightly and walking in light of the gospel.
Philippians 2:3–5 commands believers to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others more significant than themselves. James 4:6–10 reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. First Peter 5:6–7 connects humility with casting our anxieties on the Lord because He cares for us. Together, these passages show that humility is both commanded and cultivated by the grace of God.
Humility begins with seeing God’s greatness. When Scripture reveals the holiness, sovereignty, and authority of God, our pride is exposed for what it is. A small view of God produces large pride, but a great view of God produces humble hearts. Humility is not thinking poorly of yourself. It is thinking accurately about God and about yourself in relation to Him.
Humility is also rooted in the gospel of grace. Nothing humbles us like grace rightly understood. The gospel reminds us that we are not saved by our merit, intelligence, discipline, or effort. We are saved by the mercy of God in Christ. We brought our sin, and Christ provided salvation. Remembering this guards us from comparison, self-righteousness, and spiritual pride. Grace levels the ground at the foot of the cross.
Humility also grows through serving others. Philippians 2 ties humility directly to how believers treat one another. Counting others more significant than ourselves does not mean pretending they matter and we do not. It means actively seeking their good ahead of self-exaltation. Listening well, serving quietly, yielding gladly, and forgiving quickly are all practical pathways where humility becomes visible in relationships.
Finally, humility deepens through dependence on God. Pride clings to self-sufficiency. Humility admits need. That is why Peter connects humility with casting our anxieties on the Lord. Prayer, confession, and honest dependence on God are not signs of weakness. They are marks of spiritual maturity. The more we depend on God, the more humility takes root in our lives.
So how do Christians grow in humility? Look often at God’s greatness. Remember daily the grace you have received. Serve others intentionally. Depend on God honestly. Ask the Lord to expose pride gently and to grow humility steadily. Humility is not produced by trying to appear small. It is produced by seeing Christ as great and by walking in the grace He gives to His people.
Takeaways / Reflection Questions
- How does a greater view of God expose pride in your life?
- How does remembering grace help cultivate humility?
- What opportunities has God given you to serve others more intentionally?
- In what areas do you need to depend on God more honestly?
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
