In what ways can we apply Leviticus 5:11's principles of humility today? “If, however, he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he shall bring as his offering for sin one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put oil or incense on it, because it is a sin offering.” The Setting and the Heartbeat • God provided a scaled offering system so no one was shut out of forgiveness. • The poorest Israelite could still come near; lack of means did not disqualify repentance. • Humility, not affluence, was the non-negotiable requirement. Timeless Principle: God Welcomes the Humble • Psalm 51:17—“A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Matthew 5:3—“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord’s consistent message: approach Him lowly, acknowledging need. Ways to Practice Humility Today 1. Honest Confession – Keep short accounts with God. Admit sin quickly, without excuses (1 John 1:9). 2. Modest Giving – Give proportionately, not competitively. The widow’s two coins (Mark 12:41-44) pleased Jesus more than large sums flaunted for show. 3. Simple Worship – Resist the drive for performance. Focus on grateful, obedient hearts over elaborate trappings (John 4:23-24). 4. Quiet Service – Serve where recognition is unlikely (Matthew 6:3-4). Fold bulletins, visit shut-ins, take the lesser seat. 5. Listening First – Value others’ perspectives before asserting your own (Philippians 2:3-4). 6. Dependence in Prayer and Word – Start each day confessing reliance on Christ (John 15:5). 7. Submission to Correction – Welcome godly counsel; don’t bristle when confronted (Proverbs 12:1). 8. Financial Contentment – Live within means, rejecting prideful debt or status chasing (1 Timothy 6:6-8). 9. Public Repentance When Needed – If failure affected others, admit it openly, modeling gospel-shaped humility (Acts 19:18). 10. Celebrating Others’ Success – Rejoice when God advances someone else, even if you remain unseen (Romans 12:15). Scripture Echoes that Reinforce the Lesson • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you… what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • 1 Peter 5:5-6—“Clothe yourselves with humility… that He may exalt you in due time.” • Isaiah 66:2—“This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Living the Principle in Community • Cultivate gatherings where testimonies highlight God’s grace, not personal glory. • Structure ministries so everyone, regardless of resources, can participate meaningfully. • Encourage accountability partners who ask hard questions about pride and self-promotion. Encouragement to Act Leviticus 5:11 assures that God never prices anyone out of repentance. Bring what you have—your confessed sin, your willing heart, your small “ephah of flour.” He receives it with delight, and in that transaction He forms a people marked by genuine humility. |
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