Definition:
Abasing refers to the act of lowering in rank, office, prestige, or esteem. In a biblical context, it often pertains to the humbling of oneself or others, either voluntarily or through divine intervention. The concept of abasing is frequently juxtaposed with exalting, highlighting the biblical principle that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 4:12 :
"I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need."
· In this verse, the Apostle Paul speaks of his ability to adapt to various circumstances, including living humbly. The term "live humbly" reflects the concept of abasing oneself in acceptance of one's circumstances.

2. Luke 14:11 :
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
· Jesus teaches the principle of humility, indicating that self-exaltation leads to being abased, while self-abasement leads to exaltation by God.

3. James 4:10 :
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."
· This verse encourages believers to abase themselves before God, promising that such humility will result in divine exaltation.

4. Proverbs 29:23 :
"A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor."
· The proverb contrasts pride, which leads to abasement, with humility, which brings honor, reinforcing the biblical theme of the consequences of pride versus humility.

5. Daniel 4:37 :
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride."
· King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God's power to abase the proud, reflecting on his own experience of being humbled by God.

Theological Significance:

Abasing oneself is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the virtue of humility. It is seen as a necessary posture before God, acknowledging human limitations and dependence on divine grace. The act of abasing oneself is not merely about self-deprecation but is a recognition of God's sovereignty and an alignment with His will. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as opposing the proud and giving grace to the humble, emphasizing that true honor and exaltation come from God alone.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to practice humility in their daily lives, recognizing that self-abasement is a pathway to spiritual growth and divine favor. This involves acknowledging one's weaknesses, seeking God's guidance, and serving others selflessly. The principle of abasing oneself is a call to live in a manner that reflects Christ's humility, trusting that God will lift up those who humble themselves before Him.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Abase.

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
... Nay, I think it possible they may both contribute to both these. Is there
any more abasing and humbling principle than love? How ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i at a public.htm

2 Cor. xi. 1
... with severity,. Ver.7. "Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might
be exalted?". And in explanation of this, he adds,. Ver ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 2 cor xi.htm

The Christ of M. Renan.
... To know, then, whether M. Renan is in danger either of abasing or exalting Jesus
Christ, it is necessary that we should become acquainted with his ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the christ of m renan.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light;
Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

The Next Season
... 1. Get humble and abasing thoughts of yourself. The humble is ever the patient
man. Pride is the source of irregular and sinful passions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/viii the next season.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... exculpate yourself. But, in truth, you are now committing a fresh sin; for
you are abasing God, you are inculpating the Almighty. You ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/two coverings and two consequences.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... exculpate yourself. But in truth you are now committing a fresh sin; for
you are abasing God, you are inculpating the Almighty. You ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two coverings and two consequences.htm

Letters Describing the Experience Preceding Death
... for the morning to have Mass, it being the Day of Mary; and when the hour of Mass
had come, took her place with true self-knowledge, abasing herself before God ...
/.../letters of catherine benincasa/letters describing the experience preceding.htm

Of Knowledge Useful and Useless
... The man who would know much, must labour much and humble himself much, abasing himself
and bowing his head until his mouth be in the dust; and then will the ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xiii of knowledge useful.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal
soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm

Abasing (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Abase. Multi-Version
Concordance Abasing (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I ...
/a/abasing.htm - 6k

Abashed (7 Occurrences)

/a/abashed.htm - 8k

Abate (2 Occurrences)

/a/abate.htm - 8k

Offense (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that ye might be
exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God without reward? ...
/o/offense.htm - 18k

Gratuitously (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that ye might be
exalted, because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings of God? ...
/g/gratuitously.htm - 7k

Dejection (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of being melancholy, depressed, in
low spirits. 2. (n.) The act of humbling or abasing one's self. ...
/d/dejection.htm - 7k

Announced (47 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that ye might be
exalted, because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings of God? ...
/a/announced.htm - 20k

Nought (104 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:7 Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted,
because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought? (ASV). ...
/n/nought.htm - 38k

Committed (201 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be
exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? ...
/c/committed.htm - 39k

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