Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Lowly

Bible > Topical > Character of Saints

◄ Character of Saints: Lowly ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The character of lowliness is a defining trait of the saints, reflecting a humble and modest disposition that aligns with the teachings of Scripture. Lowliness is often associated with humility, meekness, and a recognition of one's position before God and others. This characteristic is not merely an outward demeanor but an inward attitude that shapes the behavior and interactions of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of lowliness as a virtue. In Ephesians 4:2, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Here, humility is paired with gentleness, suggesting that lowliness involves a gentle spirit that is patient and loving towards others.

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of lowliness. In Matthew 11:29, He invites His followers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Christ's humility is not only a model for believers but also a source of spiritual rest and peace.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also highlights the value of lowliness. In Proverbs 3:34, it is written, "He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble." This verse underscores the divine favor that accompanies a humble heart. Similarly, Isaiah 57:15 declares, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further elaborates on the lowly character of saints. In Philippians 2:3, believers are instructed, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This passage calls for a selfless attitude that prioritizes the needs and well-being of others above one's own desires.

James 4:10 provides a promise to those who embrace lowliness: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse assures believers that God honors and elevates those who approach Him with a humble heart.

Practical Implications

The lowly character of saints manifests in various practical ways. It involves a willingness to serve others, as demonstrated by Jesus when He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15). It also includes a readiness to forgive and seek reconciliation, as instructed in Colossians 3:12-13: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Conclusion

The character of lowliness is integral to the life of a saint, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God's will and open to His guidance. Through the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to cultivate this virtue, trusting in the promise that God will lift up the humble and grant them His grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... (a) The character of the ... And besides, He wished to shew the saints the Kingdom prepared
for them ... which He received from us, for if even when lowly terms are ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

Synopsis. --The Cardinal Point in the Present Discussion
... the fact that, of great and lowly together, no other religion shows so many saints,
or has so ... But its essential character has been obscured, its appeal to ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/viii synopsis the cardinal point in.htm

A Remarkable and Original Reply to These Utterances
... make, whereby is increased the marvellous character of Him ... of a subject, Highest
instead of Lowly, God instead ... What handle then against the saints did he who ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 a remarkable and.htm

Prayer and Humility
... Humility must be in the praying character as light is ... the symbols of humility for
the Old Testament saints. ... How lowly the attitude of Abraham, the friend of God ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

Greatness in the Kingdom
... for myself into the attitude of lowly, glad submission ... Christ's classification here
says nothing about individual character. ... life by the ancient saints, but it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/greatness in the kingdom.htm

Christianity a Light.
... In speaking of saints in 1:Cor.12:27 the apostle says, "Now ye are the body of Christ
and members in particular." He was the ... Character Of Christians. ... Lowly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

Still Another Triplet
... of true Christian faith to foster in character, and which ... that are on a level with
his lowly self ... is possible to 'distribute to the necessity of saints' in such ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet 2.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... instead of violent, conceding instead of arrogant, lowly instead of ... If there be but
one character of heart that ... nature, to admire the life of saints, and to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

The Well-Beloved.
... The glory of Godhead I must leave in lowly silence ... for His sake; these are His poor
saints, who are ... which is overdone; but in our Lord's character everything is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the well-beloved.htm

Sacred Times --The Lord's Day.
... English language, of a popular and practical character. ... many inconveniences, considering
the lowly social condition ... the fellowship of the saints, a foretaste ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 57 sacred timesthe lords.htm