Topical Encyclopedia Self-abasement refers to the act of belittling or degrading oneself, often in a religious or spiritual context. It involves a conscious lowering of oneself in humility and repentance before God. This concept is rooted in the understanding of human sinfulness and the need for divine grace and mercy.Biblical Context and Examples In the Bible, self-abasement is often associated with humility and repentance. It is a recognition of one's own unworthiness and a submission to God's will. The practice is seen as a necessary step in seeking forgiveness and aligning oneself with God's purposes. One of the clearest examples of self-abasement in the Bible is found in the account of the tax collector in Luke 18:13-14 : "But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." This passage highlights the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility. The tax collector's self-abasement is portrayed as a sincere acknowledgment of his sinfulness and a plea for God's mercy, which leads to his justification. Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, self-abasement is often linked with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes as expressions of repentance and humility. For instance, in the book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh demonstrate self-abasement in response to Jonah's warning of impending judgment. Jonah 3:5-6 states: "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." This act of self-abasement by the Ninevites, including their king, is a powerful demonstration of their repentance and desire to turn away from their wickedness, which ultimately leads to God's mercy and the sparing of their city. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of humility and self-abasement in the life of a believer. In Philippians 2:3-4 , the Apostle Paul instructs the church: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This teaching underscores the value of self-abasement as a means of fostering unity and love within the Christian community. By putting others before oneself, believers reflect the humility of Christ, who is the ultimate example of self-abasement. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ is the supreme model of self-abasement. Philippians 2:6-8 describes His humility: "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's willingness to humble Himself and endure the cross is the ultimate act of self-abasement, demonstrating His obedience to the Father and His love for humanity. Believers are called to emulate this attitude of humility and self-sacrifice in their own lives. Warnings Against False Humility While self-abasement is commended in Scripture, there are warnings against false humility or ascetic practices that are done for show or self-righteousness. Colossians 2:18-23 cautions against such practices: "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind... These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and harsh treatment of the body, but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." True self-abasement is not about external displays or self-imposed rituals but is a matter of the heart, characterized by genuine repentance and a desire to honor God above oneself. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Degradation of one's self by one's own act.2. (n.) Humiliation or abasement proceeding from consciousness of inferiority, guilt, or shame. Greek 5012a. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility ... Word Origin from tapeinophron Definition lowliness of mind, humility NASB Word Usage humility (4), humility of mind (1), self-abasement (2). 5012, 5012a. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5012a.htm - 5k Library The Necessity of Self-Abasement The Eighth Chapter: Self-Abasement in the Sight of God Why Saul Became Paul section second. Translations from the French of Madame de la Mothe Guion The Imitation of Christ Unbelievers Upbraided Daily Fellowship with God From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ... Thesaurus Self-abasement (2 Occurrences)Self-abasement. Self, Self-abasement. Self-assertive . Noah Webster's Dictionary ... Multi-Version Concordance Self-abasement (2 Occurrences). ... /s/self-abasement.htm - 7k Self (28 Occurrences) Philippians (2 Occurrences) Self-assertive (1 Occurrence) Bason (3 Occurrences) Simon (75 Occurrences) Basin (37 Occurrences) Adoration Peter (181 Occurrences) Humility (20 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-pity? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Self-abasement (2 Occurrences)Colossians 2:23 Ezra 9:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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