Peter wrote that if we humble ourselves, He will exalt us in due time. What does this mean? Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 23. He said, “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is very fascinating. I heard this in my spirit this morning that those who humble themselves will be exalted. During my reading this morning, I was amazed. I read the book of James. Throughout the book, James is teaching how to humble yourself.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Matthew 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Humbling yourself maybe not be what you think. I have discovered that those who humble themselves are not living from the flesh. Everything that comes against you is designed to keep you in the flesh. Many churches today believe that we are in the flesh until Jesus comes, and takes us to heaven. In contrast, Jesus teaches, “On earth as it is in heaven.” Paul was teaching the church in Galatia that if you walk in the spirit you won’t desire the lust of the flesh. Interestingly enough, John taught that the lust of the flesh is part of this world, and not of God. You have to study things for yourself. I have noticed that the church is teaching contrary to what the scriptures say. Not in a bad way, but it’s like the truth is being hidden from those who don’t search it out for themselves.
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
If we humble ourselves, stop living from the flesh, and live in the spirit, nothing will be impossible for us. Living in the spirit is not of ourselves, rather we live through Christ, as we are one with Him in the spirit. It’s through Christ we can do all things. This is why Paul told the church in Philippi. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Peter and John understood this. They were beaten for preaching in the Name of Jesus and they rejoiced for suffering for His Name. Sounds contrary to today, doesn’t it? Be blessed, my friends.
1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Acts 5:40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
