The Integrity of True Humility

Message Summary:

In this insightful message, Chuck Swindoll explores the rare and beautiful trait of true humility through the life of John the Baptist. Chuck begins by contrasting the “stooping love” of God’s grace with the self-exalting celebrity culture of the modern world. He defines humility not as a lack of giftedness, but as the integrity to remain unimpressed with oneself despite great success. Using the story of world-renowned singer Marian Anderson—who considered her greatest moment to be telling her mother she no longer had to take in washing—Chuck illustrates that true greatness is found in never forgetting one’s humble roots and acknowledging God as the source of all blessings.

Drawing from John chapters 1 and 3, the sermon highlights John the Baptist as the ultimate model of humility. Despite being called “the greatest of all who have ever lived” by Jesus, John consistently diverted attention away from himself and toward the Messiah. Chuck breaks down the “four characteristics of humility” seen in John: accepting one’s god-given role and limitations, resisting the temptation to be someone we are not, rejoicing in the success of others, and being fully committed to the exaltation of Christ over self. This message serves as a direct challenge to the “competition and comparison” that often plagues the modern church, calling believers to adopt John’s life motto: “He must increase, and I must decrease.”

Message Key Facts:

• The Story of Marian Anderson: Chuck recounts how the famous contralto, despite being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and singing for royalty, remained humble and focused on her roots.
• The “Moon” Metaphor: John the Baptist is compared to the moon, which has no light of its own but merely reflects the light of the “Sun” (Jesus).
• The Best Man’s Joy: John describes himself as the “best man” at a wedding, whose only role is to stand by and rejoice in the bridegroom’s success, illustrating the lack of envy in true humility.
• The “Meeting of the Board” Spoof: Chuck shares a humorous piece by Richard K. Waller imagining the disciples as a modern board of directors trying to “pep up” Jesus’ ministry with miracles and better publicity.
• The Four Characteristics of Humility:
  1. Accepting our god-given role, including limitations.
  2. Resisting the subtle temptation to be someone we’re not.
  3. Seeing God’s hand in another’s success and rejoicing over it.
  4. Being fully committed to the exaltation of Christ and the submission of self.

Message References:

• John 1:6–8, 19–27: The testimony of John the Baptist, where he declares “I am not the Messiah” but merely a “voice shouting in the wilderness.”
• John 3:25–30: John’s response to his disciples’ jealousy over Jesus’ growing following, concluding with the iconic “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
• Matthew 11:11: Jesus’ affirmation that among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.
• Genesis 39:1–23: The primary narrative of Joseph’s service in Potiphar’s house, his resistance to temptation, the false accusation, and his subsequent imprisonment.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18–20: The command to “flee from sexual immorality,” noting that sexual sins are uniquely against one’s own body.
• James 1:13–15: The progression of temptation, from being “drawn away by one’s own lust” to the birth of sin and death.
• 1 Peter 5:8: The warning to be sober and vigilant because the devil prowls like a “roaring lion” seeking someone to devour.
• Psalm 103:12: A reminder of God’s grace, removing our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west.”

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll