Scripture Reference
Exodus 17, Exodus 18
Open in Prayer
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Message Recap
Andrew Murray writes that humility “is not something which we bring to God, or which He bestows; it is simply the sense of entire nothingness which comes when we see how truly God IS ALL, and in which we make way for God to BE ALL.”
Throughout Moses's life, we see a man who meets with God face to face again and again. Some of those times were awe-inspiring, like the burning bush (Exodus 3), and other times they were out of absolute desperation as he tried to lead a people who kept forgetting all that God had done for them (Exodus 17:1-7).
According to Numbers 12:3, “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” It’s a curious verse if Moses did actually author this text (there’s some debate on that), but no matter, when we consider his life, we do, in fact, see a man of humility—even if his story wasn’t always that way.
Today’s message is anchored in Moses’s response to his father-in-law’s instructions in Exodus 18, but pulls from various episodes of his life to learn what it looks like to lead with humility.
Discussion Questions
Andrew Murray describes humility as recognizing our own nothingness in the light of God’s greatness. How does this understanding of humility shape your view of effective leadership? In times when you have not exhibited humility, who do you imagine you were measuring yourself up against in your mind?
How do the hubris and narcissism often found in modern leadership contrast with the traits honored by God in Scripture? What are some examples of these contrasting styles?
What can we learn about humility from Moses’s encounters with God, such as the burning bush in Exodus 3 and his leadership challenges in Exodus 17?
Share about a leader that you have admired or experienced that exhibits true, Godly humility. What did working with that leader feel like? What impact did it have on you and the way you view leadership?
How does Moses’s reaction to his father-in-law’s advice in Exodus 18 exemplify humility? What lessons can be drawn from his willingness to listen and act on external guidance? How do you tend to respond to external guidance in your life?
In what ways can the modern church or faith community better embody the humility demonstrated by Moses in its leadership and interactions with each other?
Live it out
What are some practical steps individuals can take to cultivate humility in their daily lives and leadership roles? How can these steps be integrated into a broader personal or organizational mission?
Close In Prayer
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