Philippians 2:5-8 (English Standard Version)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Be humble because we are human. Be obedient because that connects us to Christ.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

I was small in stature in high school but I had a really large big brother. When he had my back I was not afraid of anyone. Just because he had my back did not mean I was strong. That was physical strength. Ephesians 6:10 is talking about spiritual strength.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Fighting an enemy that cannot be seen is a difficult thing and it seems counterintuitive to say humility is the key to putting on our spiritual armour. We must look at it from the standpoint of being still and allowing Christ to dress us for this battle. He will not hand us the next item for warfare if we say “I got this!” Overconfidence is the leading edge of pride.

Another analogy is when joining the Army I was given a weapon. Having it does not mean we are proficient in its use. Being equipped in one thing, being trained is another. 

• Matthew 13:52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
• Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
• 1 Timothy 4:6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
• Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Those who have ears, let them hear. AMEN