To the God who owns the future

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Join in with this prayer from a worship service on May 10, 2026: God of hope—not defeat, not despair, not darkness—hope! We come to you praising you for promises come true, even though the lies of the world, that start by whispering, and swell to yelling, try to suck us into the ditches of doubt. But no. You are the God of promises come true. We come to you praising you for your capacity to bring good out of bad. The brokenness of the world tries to trick us, saying: ‘No, he can’t. No, he can’t. No, he can’t.’ But no. Yes, you can—and do—grow light and life and open doors where before we had only experienced silence. Yes, you are the God of hope. We apologize—we confess— when we think of you as small, incapable, apathetic. And so we become to one another, and even to ourselves, small, incapable, apathetic. Replace half-hearted hearts with whole-hearted lives in the footsteps of a Redeemer who taunted death and stepped on his head—Jesus. Give us ultra-confidence in your hope— that we might shine like the sun in the kingdom of a God who owns the future. All these things we pray in Jesus’ name, and together with the words he taught us, saying: Our Father… ---------------------------------------- subscribe to the Up DAILY Devotional [https://us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d3d11829ab8f6afec1f211224&id=f17fa8cf60] [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tpp-wide-2022-06-k.jpg?resize=1800%2C473&ssl=1] Subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan/id1549979103] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1wr0JHkN7ehU3vguN5Osiz] TuneIn [https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/45ec55de-a12e-4805-9195-8562d39f164e/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Audible [https://www.audible.ca/pd/ITEM-NAME-Podcast/B0BDF32D29?qid=1662648806&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=DT3BTC843X1NKC8RHRM2]

A biblical definition of humility

VICES AND VIRTUES In the Bible, there are virtues and there are vices. These are traits to cultivate, and traits to purge. In the sixth century, Pope Gregory the first curated a list that we know today as the “seven deadly sins.” Pride was first on the list. Its corresponding virtue was (and is) humility. But if pride is so bad and humility is so good, what is it? This episode will provide a definition which, I believe, is faithful to how the word is used in the Bible. Speaking of which, here are a few of the times it is mentioned. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES In James 4:10 the half-brother of Jesus says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” The apostle Peter says something similar in 1 Peter 5:6. Both of these statements echo Jesus’ own words in Matthew 23:12: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Proverbs 3:34 says: “Toward the scorners he [God] is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” That verse was so well-known that it is alluded to in two other places in the New Testament. Further, there are times when the humility of a biblical character is celebrated. One example is Mary in Luke 1:46-55, a passage famously known as the Magnificat. Another is Jesus himself in Philippians 2:5-11 where we are told to be like Jesus who: “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (verse 8). [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/phil-2-8.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] DEFINITIONS When it comes to zeroing-in on a definition, the Thayer lexicon says that it has to do with littleness, modesty, and even lowliness of mind. Interestingly, it mentions that the word for humility is very rarely used by secular writers outside of the Bible at the time, and when it is, it is used negatively. This already tells us that there is something counter-cultural about the biblical ideal of humility. The Friberg lexicon includes the ideas of voluntary submission and selflessness. In light of what we know about Jesus, that makes sense. Literary critic and author C.S. Lewis picks up on this when he says: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.”[i] I’ve also become fond of an insight by Henri Nouwen. He pointed out that we live in a society that values upward mobility. Think of the “ladder of success”—which, by the way, seems to imply stepping over other people in the process. In contrast, Nouwen coined the phrase “downward mobility.”[ii] That’s good. And it leads us into a definition that I think is faithful to the biblical picture: Humility is being down-to-earth and unpretentious as you yield to God for the benefit of others. [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/humility-yield.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] Let’s break down that definition one idea at a time. First, the English word “humility” is connected to the word “humus,” meaning ground or soil. This is where the ‘down-to-earth’ part comes from. It’s seeing things as they really are, in a way that is honest and on the ground-level, without pretense or show. Second, this definition makes it clear that humility includes yielding to God. The opposite of humility is pride and arrogance; these presume to know better than the Lord does. However, we exist for God, not the other way around. This phrase makes that clear. Third, we live this way for the benefit of others. This is the opposite of being self-serving. The Great Command is about loving God and the people around us. It is focused outward, not inward. This was certainly true for Christ, and it can be true for us as well. Tim Keller points out that in this there is a measure of self-forgetfulness. We become so centred on God that we become less and less concerned with our reputation or what other people think.[iii] Here’s the definition again: Humility is being down-to-earth and unpretentious as you yield to God for the benefit of others. Is it just me or is humility downplayed as a modern virtue? Perhaps this is because humility has become confused with getting walked all over or being taken advantage of. But those are different things. I think that people who are truly humble hold within themselves a powerful confidence. After all, they don’t feel the need to bring attention to themselves or be first in line. They know they are first and foremost serving God. They have an ultimate audience of One. HUMILITY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE In addition to a deep inner confidence, humble people are also generally more successful when engaged in spiritual warfare. Our Adversary—Satan—can exploit our pride to gain influence over us, just as he can exploit our anger, unforgiveness, or dabbling in the occult or false religion. Humility is an antidote to the Devil. It’s not the only ingredient in this battle, but it’s certainly critical. In his book Unseen Warfare, Lorenzo Scupoli writes: “For how can grace, which comes to help and enlighten us, enter that man, who thinks of himself that he is something great, that he himself knows everything and needs no outside help?—May God preserve us from this disease and passion of Lucifer!”[iv] Scupoli calls pride a disease. He also calls it a “passion of Lucifer”! Why? Because it helps his cause, not yours. Pride pushes God away, but humility yields to his rule. The Devil doesn’t want you to focus on him only. The devil wants you to focus on you, because the more you are focused on you, the less you are focused on God. GREATNESS Since we live in a world that is soaked and saturated by a desire for bigger-better-more—not only in our driveways, bank accounts and social media audiences, but in our mirrors—we constantly need to be reminded about how Jesus defined greatness. And yes, you guessed it, it isn’t what most people think. In Mark 9, the disciples were arguing about who was “greatest.” Jesus responded by saying: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (verse 35). According to Jesus, true greatness is servanthood. To be clear, humility is often seen as weakness in the eyes of the world, but it is seen as greatness in the eyes of God. [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/servant-of-all.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] TOPSY-TURVY When I was young, we would sometimes read the Mr. Men books. One of them was Mr. Topsy-Turvy. Things were very unexpected in his world. His curtains hung downside up instead of right side down. He said “Morning good,” instead of “Good morning.” I can only imagine that Jesus came across in much the same way to many people, but in a more profound way. He turned their expectations upside down. As we know from reading the New Testament, this is often the way when it comes to the Kingdom of God. Selflessness instead of selfishness. Love instead of la-dee-dah. Grace instead of blame. Truth instead of excuses. Following Jesus instead of the crowd. Humility is being down-to-earth and unpretentious as you yield to God for the benefit of others. ---------------------------------------- subscribe to the Up DAILY Devotional [https://us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d3d11829ab8f6afec1f211224&id=f17fa8cf60] [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tpp-wide-2022-06-k.jpg?resize=1800%2C473&ssl=1] Subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan/id1549979103] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1wr0JHkN7ehU3vguN5Osiz] TuneIn [https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/45ec55de-a12e-4805-9195-8562d39f164e/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Audible [https://www.audible.ca/pd/ITEM-NAME-Podcast/B0BDF32D29?qid=1662648806&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=DT3BTC843X1NKC8RHRM2] ---------------------------------------- [i] Quoted by Tim Keller on Twitter, June 20, 2013. In the comments, he suggests that his quote is a paraphrase of something he read in one of Lewis’ books. The original thread of the Tweet is here [https://twitter.com/timkellernyc/status/347750511484747776]. [ii] Henri Nouwen, In The Name of Jesus (New York: Crossroad, 1989), 92. [iii] Keller speaks to this in his sermon called “Humility” through the Gospel in Life Podcast. It was delivered at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 23, 2010. [iv] Lorenzo Scupoli, Unseen Warfare as edited by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and revised by Theophan the Recluse, trans. E. Kadloubovsky & G.E.H. Palmer (Crestwood: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, no year given), 82.

7 de jul de 20267 min

Why do we say The Apostle’s Creed in Church?

“I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth…” We have begun using The Apostles’ Creed in our worship services. We have always used it, but not every Sunday. Recently, however, we have been saying it each and every week. Why? First, some background. CREED The Apostles’ Creed is just that—a creed. In Latin, the word “credo” means “I believe.” It is, therefore, a succinct statement of key Christian beliefs. It helps define orthodoxy, meaning right-belief. These aren’t just peripheral beliefs, either. Think of them like rumble strips on the highway. They keep us on track. If we wander away from them, we have veered from the historic faith and into a theological ditch. The Creed is three-fold. Section one is about God the Father. Section two is about God the Son (Jesus). Section three is about God the Holy Spirit. [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/trinity-creed.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] Tim Keller once said that if we abandon these beliefs, we have gone outside the “boundary” of the Christian faith. Similarly, J.I. Packer said that if the Bible is like a map, then the Creed is the simplified version of that map—short, succinct, and to-the-point.[1] THE APOSTLES Despite popular misconception, it was not written by the apostles. The confusion is understandable. After all, it has “apostles” in the title, and there are roughly twelve statements, corresponding to the original twelve apostles. However, it is named The Apostles’ Creed because it reflects apostolic teaching. In other words, it passes on teaching that is faithful to the apostles who walked and talked with Jesus himself.[2] THE EARLIEST DAYS The various statements in the Creed are rooted in the New Testament teachings, and were in use by the year 100 A.D. These statements served as the basis for various other Creeds in the early centuries, like the Creed of Hippolytus (c.215), the Creed of Marcellus (340), and the Creed of Rufinus (c.404). It was also customary in the early centuries for Christians to study and memorize the Creed as they prepared for baptism. At a time when many people were illiterate, memorizing the Creed ensured that you would always have it with you, no matter where you were or what you were going through. Further, when various competing beliefs emerged, you could distinguish the true faith from imposters by seeing whether or not they agreed with the Creed. WIDESPREAD One of the appealing things about the Creed is how widely it is used. Anglicans use it, Presbyterians use it, Methodists use it, Lutherans use it, and Roman Catholics use it. Baptists affirm it’s teaching, but don’t tend to use creeds in worship services. The eastern church doesn’t tend to use The Apostles’ Creed, favouring the Nicene Creed instead. (That’s a longer story for another day.) Even still, it’s broad use around the world reminds us that as followers of Jesus we are unified in him as a part of a church which is truly universal in scope. On any given Sunday, millions upon millions of Christians all over the world are confessing their faith in the words of The Apostles’ Creed. USED IN WORSHIP Many churches use creeds not only for teaching, but specifically in their Sunday services. Like some other denominations, Presbyterians are “confessional.” They place an emphasis on confessing the faith aloud and in public. 1 Timothy 6:12 comes to mind. That is where Paul says: “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/good-confession.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] Stating one’s faith aloud in worship is a proclamation—a declaration, even—of one’s saving beliefs while surrounded by an unbelieving world, and even by the powers of darkness. With humble confidence, we will not be silent. This practice is not new. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 was used by the ancient Jews as a kind of Creed which was spoken twice a day. Even within the New Testament, certain passages were most likely used as creeds during worship services, or possibly poetic hymns. Two examples are Philippians 2:5-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. In addition to confessing one’s faith aloud, a “confessional” tradition aligns itself with ecumenical creeds and other agreed-upon statements, always subordinate to the Bible. Elders and pastors often vow to uphold these beliefs. Today, when we use one of the historic creeds, we are standing in a long line of Christ-followers who have lived and died by these same beliefs. Worship fads come and go. Hymns and praise songs change, as does the shape, size and décor of buildings. Instruments evolve and preachers come and go. Not so with Scripture or creeds. Speaking of life and death, the long-standing and life-giving rootedness of the Creed is not insignificant. Tom Long describes how creeds can seem like rote and authoritarian statements if we’re not thoughtful about what we’re doing or what they mean. In contrast, he says they are more accurately described as “blood-stained wisdom wrung from [the] centuries…”[3] With that in mind, the statements in The Apostles’ Creed are hills worth dying on. And many have. [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hills-dying-on.png?resize=1024%2C366&ssl=1] SAYING IT OUT LOUD Eugene Peterson recalls a man who was curious about Christianity. He started coming to worship services at his church. He just stood there in silence on Sunday morning as the rest of the congregation said The Apostles’ Creed. Then one day Peterson noticed that the man said the first line in the Creed “I believe,” but that was it. A few Sundays later he added the rest of the first line. As the weeks went on, he added more and more lines. Eventually he confessed the whole thing, took ownership of his new faith, and was baptized.[4] Fred Craddock once said that you don’t really know what you believe until you hear yourself say it.[5] I’m not so sure I believe that. But what I like about his statement is that true Christian faith isn’t just a private experience. It certainly is that, but it isn’t only that. It’s also public. It is things we think, but also things we say and things we do, not just ideas we silently affirm. When we say creeds in worship, we are declaring publicly our faith in the God of the Bible, and committing—or re-committing—ourselves to live by those beliefs. IN A FRAGMENTED, POLARIZED WORLD I recently came across an article by Adam Callaway called, “Why the Apostles’ Creed Still Matters.” In it, he said something that makes a lot of sense for the times in which we live: “In a fragmented, polarized world, the Apostles’ Creed reminds believers that there is one faith that unites them across denominational and cultural lines. Whether recited in a small rural congregation or a larger city church, its words draw Christians together in shared confession. It helps us maintain unity amidst denominational diversity.”[6] Well said. So, why do we say it in church? All of the above. Proverbs 12:3 says: “the root of the righteous will never be moved.” Let’s root ourselves in the eternal Word of God, and in the creeds which keep those truths top-of-mind and on the tips of our tongues. THE APOSTLES’ CREED Let’s end with the Creed itself: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” Amen. ---------------------------------------- subscribe to the Up DAILY Devotional [https://us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d3d11829ab8f6afec1f211224&id=f17fa8cf60] [https://i0.wp.com/matthewruttan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tpp-wide-2022-06-k.jpg?resize=1800%2C473&ssl=1] Subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan/id1549979103] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1wr0JHkN7ehU3vguN5Osiz] TuneIn [https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/45ec55de-a12e-4805-9195-8562d39f164e/the-pulse-podcast-with-matthew-ruttan] Audible [https://www.audible.ca/pd/ITEM-NAME-Podcast/B0BDF32D29?qid=1662648806&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=DT3BTC843X1NKC8RHRM2] ---------------------------------------- [1] J.I. Packer, Growing in Christ (Wheaton: Crossway, 1994), 19. [2] See the discussion about origins in: John H. Leith, ed., Creeds of the Church, 3rd ed. (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1982), 22ff. [3] Tomas G. Long, Preaching From Memory to Hope (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), 63. [4] Eugene Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir (HarperOne, 2012), 256. [5] Fred Craddock, Craddock Stories (St. Louis: Chalice, 2001), 113. [6] Adam Callaway, “Why the Apostles’ Creed Still Matters.” The Gospel Coalition Canada. Posted here [https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-the-apostles-creed-still-matters/] on June 18, 2026.

25 de jun de 20268 min

To the God who owns the future—a prayer

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