Ep. 174 - Handling Humiliation with Humility

In today’s episode, the guys welcome guest Pat Nemmers, lead pastor from Saylorville Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Pat talks about the “Engaged Network” at his church, where they have planted seven gospel-centered churches by sending gospel-centered men to different areas, where those men stay, live, and join the community. It sends the message that these churches and God-fearing men are here to stay. Pat shares how he was raised in a Catholic home, found the Lord, repented, and realized God is what everyone needs. Pat has such a heart to share the gospel with everyone and church planting plays a major role in evangelizing the lost.

The guys discuss the topic of humiliation and Pat’s book, “Retractions: Cultivating Humility After Humiliation.” Pat shares that the word “retractions” is a willingness to openly admit and repent our errors. The book is based on the 51st Psalm, where David expresses repentance over his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. David never mentions what happened in this passage, but there is an underlying sense of humility. We forget that the most important person in the world already knows everything about us. Pride causes us to withdraw from Him, but we are the recipient of the overflow of God’s grace when we recognize that there is nothing in ourselves of which we can boast.

Next, the guys talk about how there is value and gain when we confess our sins, and share that even as saved saints, we continue to sin. There is a difference between humiliation and humility, and we decide whether to allow humiliation to humble us. To detect pride in ourselves, Pat quotes Proverbs 26:2, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.” When someone curses us and we are not guilty, it doesn’t light—we don't feel guilty in our hearts. However, if it does light, in your heart there is a sense of guilt or uneasiness. If you can detect that in the moment, then that's the time to humble yourself. Pride is like a snowball—it gets worse and grows and grows. It is a beautiful thing and God is honored when you recognize your pride and humble yourself. Lastly, the guys talk about how we need to keep doing what is honoring God and use our humiliation to become more humble, God-fearing people. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro