Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
The five “ways of humbling yourself” include confessing sins to other believers, fasting, submitting to harsh authorities, becoming a “slave of all,” and then becoming a “slave master” over your own flesh; which of these is most offensive to modern Christian instincts about freedom, boundaries, and autonomy, and why?
Another way to ask: The speaker lists ways to humble yourself like confessing to others, fasting, submitting to harsh leaders, being a servant to all, and mastering your own body. Which one bothers you most, and why?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, the most offensive to modern autonomy is likely “slave of all” and submission even to “harsh” authorities, because it directly contradicts the instinct to protect personal rights and demand gentle treatment. The speaker portrays Christian humility as deliberately choosing lowliness and service, not negotiating for comfort.
- Confession: “Confess your trespasses to one another…pray…that you may be healed,” and he admits it’s harder than confessing to God.
- Fasting: quoted teaching says, “Fasting is one of the main ways God has appointed for us to humble ourselves.”
- Submission: “be subject to the governing authorities,” and “Servants be submissive…not only to the good…but also…harsh.”
- “Slave of all”: Mark 10—“whoever…desires to be first shall be a slave of all,” and he stresses it’s not even “servant.”
- “Slave master” over flesh: “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…treat as a slave,” because “the spirit and flesh are at war.”