Podcast Summary: "Humility" – Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life Host: Tim Keller
Episode Date: November 19, 2025
Scripture: Philippians 2:1–11

Episode Overview

In this sermon, Tim Keller explores the biblical principle of humility by closely examining Philippians 2:1–11. Keller contrasts the scriptural call to self-emptying humility with the prevailing culture’s focus on self-expression and personal glory. He unpacks the root cause of human division, identifies what true humility looks like, and explains how lasting transformation comes not by working directly on humility, but by being captivated by the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cultural Confrontation with Humility

(02:08)

• Keller notes: The Christian definition of humility runs contrary to modern culture, especially in cities like New York, which value “expressive individualism.”
• Quote: “Contemporary people... stare at the biblical concept of humility the way a cow stares at a new gate.” (06:35)
• Whereas our culture seeks validation through self-exploration, the Bible finds value and security in humility before God.

2. Diagnosing the Sickness: 'Glory-Empty' Pride

(08:20)

• Paul identifies the core issue as "selfish ambition or vain conceit" (Philippians 2:3).
• The Greek word kenodoxia (‘vain glory’) is rendered as being "glory-empty"—a deep hunger for honor, recognition, and significance.
  • “This is radical cosmic insecurity. This is feeling, ‘I don’t count, I don’t matter...’” (09:00)
• Keller illustrates how this “emptiness” poisons relationships, fuels divisions (even in the church), and gives rise to prideful striving.
• The “cosmic put-on”: Humans try to fill the void by demanding honor, but remain empty—alienated from God.

3. A Picture of Health: True Humility Defined

(15:10)

• Humility, Keller explains, is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

  • “Humility is not thinking less of yourself or thinking more of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.” (22:25)

• Jonathan Edwards’ Four Opposites of Humility:

  1. Drivenness – Always striving, never content.
  2. Scornfulness – Contempt, sarcasm, putting others down.
  3. Willfulness – Inability to admit wrong, unteachable.
  4. Self-consciousness – Over-absorption in how one is perceived, whether through superiority or inferiority.

• C.S. Lewis on pride:

  • “Pride only gets pleasure out of having more... than the next person... It’s the comparison that makes you proud.” (12:55)

4. Humility is Self-Forgetfulness, Not Self-Hatred

(20:24)

• Using C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, Keller warns against confusing humility with self-deprecation.
  • “Real humility is self-forgetfulness.” (22:53)
• Illustration: We only notice our elbows when they’re injured—if our ego was healthy, we wouldn’t constantly think about ourselves.

5. The Cure: Christ’s Self-Emptying and Its Transformative Power

(26:00)

• We can’t “work on” humility directly—“Humility is the shyest of virtues. Talk to humility and it goes away.” (27:52)

• Humility grows as a byproduct of adoration for, and imitation of, Christ’s humility.

• Trajectory of Jesus (Philippians 2:5–11):

  • Incarnation: Christ “made himself nothing,” entering humanity.
  • Atonement: “He humbled himself... to death on a cross.”
  • Exaltation: God exalted him.

• The Gospel dynamic: Jesus, who truly had glory, “emptied himself” of it so we—glory-empty—could be filled.

  • “Because Jesus Christ became small, we are big in the eyes of the Father. Because Jesus Christ lost all of his glory, we are now given his righteousness and his record.” (33:37)

  • “Humility is a byproduct of wanting something more than humility, wanting him first.” (28:28)

6. Practical Application: Meditating on Christ’s Humility

(34:00)

• Example: Keller shares advice from Dick Kaufman, who would meditate on Philippians 2:7 (“he made himself of no reputation”) to overcome anxiety about reputation.

• “If his reputation didn’t mean anything for him, if he gave it up for me, then I can give it up for him.” (35:18)

• Anecdote: A young man tries to climb a mountain in pride and fails. An old woman says: “Son, if you’d gone up the way you came down, you would have come down the way you went up.”

  • Application: “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and he will exalt you in due time.” (36:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Humility is not thinking less of yourself or thinking more of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.” (22:25)
• “You cannot work on humility directly. It’s a byproduct of something else.” (27:44)
• “The way up is down. The way to be truly rich is to give away. The way to rule is to serve. And the way to become infinitely happy is not to seek your own happiness, but the happiness of others.” (33:00)
• “We are desperately trying to fill ourselves with glory, but we end up empty. But Jesus Christ, who had true glory, emptied himself so we could be full.” (33:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:08] – Introduction: The challenge of humility in contemporary culture
• [08:20] – Diagnosing the heart’s sickness: Glory-emptiness and pride
• [15:10] – Defining humility: Biblical and practical insights
• [20:24] – Humility is not self-hatred: Screwtape Letters and self-forgetfulness
• [26:00] – The cure: Christ’s kenosis and the gospel dynamic
• [34:00] – Practical application: Meditating on Christ, overcoming reputation anxiety
• [36:18] – Life application story: The way up is down

Summary in Keller’s Tone

Keller challenges listeners to recognize the deep-seated pride and emptiness that shapes both overt arrogance and insecurity. True humility—so central to Christian life—is not self-loathing but self-forgetfulness born out of being filled with the love and acceptance found in Christ. Real transformation comes not from navel-gazing or willpower, but by becoming captivated with Jesus’ journey from glory to the cross and back—"doctrine on fire in your heart." The way up, Keller insists, is down: those who humble themselves, like Christ, will find themselves full, secure, and able to love others without pride or self-obsession.

For Further Reflection:
Meditate on Philippians 2:5–11 and consider in prayer how Christ “made himself of no reputation” for you. Are there places in your life where drivenness, scorn, willfulness, or self-preoccupation show up? Fix your gaze on Christ’s humility—and let that vision set your heart aflame for the humility God desires to grow in you.