FALSE HUMILITY

Spiritual growth comes through the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification; not obedience to man-made ordinances and legalistic restrictions. Paul condemned humanistic attempts to satisfy our call to 'righteousness' ...

These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:22-23)

People struggle with the 'sufficiency' of Christ ... not only for their salvation, but for growth as a child of God (there must be something to do to 'merit' these things). False teachers add to that wayward thinking by introducing disciplines that tap into man's latent prideful nature. 

The warning comes (in no uncertain terms) ... Are you so foolish and senseless? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now being perfected and reaching spiritual maturity by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3) 

'False humility' often accompanies this 'religion for religion's sake' approach. It is simply vainglory disguised as self-deprecation ... a way to gain attention or sympathy under the guise of meekness. 

Spurgeon - False humility is the desire to be praised for being humble. True humility is not about self-denigration but recognizing one's place in God's creation and humbly serving Him with the gifts He has bestowed. 

Spiritual steadfastness and growth comes through studying the Word of God, interpreting it properly, and living it out. The Lord transforms us as we align our will with His.