A big part of what God’s word warns us about is pride. There is a problem with pride especially if it goes unnoticed in our lives. Join Steve and Tim as they highlight some of the key passages in the Bible about this particular sin and how to overcome it.
Key Verse: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah 57:15
Introduction
- Words and terms – arrogance, presumptuous, haughty, lifted up, puffed up, conceited, boasting
- Opposite – humility, modesty, abase, make low, lowliness, contrite, broken heart
God’s assessment of pride
- He hates it (Prov. 6:16-17) therefore so should we (Prov. 8:13)
- Judgment because of pride (Prov. 16:18; Mal. 4:1; Isa. 2:12,17)
- Key aspect of the flesh (Mark 7:20-22; 1 John 2:16; 2 Tim. 3:1-2)
The problem with pride
- Pride is prevalent when God is not (Psa. 10:4).
- Blocks our relationship with God by making us forgetful (Hos. 13:4-6)
- Considers self more than God or others (Ezek. 16:49; Psa. 10:2)
- Creates contention (Prov. 13:10)
- Opposite of faith (Hab. 2:4)
Recognizing pride in ourselves and our lives
- Individually – The love of praise (John 12:43), self-righteousness (Luke 18:9,14), lofty self-sufficiency (James 4:16)
- Collectively – Nationalism, patriotism, racism, human rights, sports
The antidotes – the frame of mind needed, humility
- God is big, we are small (Gen. 18:27; Psa. 8:4; Ecc. 5:2)
- The servant mind set (Luke 17:10), being thankful
- Being Kingdom seekers, not of this world (1 Chr. 29:11-14ff)
God is the one who exalts
- If we try to do it ourselves God will oppose us (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6)
- The greatest example in Jesus (Phil. 2:5-9)
Final conclusion