Our Toleration of Evil

 

“Our Toleration of Evil”

Prov. 28:13-14; 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2 

SUBJECT: CORRECTION ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Examine Your Attitude Toward Evil and Sin When Trouble Invades Your Life. 

RELEVANCY: God Desires for Us to Correct Our Attitude Toward Evil and Turn Away from the Practices of Sin. Sin usually leads to even more sin; it is certain that the “hardened heart shall fall into mischief.” God desires to compel all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and to do the difficult work of changing our beliefs and our behavior. Once more we want to encourage you to, look at your own heart and life to see what you may need to correct when adversity comes your way. Our goal is to live in total harmony with what Jesus would believe and do.

INTRODUCTION:

The Scriptures tell us, God is a God of absolutes. We are either evil or righteous, based upon what we have decided to do in response to Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. If we accept that what Jesus did on the cross was for us and for the remission of our sins, and we receive Him as our Savior, then we move from the classification of sinner to the classification of saved.

Sin is the Worldwide separation of people from God.

 Romans 3:9-10, What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Paul uses these verses to show that humanity in general, in its present sinful condition, is unacceptable before God.

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Well, I'm not too bad.’ I'm a pretty good person?

Have you ever lied? Have you ever hurt someone's feelings by your words or tone of voice?

Are you bitter toward anyone? Do you become angry with those who strongly disagree with you?

The Bible tells us the world stands silent and accountable before almighty God. No excuses or arguments are left. Have you reached the point with God where you are ready to hang up your defenses and await his decision? If you haven't, stop now and admit your sin to him.

MESSAGE: 

WHY DO WE CARELESSLY TOLERATE SIN AND EVIL?

We answer this question by asking another one.  What does the Bible say about God's holiness? Our view of sin is directly related to our view of God’s perfect holiness.  With a low opinion of God’s holiness we tolerate and harbor more sinful attitudes and actions.  When we have a high admiration for God’s holiness, we are far less passive regarding our sin.  The following are some principles that help us quickly grasp the infinite holiness of God.

A.  WE DISMISSED GOD’S HOLINESS WHICH IS BEYOND COMPARISON.  

1 Peter 1:14-15, As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Being holy in the sense of superior moral qualities and possessing certain essentially divine qualities in contrast with what is human—‘holy, pure, divine.’^[1]

We are called to abandon our former, sinful lifestyles and align our daily behavior with the perfect holiness of God. This radical transformation as followers of Christ replaces worldly ignorance with active obedience and moral purity.

The moral excellence of God that unifies his attributes and is expressed through his actions, setting him apart from all others. Believers are called to be holy as God is holy. —Systematic Theology

    1.  God Sets the Standard of Morality.

The God of Israel and of the Christian churches is holy—he sets the standard for morality.

The believers’ living hope based on their new birth should lead to a lifestyle of holiness. Those chosen for new birth are also called to be holy. Peter exhorted his readers to prepare to meet the challenge of obedience by adopting a new mind-set. The price paid for a believer’s redemption calls for reverence and obedience. Obedience involves purifying oneself and practicing holy living, while offering spiritual sacrifices as a royal priest.^[2]

Unlike the Roman and Greek gods, God is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. These ancient gods acted like spoiled, jealous, and powerful humans; many ancient religions featured immoral and unethical gods and goddesses. They supposedly had superpowers but also bad habits like stealing, lying, and cheating. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, Jehovah is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Our holy God expects us to imitate him by following his high moral standards. Like him, we should be both merciful and just; like him, we should sacrifice ourselves for others.

    2.  God's Holiness Is Our Universal Standard for Pure Living.

God is holy; He is utterly unique, distinct from all of creation, and entirely perfect in moral purity. It is the defining characteristic of His nature; His absolute purity—He is completely unstained by sin or evil. There is no darkness or falsehood in his thoughts, statements, and activities—He is perfectly good and just.  

After people commit their lives to Christ, they usually still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father -- holy in everything we do. Holiness for us means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for his special use, and set apart from sin and its influence. Rev. 15:4, says,

“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

We’re to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different is having God’s qualities in our life. Our focus and priorities must be his. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways (1Pet. 1:14). We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin. Call on God's power to free you from sin’s grip.

Commonly God’s standard of holiness is trumped by the “new morality” which is a wide-ranging cultural and ethical shift from traditional, Bible-based absolute moral frameworks toward bases centered on individual self-fulfillment, situational ethics, and bodily self-government. That is moving in favor of flexible, context-driven ethical notions—from God-centered to human-centered ideas! (See Christianity Today). These modern principles emphasize living an authentic, personally rewarding life, prioritizing happiness and emotional well-being over self-denial. Current morality relies increasingly on psychological and observed characterizations of right and wrong. It is closely tied to required concerns for others' welfare, fairness, and justice, driven by secular humanist philosophies rather than traditional biblical views. Our society is presently feeling the woes of that mistake!  

B.  WE DISMISSED GOD’S HOLINESS WHICH CANNOT ALLOW SIN.

Isaiah 59:1-2, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: [2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

God is always willing and able to save His people, but our willful sins create a spiritual barrier. Instead of God losing His power or ignoring prayers, our iniquity breaks fellowship, causing Him to withhold His deliverance until repentance occurs.

There is widespread perversion of justice and dishonesty. People conceive evil and bring forth crime. Their activities are as dangerous as vipers’ eggs and as useless as a spider’s web. Sin controls every area of their lives—what they do, where they go, what they think. They care nothing for peace and justice, preferring what is crooked. What was true of Israel is also true of the entire human race (Rom. 3:15–17).^[3]

God's inability to tolerate sin is mentioned in Habakkuk 1:13, saying. "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity..."

Sin prevents prayer from being answered (cf. Ps. 66:18). Those sins included murder, lying, injustice (cf. Isa. 59:9, 11, 14–15), and planning evil (vv. 3–4). Their actions were like those of deadly poisonous snakes (vipers and an adder), for they were harming each other. ^[4]

God is absolutely holy. In fact, his moral perfection is so vast that He cannot look upon sin with approval or tolerate its presence. Psalm 5:4, says, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” This embraces the concept of God’s zero-tolerance policy toward sin and wickedness.

    1.  There Is a Colossal Problem with All of Us Before a Perfect God—our sins have cut us off from any relationship with Him. Because of our sinful attitudes and actions, he has completely turned away from us and utterly refuses to listen.

    2.  Sin Offends Our Holy God and Separates Us from Him. Because God is holy, he cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn't matter. Sin cuts people off from him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people he loves.

No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes God angry and forces him to look the other way. People who die with their life of sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from God. God wants them to live with him forever, but he cannot take them into his holy presence unless their sin is removed. Have you confessed your sin to God, allowing him to remove it? The Lord can save you if you turn to him.

    3. Beloved, this is God’s Second Correction—the Purging Away of Sin from Our Lives. Proverbs 28:13, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

There is a stark contrast between two responses to sin—concealment versus confession—and their ultimate outcomes.

1. “Covereth” (this is hiding/excusing sin). Trying to hide, deny, or justify wrongdoings. God warns that this approach “shall not prosper”. Hiding sin requires constant energy, leads to inner turmoil, and ultimately blocks spiritual success or peace.
2. “Confesseth” (relates to admitting/owning our sin). Honestly acknowledging faults to God and taking responsibility for those wrong actions.
3. “Forsaketh” (is turning away from sinful behavior). True repentance involves not just saying sorry, but actively abandoning or changing that sinful behavior.
4. “Mercy” (refers to God’s forgiveness and compassion). The reward for complete repentance is God's grace, pardon, and compassion.

1)    Choose Transparency with God over denial. God already sees everything, so attempting to hide sin is foolish. Admitting fault brings peace and breaks the hold that the secret has on your life.

2)    Engage the two-step path to forgiveness. Genuine repentance requires both confession (admitting it) and forsaking (turning away from it).

3)    Take the biblical promise to heart. Align yourself with 1 John 1:9, where God promises that if we confess our sins, He is “faithful and just to forgive us”.

Admitting our faults and actively turning away from these behaviors are the only path to forgiveness and grace. Remember God will never admit a sinful, arrogant soul, into his kingdom. But if we confess our sin, with a broken heart, forsake every evil way, and we give proof that we are serious with God. The sincerity of the confession is proved by our forsaking sins (Job 34:31-32). Then mercy is guaranteed to such a soul (Ps 32:5; 1 John 1:8-10).

     4. God deals with our Shame effectively in Salvation!

These two previous discussions bring us to the unavoidable subject of shame. This is a painful relational consequence of sin that causes a person to feel worthless, exposed, and alienated from God and others. While guilt is about breaking a rule, shame is about feeling that your core identity is irreparably flawed—a valid moral conviction.

Spiritually, shame is often viewed as a heavy burden on the soul rather than a mere character flaw. It is defined as an internalizing force that attacks your core identity, whispering that your whole self is flawed and unworthy of love.—Unknown

Shame causes individuals to hide their authentic selves from God and from their community (like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden—Gen. 3:7-10). It emerged immediately after the Fall when Adam and Eve realized their nakedness, felt exposed, and hid from God. Again, shame is not just an internal feeling; it is a degraded, defeated, or outcast state within a community (e.g., poverty, barrenness, or disease). Experiencing brief shame can motivate a straying believer to repent and return to godly standards.

Practice God's Solution for Shame!
God seeks to remove our shame. Through Christ, God replaces our disgrace with honor, grace, and a new identity.

• Isaiah 54:4: Assures us we will no longer remember the shame of our youth.
• Romans 10:11: says, “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (this persistent theme is also promised in 1 Peter 2:6).
• Hebrews 12:2: Highlights that Jesus “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” to secure victory over sin and restore us to fellowship with God.

Guilt is judicial in character; shame is relational. Though related to guilt, shame emphasizes sin's effect on self-identity. Sinful human beings are traumatized before a holy God, exposed for failure to live up to God's glorious moral purpose. The first response of Adam and Eve to their sinful condition was to hide from God, and consequently from one another (Gen 3:7-8; 2:25). Christ's unhindered openness to the Father was both a model for life and the means of removing humanity's shame. Christian self-identity is transformed "in him."

When one confesses Christ and openly rebels against him, however, the work of Christ is publicly shamed (Heb 6:6). Christians must be diligent to renounce shameful behavior, though tempting because of its hidden character (2 Cor 4:2).

Shame is a godly motivator. A virtuous life shames the ungodly, providing a context for evangelism (Titus 2:8; 1 Peter 3:16). A believer's shame for past sin is a spur to forsake sinning (Rom 6:21), to renounce disobedience (2 Thess 3:14), and to minister the gospel (2 Cor 4:2).

Shameless people flaunt their unholiness, calloused to God (Zep 3:5) and glorying in their shame (Php 3:19). Yet no one is shameless ultimately. "Shameless Acts" receive the judgment inherent in the act (Rom 1:27). Also, at the final judgment the nakedness of those not clothed with Christ' righteousness will be exposed (Rev 3:18; 16:15).—Bradford A. Mullen

 

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^[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 744.

^[2] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 842.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 984.

^[4] John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1114.

Going Further…

Going Further…

Jn. 11; Matt.19:26

 

Sometimes ‘going further’ entails taking a few steps back at first. Perhaps progressing in the Lord feels more like standing still…pausing…to learn key factors well before moving any further. It is very likely we perceive different outcomes than God does…we want something quite unlike God’s intentions. The current situation seems to dictate our existing posture and beliefs…. To be more protective, judicious, and cautious just feels right about here…it even makes good logical sense…right? By taking a step back, we sometimes realize we are guilty of wanting outcomes that are far too small when God is thinking much bigger, grander, and strategic. Further, our expectations may even be more focused on ourselves and not necessarily the broader plan of God. ‘Going further’ requires joining our Lord on this journey of faith.

This kind of thing happened repeatedly in the Bible (Gen. 6; Gen. 17:1-27; 21:1-8; 2Sam. 7), but it was especially punctuated in John 11 with the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Often, we impose our limitations on God restricting Him to fit into our expectations, when God is not limited like that at all. Our need for Him and the opportunity to transcend normality are presented through life’s very real challenges (Jn. 11:1, 4, 14-15), but few believers seldom realize the chance to trust Him and surpass the restrictions imposed by society or our own understanding. It is true death, the grave, and the stench of death (Jn. 11:39-40) are very real limitations we cannot overcome no matter how sincere we are. It is also true that we allow ourselves to ‘think’ within the confines of those limits and we don’t even consider possibilities beyond them…. We err when we impose those same limits onto God only expecting or even requiring Him to operate within our ‘level’ of comprehension (Jn. 11:24). He is NOT obligated to function that way, and further He really knows what He is doing with each occasion. He has a strategic plan in mind (Jn. 11:4, 40)!

It is precisely at this juncture we feel acutely the frustrations…not realizing God is itching to introduce an opportunity that is mind-blowing and life changing! Such an occasion summons us to trust the Lord in this matter. Jesus requires ‘faith’—believing Him to realize the greater realities!  For instance, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11:25-27). He declares Himself as the source of eternal life and tests Martha’s faith. He assures her that He has absolute power over physical and spiritual death. He guarantees eternal life to whoever believes in Him, prompting Martha to confidently confess her ‘faith’ in Him as God’s Messiah. Trust is always appropriate when interacting with the Lord.

But what tends to interfere with such simple faith? Sometimes we are so consumed with the past… ‘what we perceived should have been’ (Jn. 11:21-22, 32, 40), we haven’t even begun entertaining future possibilities yet. There are times all we can see is the gigantic problems…dwarfing others…sometimes more significant…legitimate factors. Perhaps we are even convinced we know what needs to happen. The solution is so obvious to us that we gently suggest ‘our’ remedies. Certainly, we would have been happy with a simple ‘healing’, but God wants a ‘resurrection!’ Often working together with the Lord is ‘imagined’ a certain way…with ‘our ideal’ outcomes given the details we observed…. We may even envision the local impact of a ‘resurrection’ miracle but not yet perceive the farther-reaching shock waves of such a witness for future disciples (Jn. 11:41-42, 45, 51-52). We may influence a ‘healing’ through our prayers, but only God can work His divine plan for our future which may involve another miracle or two. The first instance may court our pride, but the second option clearly illuminates the ‘grace’ of God! We are invited to join Him on this journey of faith; we dare not embark upon it alone!

“With God all things are possible” Jesus insists in Matthew 19:26, referring to the fact that God is unlimited, unrestricted, boundless…His great power transcends all the boundaries that we in our limitations must respect. Child of God, we have assurance…yes, even a guarantee that absolutely no obstacle is too great for God and that He may still intervene in seemingly impossible situations. God’s infinite ability and authority are not bound by natural, human, or earthly restrictions. Again, in Matthew 19:26, Jesus unmistakably says, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” So whatever God calls us to do, He will empower and equip us to accomplish it. Trust Him for such power, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or mental (2Cor. 12:1-10). Away with our restrictive inhibitions, fears, anxieties, vision for the future, expectations, requirements, and experiences. God is inviting each one of us to go further…so much further with Him by faith in His designs. Beloved, let us align ourselves with His holy character, divine purposes, and eternal plans, rather than merely granting our personal whims, notions, or schemes. 

You and I must trust Him to do the impossible…He abides by no such limitations like us. Prepare yourself for different, astonishing, unanticipated, growth, life investment, adjustments, misunderstanding, and yes even rejection—unfortunately most people will not get it. Learn to be ‘flexible’ as you enter the yoke with God! Be willing to accommodate Him and His designs. You will be glad you did! We must stop thinking too small…too logical…too selfish…too historic; start living by ‘faith’ in God’s limitless power and strategic design—pursuing His glory. Please join the ‘club’ if you feel challenged or intimidated by all of this. I honestly confess I am scared to death, but I must trust Him even when I cannot track Him! Beloved, illegitimate fears tend to limit us…especially our faith. We will experience far less real confusion and continue to ‘go further’ when we ‘believe’ God.

Rejecting Prideful Attitudes

 

“Actively Rejecting Prideful Attitudes”

Prov. 3:12; 8:13; 16:6, 18; Jam. 4:6 

 

SUBJECT:  CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Clearly God desires that we humble ourselves to his will.  When troubles come, examine your heart for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue spiritual growth.  

RELEVANCY: Nothing compels us to make spiritual changes like troubles. Understanding God’s design to develop and transform us encourages us to respond favorably toward our troubles. When we become complacent, the Lord may permit troubles to come our way to jostle us forward in our spiritual walk. God doesn't only seek to get our attention; He also compels all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and the smudges on the heart that we acquire during our lives.

MESSAGE:

TROUBLE COMPELS US TO CORRECT OUR ATTITUDE OF PRIDE

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Have you ever wondered why it is that we sometimes end up in some of the most embarrassing and humiliating difficulties?

A. GOD RESISTS OUR PRIDEFUL BEHAVIOR.

B. GOD REALLY DOES HATE HUMAN PRIDE. 

C. WHY DOES GOD HATE PRIDE SO MUCH?

Proverbs 8:13, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

The answer to this question is in this verse and several similar passages. Here we see true wisdom and reverence for God as a deep, active rejection of wickedness. True reverence requires a complete rejection of destructive behaviors, corrupt speech, and pride. You see loving God means hating the things that go against His righteous character. This idea is divided into two main parts:

Deep Respect for God, “The Fear of the LORD”:

·        “The fear of the LORD”: This is a connection between spiritual reverence and moral action. It is not a paralyzing fear of God, but a profound, loving respect that requires us to actively despise sin. We cannot truly revere God while entertaining or excusing evil.

·        True wisdom requires aligning our hearts with God’s, which means having a deep, reverential respect for Him that naturally results in an active rejection of sin.

·        This is not terror or cowering in fright. It is an attitude of profound awe, honor, and loving obedience toward God. When you value God above all else, you naturally adopt His perspective. 

Hating Evil is the Real Nature of Wisdom (and God), “To Hate Evil”:

There are four negative behaviors that are completely opposed to divine wisdom:

·        “Pride”: Having an exaggerated sense of self-worth or an attitude of superiority. Elevating oneself above others or acting as our own ultimate authority.

·        “Arrogancy”: The outward expression of pride, where a person exalts themselves above others and rebels against God's authority.

·        “The evil way”: Refers to a lifestyle or habitual path of choosing sin, corruption, and unrighteousness. Boasting or taking credit for what belongs to God. Actions, habits, and lifestyles that cause harm and violate God’s moral standards.

·        “The froward mouth”: “Froward” (or perverse) describes speech that is twisted, deceitful, rebellious, or meant to corrupt others. This is destructive language that harms others and distorts the truth. 

Prov 8:13 warns us that true godliness is not all positive. The teaching that sin is hateful is a wonderful and vital truth. In ancient times, as now, only the Biblical revelation stressed this truth.^[a]

Ultimately, we have a moral compass, emphasizing that a life of wisdom requires not just avoiding bad actions, but developing a true inward disgust for the attitudes (like pride) that lead to them. All who truly reverence the Lord share in His holy hatred and utter rejection of prideful behaviors. I really do not understand how supposed believers recall their sinful life prior to conversion with such glee and delight instead of hatred and shame! Perhaps they never really grew in their “fear of the Lord.” Several other verses across scripture echo and parallel these themes:

Proverbs 16:6, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Psalm 97:10, Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Also see Psalm 119:104).

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 11:2, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Beloved, we cannot help but be impressed with the strength and force of these statements. These ideas are supported by the character and nature of God—they are that type of strong and uncompromising. Who could possibly have something to brag about in the presence of God? To love Him is to love what He loves and reject what He fervently rejects. Who would be so bold as to place themselves or their opinions on the same level with God’s? It is incredible to contemplate, but some folks are that arrogant!

So, why does God hate “Pride” so much?

    1.  Because Pride Makes Us Useless to God.

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

The disgrace cast upon the proud: God resists them; the original word, antitassetai, signifies, God’s setting himself as in battle array against them; and can there be a greater disgrace than for God to proclaim a man a rebel, an enemy, a traitor to his crown and dignity, and to proceed against him as such? The proud resists God; in his understanding he resists the truths of God; in his will he resists the truths of God; in his will he resists the laws of God; in his passions he resists the providence of God; and therefore no wonder that God sets himself against the proud. Let proud spirits hear this and tremble—God resists them. Who can describe the wretched state of those who make God their enemy?^[b]

Because it is the one sin that keeps us from allowing God to use us for His purposes. When we are committed to doing things our way, we cannot do things God's way. Pride renders us useless in the kingdom of God. We must always remember that God does not exist for us; we exist for Him.

    2. Because The Lord Will Not Share His Glory with Anyone.

Isaiah 42:8, I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Isaiah was affirming that God, unlike idols, can tell the future. And this divine ability adds to His glory (v. 8).^[c]

God will not share His glory with another, and least of all with carved images. His past predictions have come to pass, and now He reveals the future once more.^[d]

We can safely apply this thought to ourselves emphasizing the truth that all glory correctly belongs to God and not mere people.

         A.  We Often Seek to Take the Glory for Ourselves.  

Sometimes we say, in effect, “Look at what I have accomplished! Look at me! Look at who I am!”—we deny that anything we accomplish comes about because God both enables and empowers us to accomplish it (Luke 12:13–21). Consider the following observations.

              1. God Alone Is to Be Glorified in the Salvation of Sinners.

Romans 16:26-27, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: [27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. 

Evangelism, missions program, church numerical growth, property size or purchases, and baptisms can become points of bragging and stealing the glory that rightfully belongs to the Lord. Be careful here, because our fruitfulness will be hindered if we seek our own glory and not the glory of the Lord!

              2. God Alone Is to Be Glorified in the Strength of the Churches.

Ephes. 3:21, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Doctrinal soundness, dedicated living, focused servants, sacrificial saints, discipleship programs, holy living, loving congregations, selfless members, and united in fellowship and ministry– these are all desirable traits in a church, but we run the risk of losing it all if we allow pride to invade our church family (Gal. 5:25-26). We should be thankful giving glory to God and not bragging on ourselves concerning these matters.

              3. God Alone is to Be Glorified in the Service of the Saints.

1 Peter 4:10-11, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. [11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Pastoring, preaching, Sunday school teaching, giving, hospitality, children’s church workers, nursery ministry, trustee work, deacon ministries, ushering, piano playing, song leading, choir, special music, ect.

God greatly humbled me when I preached my second sermon and literally stuttered through the entire message. I was allotted about 10 minutes in that service. I did decently with the first message, but the second one was a total mess…a tremendously embarrassing failure. Why was I so humiliated? Basically, because I was preaching to ‘feed my pride.’ I stuttered, mis-quoted scripture, mis-stated concepts, and misrepresented easy Bible ideas…. I was awful that evening! I was so humiliated that I needed a tall step ladder to reach up to scratch a snake’s belly. I wish I could say one lesson in ‘pride’ was enough to get my attention and cooperation…. I sometimes still wish that!

         B.  We Sometimes Act as Though Our Wisdom is as Good as God’s.      

Isaiah 55:7-9, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 16:25, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Sometimes we say:

                      1. “I know what the Bible teaches but, I don’t think that God really understands the different needs of people today.” 

                      2. “In my opinion we have to do what we feel is right in our hearts and situation.” 

                      3. “I don’t think we should strictly apply the Bible to our lives today, because modern science and psychology seem to offer people real answers and real help.”   

                      4. Some may say the same things but a little differently, for instance, “I don’t want any preacher telling me how to live my life.” 

In essence we are rejecting God’s authority in our lives–His Word! Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. In our arrogance we literally deny that the Word of God is all sufficient for matters of salvation, fighting sin, and sanctification or Christian living. We practically place human wisdom on the same plan as Divine Wisdom expressed in the Word of God. That is pure arrogance! God’s thoughts are higher than ours!

2 Peter 1:2-4, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  Amen.    

         C.   No Human Being Will Have Anything to Brag About Before Our Great God!

1 Cor. 1:26-31, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] That no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

2 Peter 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.

Any good in us is by His design and redemption. Anything noteworthy that we become, we become because He wills it so. We have no goodness apart from God's goodness imparted to us. Even in our salvation God used a weak and despised thing like ‘preaching the cross’ to save us sinners.  Surely not a point for bragging on our behalf, but certainly an elaborate expression of the great grace and power of God!

    3. Because Pride Brings About Destruction.

A Bible verse that most people know is Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”                                                                                                    

        A.  Not All Destructions Are Caused by Pride, but Pride Always Ends in Destruction. Usually, we lose the very thing we are most proud of having achieved, earned, owned, or accomplished.

        B.  Having Pride Is:

                 1.  Having Too High an Opinion about Ourselves in Relation to God.

                 2.  Taking Credit That Belongs to God.

                 3.  Having a “Haughty Spirit” Is Having Too High an Opinion of Ourselves in Relation to Other People and Taking Credit That Rightfully Belongs to Others. Both attitudes bring about negative consequences, adversity, and trouble!

        C.  When Troubles Come, it Just May Be the Result of our Prideful Behavior.

If so, the Lord permits that adversity to point out our pride and to encourage us to humble ourselves before Him (and perhaps before other people) and to submit to His will.

This certainly has been my experience. I once owned a beautiful 1986 red Fire Bird with T-Tops with an out of this world booming stereo system. To say the obvious simply, it was ‘my pride and joy’! I washed, waxed, vacuumed, and detailed it religiously. It was one of the sharpest and hottest cars on that entire military installation at the time. My car was not necessarily super-fast, but it looked great…at least I thought so. I didn’t look bad driving it either! I recall cruising during vacation in Washington, D.C. in 1989, and I mistakenly crashed into another driver in an intersection. Praise the Lord, the other driver made it through that ordeal, but the crash took out my front quarter panel on my car. My beautiful car was mutilated on the front left! Well, upon returning home I had it repaired, but the car was never the same again. I have never been the same again either, I haven’t owned a nice sports car since that day. And I have refused to derive my identity and meaning in life from the vehicle I drive. I learned the hard way that ‘pride’ leads to destruction, but such lessons were repeated many times over the course of my life.

        D.   How Does Pride Bring Destruction into Our Lives?

             1. Pride Lures Us into Living Independently of God (Ps 10:11).

Psalm 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

There is an incompatibility between blind arrogance and the presence of God in our heart. The proud person depends on himself or herself rather than on God. This causes God's guiding influences to leave. When God's presence is welcome, there is no room for pride, because he makes us aware of our true self.

             2. Pride Undermines Our Faith (Mark 6:5).

Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Jesus could have done greater miracles in Nazareth, but he chose not to because of the people's pride and unbelief. The miracles he did had little effect on the people because they did not accept his message or believe that he was from God. Therefore, Jesus looked elsewhere, seeking those who would respond to his miracles and message.

             3.  Pride Can Cut Us off from God and Others (Luke 18:14).

The Pharisee in Jesus' parable did not go to the temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need God's mercy every day.

Beloved, please don't let pride in your achievements or status cut you off from God. Luke 18:14, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.                 

             4. Pride Distorts Our View of Ourselves and Others (Eph 2:14).

Ephes. 2:14, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Jews and Gentiles alike could be guilty of spiritual pride—Jews for thinking their faith and traditions elevated them above everyone else, Gentiles for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your salvation, ministry, position, converts, or influence. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their faith.         

CONCLUSION:

Realizing God has a desire to correct our attitudes of pride should focus our self-examinations and identify some changes we need to make.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,

To added affliction He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.—Annie Johnson Flint^[e]

Are you a long way from the path of righteousness? Are you dealing with embarrassing and shameful troubles? Are you walking in a healthy fear of the Lord?  Do you reject pride and arrogance much like God does? Do you view yourself as superior to others? Why is that the case? Do you have the final say with your experiences? Are there strengths you have not surrendered to God and His will?

We must continue making advances and growing in the Lord. Again, trouble is God’s tool to encourage us to examine ourselves and keep moving forward. For most of us progress includes choosing humility to replace our pride.

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^[a] Charles F. Pfeiffer, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), Pr 8:8.

^[b] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2416.

^[c] John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1096.

^[d] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 969.

^[e] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2237.