Getting Serious about My Pride

 

“Getting Serious about My Pride”

Prov. 3:12; 6:16-19; 29:23; 1 Tim. 3:6; Jam. 4:6 

 

SUBJECT:  CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Nothing compels us to make spiritual changes like troubles. When troubles come, examine your heart for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue spiritual growth.  

RELEVANCY: If we begin to walk just one degree away from the truth—in pride we will soon find ourselves a long way from the path of righteousness in which the Lord desires us to walk daily. Part of the unfortunate reality surrounding ‘pride’ is its capacity for causing destruction. I have witnessed it destroying friendships, church memberships, marriages, political allegiances, occupations, professional pursuits, creative acumen, spiritual sincerity, and honest redemption investigations. The destructive power of ‘pride’ compels me to address the subject squarely.  

INTRODUCTION:

Have you ever wondered why it is that we sometimes end up in some of the most embarrassing and humiliating difficulties? It’s bad enough to have troubles, but it is even worse when they are filled with overwhelming shame, degrading scandal, or belittling nonsense, stupidity, and blunders. Perhaps I should be oblivious of these developments…totally unfamiliar with these types of situations…but…I am not. Not even by a longshot…. I know these predicaments a little too well…even with recent humbling evidence on top of other painful lessons. I know personally the Lord will often use troubles to reveal our problems involving pride. Of course, the Lord wants to correct this wrong attitude! When we think ourselves to be superior to others or when we have an inflated perception of ourselves, be assured that the Lord wants us to see things squarely and accurately and walk in the confines of his plan for us.

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.

A.  GOD RESISTS OUR PRIDEFUL BEHAVIOR.

James 4:6 states very clearly, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

1. There are a few Observation we Must Not Miss!

a.      God gives more “grace”: Despite human flaws, selfishness, and spiritual unfaithfulness, God generously provides an endless supply of undeserved favor and forgiveness. 

b.     “God resisteth (opposes) the proud”: Pride—trying to be the master of our own life or thinking we can earn salvation on your own merit—puts a person directly at odds with God. 

c.      “Giveth grace unto the humble”: True humility steams from acknowledging our spiritual bankruptcy and willfully submitting to God’s authority. When we do this, God opens the door to pour out His help and blessing. (See GotQuestions.org)

2. Please Keep this Fact Upper Most in Mind!

God addresses believers who were acting selfishly, fighting with each other, and compromising their faith by adopting the self-centered, worldly ways of their culture. By application He is talking to us! James issues a stern warning against unholy “adultery” (loving the world more than God). Immediately, James reminds us God’s grace is greater than our mistakes, if we are willing to repent turning back to Him. (See GotQuestions.org)

3. Key Fact You Want to Takeaway to Avoid Pride!

a.      Pride pushes God away: When we rely completely on ourselves or think we don’t need God, we are essentially opposing Him.

b.     Humility attracts God: Approaching God with a repentant, dependent heart allows us to receive His freely given grace. (See GotQuestions.org)

Pride erects a spiritual barrier. When we rely on self-sufficiency, self-righteousness, or boastfulness, God actively opposes or “resists” us. In contrast, grace is unlocked through humility. When we acknowledge our spiritual poverty and surrender to God, He responds with favor, unmerited help, and spiritual strength.

B. GOD REALLY DOES HATE HUMAN PRIDE.

Proverbs 29:23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Anyone who has fail to note God’s magnificence, brilliance, and majesty in every area will struggle more with human based pride! Yes, we do possess God-given strengths and qualities, but God gave these gifts to us for His glory and not our own. With such pursuits we live out a forfeiture of the ‘grace’ that strengthen and enables a correct view of reality—human humility.     

·        “A man's pride shall bring him low”: Arrogant people often overestimate their abilities and alienate others through boasting or selfishness. This self-absorption blinds them to their flaws, leading to inevitable failure and public disgrace when their pride is exposed.

·        “But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit”: Being ‘lowly in spirit’ is recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves. Humility protects a person from the pitfalls of arrogance and earns them the deep, lasting respect of peers and divine favor.                                       

     1.  God Frequently Addresses the Subject of Pride.

In fact, we have this same message echoed many times in the Scriptures for our warning and admonition. 

1 Peter 5:5, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Matthew 23:12, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

         a.  The Concept Often Appears in the Bible.

The word “pride” appears 49 times, “haughty” appears 10 times, “vain glory” appears 1 time, and “glorying” appears 4 times, “glory” appears 402 times, but some of theses are used in a very good context.  The word “vanity” is used some 86 times, while “conceit” is used 5 times, and “arrogancy” appears 4 times.  Then the word “puffed up” is used 6 times in the word of God.  God strenuously resists the arrogant spirited individual and He obviously deals with it so many times because it lies at the heart of the sinful attitude that fills our lives, nature, composition, and inclinations.

          b.  Self-centeredness Is Pride.

The sin of pride is common to all mankind.

               1. Pride is Not Easily Confronted.

It is not easily confronted…because we often are too proud to admit that we have prideful issues!

              2. Pride is Not Easily Destroyed.

Pride is also not a sin that is easily eradicated for it goes to the core of our very nature and what we hold to be true about ourselves and about our relationship with God. As long as we think that we can do it on our own in any area of our lives, we are guilty of pride.

         c. God Completely Hates Pride.

Elsewhere, pride is listed among four things that the Lord hates: pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. 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.

Arrogance and self-importance ultimately result in humiliation and downfall, whereas a modest and teachable attitude earns genuine respect and lasting honor.

1.      Arrogance is a Trap: A prideful person is often stubborn and self-reliant, which blocks them from receiving wisdom or correction.

2.      Exaltation come from God: God opposes the proud but extends grace and promotion to the humble.

3.      True Success is what we Really Want: Worldly pursuits of status and self-promotion are fleeting. Real, lasting respect (“honor”) comes from a character defined by gentleness, honesty, and grace.

      2. God Utterly Condemns Pride Regarding it as an Abomination (Extreme Discuss).

In yet another passage of scripture, pride is listed among seven things that are an abomination to God:  

Proverbs 6:16-19, These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

1. Abominations are attitudes or actions that cause God extreme disgust and intense repulsion. The Hebrew term to'ebah, points to something deeply offensive to God’s holy nature because it destroys trust, justice, and harmony within human relationships.

2. Pride is in the same category as murder and at the top of the list of things God hates! This list represents a complete and deeply serious inventory of behaviors that oppose God’s holy and loving character. Sin involves the whole person: the mind (devising wickedness), the eyes and heart (pride), the mouth (lying), and the hands and feet (violence and action).

3. Decide that “pride” is something that every believer should seek to hate and utterly reject in their lives. Pride should not be the driving factor in our service, it should not be at the heart of our relationships, it should not be the key to our accepting others, it should not be the determining factor in making decisions. To live in pride is to follow satanic influence and an anti-Christ spirit. 1 Tim. 3:6, Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. We must understand that we will experience the same kind of judgment and humiliation that Satan did because he sought a higher position for which he was not qualified. Thus, pride is a sure-fire way to invite trouble into our lives.

Beloved, there is no ‘positive treatment’ of pride in Scripture at all…zero…none. There is no such thing as “good pride.” While we always have opportunity to be more ‘thankful’ to God instead of taking so much for granted, we have no reason with which to justify our pride, arrogance, or independence. Reject all forms of pride and thereby save yourself from some trouble involving a downfall, shame, discredit, and a large slice of humble pie! 1 Cor. 10:12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Again, when troubles come, examine your heart for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue spiritual growth.  

 

 

Bless Our God

Bless Our God

We are to eulogize God for all the benefits and advantages He has given to us as His children.

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

God has blessed you and me as believers with an abundance of spiritual supports and advantages, and He has already filled our existence with marvelous grace. He has “blessed [us] with all spiritual blessings” (Eph. 1:3), and for this He should be “blessed,” by each of us bringing joy to His heart, praise to His greatness, exaltation to His holy Name, and eulogies by our thoughts and words. God is worthy of our praises, commendations, being spoken well of, and worshipped in the utmost significant ways with our souls soaring to the most sublime heights!

Recognizing the Lord this way encourages us to endure the discomforts of life’s reverses, become good stewards of His gifts and assets, give ourselves openhandedly to his work as living sacrifices, and truly offer Him the utmost praise and thanks for His generosities towards us. This is one key to acknowledging His blessings and being more optimistic and hopeful during major reverses. We must trust Him to satisfy our needs and generate this fruit in us. 

We have received every spiritual blessing from God through Jesus Christ. Certainly, we are right to be thankful and appreciative people who readily admit our needs and our utter dependence upon Him for everything. Simultaneously, our perception of Christ should be heighted, escalated, and advanced! God has already met our spiritual needs and can be trusted with each moment of each day, and He is willing to meet our material needs as well as we trust Him and give ourselves without restraint to His purposes. This is especially true for those who have sacrificed their needs to see His plans advanced still.

What should we do then? Give yourself permission to focus on this idea…allow yourself to understand this in a more meaningful capacity. His provisions for His people are complete, in every area of our lives. Appropriate that truth proportionately and compartmentally. We need to keep this uppermost in our contemplations. Life is filled with all types of anxieties, imperfections, frustrations, and disappointments but let us choose to believe God and trust Him to be our absolute Source, Supply, and Satisfier through His manifold blessings! This is just one key to being more optimistic and hopeful in all our experiences. We must persevere by trusting our Lord has provided for and does satisfy our needs still in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

A Correct Attitude Towards Christ

Matthew 5:6-9

The Lord’s Beatitudes detail what it means to be “Blessed!” Many people claim to be “blessed and highly favored.” But if you probe deeply enough, “blessed” is usually associated with material gain—health and wealth. While these are great and desirable characteristics, they are not what our Lord Jesus was referring to. No, Christ Jesus has something far more substantial in view when He uttered the word “Blessed.”

You see the way to heavenly blessedness is the opposite of the worldly path normally followed in pursuit of happiness. It is quite natural reasoning that leads us to think happiness is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things. The truth is quite different when the Scriptures are consulted.

The Beatitudes give Jesus’ description of the character of true righteousness. They designate the attitudes that should mark each genuine Believer’s daily experience. The attitudes addressed in verses 6 through 9 are generally focused toward our Lord. While it has become common for folks to confess their disappointment, disbelief, anger, and frustration with the Lord, this passage enlarges upon holy feelings towards Him. Let us look at what He envisioned for us. Use this opportunity to examine your own heart…how do you feel towards our Lord Jesus?

A Right Attitude Towards Our Lord (Vv. 5:6–9).

We Are to Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (5:6).

A blessing is pronounced on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: they are promised satisfaction.

The Role of Believers is Given (5:6 A): God Blesses Those Who Pursue Virtue, Moral Purity, Good Ethics, and Fairness.

We are to Have an Appetite or Passion for What is Right. There is in all healthy people the hunger for food, for love, for God. This beatitude, however, is a passionate hunger and thirst for goodness, for personal holiness. Righteousness refers to integrity, virtue, purity of life, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting. There is also a strong desire for justice where each person is given what he is due or has earned or deserve.  

Christ Calls Believers to Have a Passion for Righteousness. In our own lives; We should long to see honesty, integrity, and justice in society. We are to look for practical holiness in our church. Like the people of whom Gamaliel Bradford wrote, we should have “a thirst no earthly stream can satisfy, a hunger that must feed on Christ or die.”

We are Not to Desire Self-righteousness, nor Unfairness. We are to be the opposite of the self-righteous Pharisees. The Pharisees were not “righteous;” they felt they had attained righteousness. Therefore, they did not have a continual appetite or desire for it. They were more concerned with “legalities” of God’s law and their own laws than with being truly right in the heart with God and their fellowman. We're not to be prickly, perfect and proud about our morals. This simply feeds the self-righteous ego. Jesus spoke of those who seek God’s righteousness rather than attempting to establish a righteousness of their own.

Romans 10:3, For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Philip. 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This Spiritual Appetite is to be a Continuing Desire for Personal, Social, and Future Righteousness. 

Philip. 3:13-14, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Like the Apostle Paul, Christians growing closer to the Lord Jesus want what he wants. When evil happens, we hurt for victims and long for the end of evil's influence and strength. We want God's victory over evil to be complete soon—even now. We hunger for the end of trouble, for the full measure of God's peace and righteousness. Whenever you pray for God's will to be done, you are getting hungry for righteousness. Pray often, until the little hunger pangs become a holy passion and your heart becomes centered on what God wants most.

What about the natural man; does he hunger and thirst for righteousness? The ones I meet do not! They have a hunger for more sin.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14).

The “natural man” is in contrast to the spiritual man who has found that Christ is his righteousness—“…of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor.1:30).

The Reward of Believers is Given (5:6 B): We Will Receive Righteousness in Full.

The blessing to the hungry soul will be abundantly satisfied in Christ!

What We Seek, Righteousness, Will Fill Us; It Will Satisfy Our Hunger and Thirst for a Right Relationship with God.

When We Have This Intense Longing for Righteousness We are Blessed. Furthermore, filled means Satisfaction because we are so filled with God that we completely do God's will, without tripping up, careless sinning, making mistakes, and disappointing God. Filled relates to Satisfaction in total discipleship and complete obedience.

The idea is that God Will Completely Satisfy Our Spiritual Hunger and Thirst. There has never been a desire to be holy which God was not willing to gratify! Through the gospel and the power of the Spirit we have all we need to be truly holy. See Isa 55:1-3; 65:13; John 4:14; 6:35; 7:37-38; Ps 17:15.

Also in Christ’s Coming Kingdom: We Will Be Filled, For Righteousness Will Reign! All corruption will give way to the highest moral standards under the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, Ask the People of the World if they are Satisfied with what it Offers.

Ask the actress, surfeiting with fame and fortune, but peering out on life hungrily: “Are you getting what you want?” We could say to the eminently successful finacier who commands his fleets and controls his industries: “Are you getting what you want?”

We could say to the laborers and workers of America who are enjoying the highest standard of living in history: “Are you getting what you want?”

We could say to the consumers of America who have the best homes, the most comfortable furniture, the finest food, the cleverest gadgets, and the smoothest, most powerful automobile: “Are you getting what you want?””  ---The Secret of Happiness

Beloved, the desire to be “blessed” is likely universal to believers and non-believers alike. The way to deep abiding happiness cannot be obtain from sources in this world. No, the true source is the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, we must hunger and thirst for divine righteousness; this condition in the soul will secure the Lord’s blessing of being filled with righteousness! 

Hope Piercing the Darkness

1 Peter 1

Hope is a powerful thing to possess; perhaps one of the Christian’s greatest assets in a world still writhing from the impact of sin and painfully unfamiliar with the Lord. Its darkness…. The kind that accompany suffering, injustice, and feeling like you have been displaced in a hostile foreign country. While we know we have certain rights and desire the same privileges others enjoy, we are nevertheless denied them simply because of our faith in Jesus. Its darkness when right is viewed as wrong and wrong is portrayed as right.  Anyone else can express their opinions publicly and they will be celebrated for it, but as soon as a Christian takes their faith outside of the walls of their church, they are sharply rebuked for proselytizing in the public square. Beloved, this is evidence of darkness. In many places of the world the darkness is aggressively hostile and violent against followers of our Lord Jesus. There are governments and countries with intentional and concerted efforts to rid themselves of the people of God. Yes, this is heavy pitch black thick impenetrable darkness…and yet…we have real hope.

Peter tells these believers who are experiencing some measure of persecution that they have a living hope because of the resurrected Christ! He, as an apostle of our Lord, knew what it means to cower under pressure denying the Lord; he also fully understood the pain of standing boldly for Christ while facing hostile neighbors and countrymen. Peter grappled with positive changes to advance the gospel to gentile peoples braking with traditions that only served to hinder the expansion of Christ’s hope. As something of a gospel pioneer, Peter knew well the pain, loneliness, and what it means to be misunderstood by not only the lost but also the brethren. No doubt God used Peter’s struggles and sufferings to enable him to minister deeply to the hurting and to communicate a message of powerful hope. Hope so extraordinary that it can even pierce the darkness of this world.

These believers were “scattered” and referred to as “strangers” and maybe even disinherited. Perhaps they felt powerless…unable to leverage their rights…without any earthly authority to mention. Weak, unwanted, barely tolerated, and spurn like a plague or virus. Because of their faith in Jesus, the world system did not want them around. Wandering like pilgrims who seek another country whose builder and maker is the Lord God. Not only did Peter know they felt orphaned and rejected, but God knows they felt displaced as people who really did not belong here.  Struggling under bone-crushing trials because of their pure stand with Christ…what could one say to encourage them? Some of them lost their families, their inheritance, their livelihood, and even family members to death by persecution! What could Peter, the apostle, possibly say to them that would be worth their hearing it? Even though the hour is dark…they still have the light of hope in Jesus Christ!

Peter reminds them that though they are rejected by the world, they are “elect” and chosen by God! Though they are viewed as tainted, diluted, and offensive, Peter reminds them they have been set apart unto God for His purposes through the “sanctification of the Spirit”! Though the world discards them viewing them as worthless, God willingly spent the precious “blood of Jesus Christ” to have them as His own covenant people! In addition, God is not merely interested in blessing them, but He desires to multiply grace and peace in their experiences. Furthermore, they also have the assurance of salvation and preservation by God! Peter encourages them by telling them their heavenly inheritance is guaranteed. They may have lost it all down here to cruel family members, but the Father promises their eternal inheritance will not be taken away. Such an inheritance will never ever fade, decay, or be stolen; it is yours always by your heavenly Father’s design. Such hope affords joy even during the hard challenges and weighty trials of faith we must make.  Such hope moves us to “bless… the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” This potent hope is just as alive as our Savior the Lord Jesus is; as such it continually ministers grace and peace to the people of God as we take it seriously. Beloved such hope deliberately pierces the darkest times. Oh, may it prevail in each of our hearts today. The anticipation that Jesus could come and receive us unto Himself at any moment delivering us into our eternal inheritance is a tremendous source of hope for the suffering child of God.  It is by faith we realize the immediate benefit of this hope. Beloved, you must trust in this God-provided hope.

The believer can not only know hope in the dark hours of pain, but we can also know “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” You see, God can not only establish our faith, but also purge it through the tests of life. This realization gives meaning and affords blessing to each of us during difficult times. God’s purpose in pain is to purge our faith of impurities, lies, and misconceptions about Him and ourselves. God desires a clear view of reality as He knows it and not according to our often limited and skewed perspectives. Beloved, a tried faith is “much more precious than gold.” Our faith becomes more valuable as it is put to the test and demonstrates its imperishable nature. We must not allow ourselves to resent the tests God permits us to face…. In addition, our progress through problems will bring “praise honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”  This is the perspective of faith even though we have never physically met our Savior. The fact that we are saved is reason to rejoice; our purified faith will bring God glory and result in our good! You see, even in suffering there is this hope that pierces the darkness.

As believers, we have the completed Word of God and therefore, a fuller understanding of our great salvation.  The prophets of old wrote about it, but did not understand it entirely.  Even though they gave great expositions of the suffering and glory of Christ, they still did not grasp all the details and intricacies of this present age.  They wrote for our benefit today.  Clearly, God wants us to understand and appreciate the wonderful work of salvation He has wrought for us.  This knowledge will sustain the hope and joy in the heart of the faithful saint enduring unfavorable circumstances. In fact, God even uses Christians today as an object lesson for teaching angels about His unmerited favor towards sinful fallen mankind. 

Peter also challenges the believer to live in holiness.  During unfair and hard trials, our behavior can become less then Christian.  Unfortunately, some may even justify their poor and wrong attitudes in the light of their afflictions. They may feel justified for their anger, resentment, and desires for revenge.  However, Peter reminds the child of God that holiness is not a matter of convenience, or circumstances, but one of commitment and character.  Recognizing that the Father is holy and judges righteously prompts us believers to show forth this same characteristic in daily life.  Realizing our responsibility in the light of the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary for our redemption, stirs us to abandon cheap, corrupt, vain, and traditional lifestyles.  A life of hope and holiness is the only thing befitting a believer bought with such an awesome price and destined for such astounding glory!

The Bible gives clear counsel on living as set apart people unto God’s pleasure, purpose, and plans.  In fact, through belief of “the truth” believers are purified enabling them to practice “unfeigned love” towards the brethren.  In addition, believers were “born again” by the incorruptible seed of the Word for living a non-corrupted life.  This eternal Word affords eternal life and an eternal perspective that result in eternal glory for the child of God.  Since our hope in this life is glory despite the pain, then holiness throughout this life is a natural response to such hope.

Indeed, the salvation of God gives us plenty reason to anticipate a better day.  For the time being the pain is real, the frustrations are real, and the disappointments are real.  But, the hope we have in Christ by the grace of the Father is equally just as real.  The sufferings we currently know will become the glory we now anticipate.  No matter how dark, bleak, unpromising, and foreboding the present hour may be, the future is getting brighter all the time.  We must not lose sight of this hope. Salvation through Christ the living Savior means hope, faith, and joy every day and glory for all eternity! Beloved, such prevailing hope still pierces the darkness.