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.  

 

 

God is Correcting My Pride

 

“Love Moves God to Correct My Pride”

Prov. 3:12; 29:23; Jam. 4:6  

SUBJECT:  CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: 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. 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: 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. 

When adversity comes your way, take a look inward to see what you may need to correct in your life so that you truly stay on course with what the Lord has for you. We most move forward. We must keep growing in the Lord. Trouble is God’s tool to encourage us along.  Therefore, we need to understand HOW to respond to it for spiritual benefit.  

INTRODUCTION:

Have You Ever Been on a Journey in Which You Needed to Make a Mid-course Correction?

Pilots make course corrections often as they maneuver through air traffic patterns and avoid potential storms. Road construction crews and detours sometimes force us to make course corrections when we travel by car.

The same principle holds true for life's journey. There are times when we need to make course corrections to arrive safely and soundly at our next spiritual destination point and ultimately to Heaven. Adversity may be the detour, storm, or obstacle that compels us to make such corrections.

 Anytime you read your Bible, you should pray, “Show me, Lord, how this affects my life,” or “Reveal to me, Lord, how I need to change my life in order to conform to Your commandments and Your will.”

In this message we will concentrate on correcting our attitude of pride.  

MESSAGE:

I.  WHAT MOTIVATES THE LORD TO CORRECT OUR PRIDE?

Proverbs 3:12, For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

A.  THE LORD IS MOTIVATED TO CORRECT US BECAUSE HE LOVES US.  

Hebrews 12:5-6, And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

As we enter this message on God's use of TROUBLES to bring about mid-course corrections in our lives, we also need to recognize anew that the Lord corrects us because He loves us. Proverbs 3:12 is important to remember.

The readers also seemed to have forgotten the encouragement found in Proverbs 3:11–12, which presents divine discipline as an evidence of divine love. Thus they should not lose heart (cf. Heb. 12:3) but should endure hardship (hypomenete, lit., “persevere”; cf. vv. 1–3) as discipline and regard it as an evidence of sonship, that is, that they are being trained for the glory of the many sons (cf. 2:10 and comments there). All God’s children are subject to His discipline, and in the phrase everyone undergoes discipline the writer for the last time used the Greek metochoi (“companions, sharers”), also used in 1:9; 3:1, 14; 6:4. (Lit., the Gr. reads, “… discipline, of which all have become sharers.”) ^[1]

    1. Good Parents Guide a Child's Behavior. 

Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

This is perhaps the best-known verse in Proverbs on child training. The other verses on child-rearing (13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13–14; 29:17) are all on discipline. The Hebrew word for train (ḥānaḵ) means to dedicate. It is used of dedicating a house (Deut. 20:5), the temple (1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chron. 7:5) ….^[2]

They are continually teaching the child what is:

       A.  Right Behavior.

God wants us to know what is good, acceptable, and beneficial.

Only in Proverbs 22:6 is the verb translated “train.” Ḥānaḵ seems to include the idea of setting aside, narrowing, or hedging in. The word is sometimes used in the sense of “start.” Child-training involves “narrowing” a child’s conduct away from evil and toward godliness and starting him in the right direction.^[3] 

       B.  Wrong Behavior.

 God wants us to know what is bad, unacceptable, and harmful.

I remember getting poor grades in elementary school and having to live through one of my Dad’s lectures about getting a good education. It was like torture enduring one of my father’s ‘discourses’ on correct behavior, and wholesome living standards. But he helped me realize that I needed to take full advantage of the education opportunities I had available to me. He reassured me that I would never regret getting a good education. Because he loved me, he constantly reassured me of the value of a solid education. As a result, I made some serious adjustments in my attitude toward school and eventually went on through high school and college to graduate with honors. My parents’ loving correction played an important role in my life as they guided me. Likewise, God is a good heavenly Father and He labors to bring about correction in our lives because He loves us.

    2. Good Parents Prepare a Child for Life and Society.

Proverbs 22:15, Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Mischief and self-will are native to the heart of a child, but by applying the board of education to the seat of learning you can rid him of these vices. Matthew Henry counsels:

Children need to be corrected, and kept under discipline, by their parents; and we all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6, 7), and under the correction we must stroke down folly and kiss the rod.^[4]

        A.  Children Are Naturally Wayward.

Foolishness here implies that children love mischief, waywardness and are self-will; this is bound up in their very nature with the strongest of chains.  But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. They are sinners and need punishment.

        B.  Children Must Be Corrected.

Sensible correction overcomes this natural tendency, by expediently punishing misbehavior whenever it appears, and imparting wisdom and instructions (Prov 13:24 and 19:18; and comp. Prov 23:13; 29:15).  The current theories that children are not naturally bad, but only maladjusted, and that education should lead them to self-expression, find no support in Proverbs. (C. Stanley)

         C.  Children Require Prudent Love.

Proverbs 13:24, He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Correction is to start young and be administered often.  If a Parent Doesn't Do this for a Child, That Child Grows up to Be Wild in Behavior. That wildness or stubbornness makes him:

              1. Miserable in himself.

              2. Undesired by others.

              3. And alienated from those who might bless or help him the most.

Proverbs 29:17, Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Proverbs 19:18, Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.                

A few years back I had a little niece. Though she is beautiful, was perhaps the most unrestrained child I knew at the time. Whenever they would visit, we would literally rearrange certain furniture items, we would take certain little what-nots and place them out of her reach. We would close off certain areas of the house to make sure that she could not get in to terrorize that room. It was nearly awful; we sighed with relief when they left for their home. I deeply loved my family, but we could not handle their little wild daughter. What she needed was a lot of love in the form of more old-fashioned discipline and correction. This would have made her much easier to live with.   

As a child, my neighbors did not properly restrain their boys. That family was postured for trouble and hardness filled their path. They were seemly the wildest kids in the neighborhood; always in trouble at school and with the law as young adults. These young people were boundless…mean spirited… and loved to fight! If there was trouble to be found, they had a ‘gift’ for finding it. They were expelled from school, spent time in reformed school as children, and as adults they were in and out of jail and prison. After a while no one wanted them around their children… they were so wild and unrestrained. Folk discouraged others from associating with them because trouble seemed to live with them all the time. Those parents failed to prepare these children for the Lord Jesus and a profitable role in society.  

     3. Good Parents Prepare a Child for the Future.

Hebrews 12:10-11, For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

They should not think that their sufferings were unique. Many of the witnesses described in chapter 11 suffered severely as a result of their loyalty to the Lord, yet they endured. If they maintained unflinching perseverance with their lesser privileges, how much more should we to whom the better things of Christianity have come.^[5]

In like manner, God desires for us to be disciplined and mature adults in the faith. This is to ensure that we experience inner peace and harmony, enjoy relationships with other believers, and receive the blessings that God desires to give to us through other people. Often the race that is set before us involves trouble and pain.

         A.  Trouble and Pain are Often Necessary for a Child of God’s Growth.

Hebrews 12:1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; 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.                                                                                                                                        

God often disciplines and matures our faith through troubles and pain. When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. When we become complacent, the Lord may permit troubles to come our way to jostle us forward in our spiritual walk. This is a common experience for every believer. Understand that we're not alone; there is help. Many have already made it through life, enduring far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced. Through their troubles they learned to trust the Lord more fully. Troubles, suffering, and even pain are the training grounds for Christian maturity. It develops our patience and makes our final victory sweeter.

         B.  Sometimes Trouble and Pain are Necessary to Get a Child of God’s Attention.

Often the words that we say, and the things we try to teach go unheeded by our children.  We can’t seem to get their attention with the warnings and admonitions we frequently give.  Then it becomes necessary to reinforce what we are trying to teach them with some more painful lessons to get their attention.

God had to get the attention of the Philistines through sending several waves of trouble, disease and hardship.

1 Samuel 5:6-9, But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. [7] And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. [8] They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. [9] And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

Although the Philistines had just witnessed a great victory by Israel's God over their god, Dagon, they didn't act upon that insight until they were afflicted with plagues. Similarly, today many people don't respond to biblical truth until they experience pain. Are you willing to listen to God for truth's sake, or do you turn to him only when you are hurting?

Conclusion: 

Realizing that God Has a Desire to Correct Our Attitude of Pride Should Focus Our Self Examinations and Identify Some Changes We Need To Make.

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.

When troubles comes your way, take a look inward to see what you may need to correct in your life so that you truly stay on course with what the Lord has for you.

---

^[1] Zane C. Hodges, “Hebrews,” 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), 810.

^[2] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” 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), 952–953.

^[3] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” 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), 953.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 848.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2202.

God Still Values Humility

 

God Still Values Humility

Luke 1:29, And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

Mary was troubled because she did not understand how God could so greatly favor a person like herself. She never expected to be greatly favored by Him. This was deep humility before the Lord and such humility should mark each believer.

Lesson:

I.       Mary Was Not Self-Centered; She Cherished God’s Honor.

Mary was not a proud, self-centered, flighty, or frivolous young lady who was way to conscious of herself or felt that she merited and deserved the attention of others.

            A.  Satan Thinks Primarily of Himself.

Many Bible students believe that the fall of Lucifer is a description of the fall of Satan.

                  1.  He once was the highest of the angelic beings, close to the throne of God (Ezek 28:11-19), but he desired to be on the throne of God!

                  2.  Lucifer said, "I will!" but Jesus said, "Thy will."

                  3.  Lucifer was not satisfied to be a creature; he wanted to be the Creator! Jesus was the Creator, yet He willingly became man. Christ's humility is a rebuke to Satan's pride.

            B. Adam and Eve Thought Primarily of Themselves.  

Lucifer was not satisfied to be a rebel himself; he invaded Eden and tempted man to be a rebel. Adam had all that he needed; he was actually the "king" of God's creation ("let them have dominion," Gen 1:26). But Satan said, "Ye shall be as God!" Man deliberately grasped after something that was beyond his reach, and as a result plunged the whole human race into sin and death. Adam and Eve thought only of themselves; Jesus Christ thought of others.

We expect unsaved people to be selfish and grasping, but we do not expect this of Christians, who have experienced the love of Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit (Phil 2:1-2). More than twenty times in the New Testament, God instructs us how to live with "one another." We are to prefer one another (Rom 12:10), edify one another (1 Thess 5:11), and bear each other's burdens (Gal 6:2). We should not judge one another (Rom 14:13) but rather admonish one another (Rom 15:14). Others is the key word in the vocabulary of the Christian who exercises the submissive mind.   Who is it that your thoughts commonly turn to?  Others or yourself?

 

II.    Mary Was Christ-Centered and Non-assuming. (Genuinely Humble)

She was a young lady who loved God and had determined to live a pure and responsible life. Apparently, from her response throughout this passage, she had a sweet spirit that was full of softness, warmth, and tenderness, and was responsive and willing, subjective and giving, thoughtful and kind. However, Mary never dreamed she was anyone special. Therefore, when she heard that God was to favor her and use her in a very special way, she was troubled. How could she, so ordinary and humble, do anything special for God? What a striking example Mary was!

Christ As Live-In

When Queen Victoria reigned in England, she occasionally would visit some of the humble cottages of her subjects. One time she entered the home of a widow and stayed to enjoy a brief period of Christian fellowship.

Later, the poor woman was taunted by her worldly neighbors. "Granny," they said, "who's the most honored guest you've ever entertained in your home?" They expected her to say it was Jesus, for despite their constant ridicule of her Christian witness, they recognized her deep spirituality. But to their surprise she answered, "The most honored guest I've entertained is Her Majesty the Queen."

"Did you say the Queen? Ah, we caught you this time! How about this Jesus you're always talking about? Isn't He your most honored guest?" Her answer was definite and scriptural, "NO, indeed! He's not a guest. HE LIVES HERE"! Her hecklers were put to silence.

-Our Daily Bread

 

III.      Jesus Modeled Humility Through Service for Us!

Have you noticed as you read the four Gospels that it is Jesus who serves others, not others who serve Jesus? He is at the beck and call of all kinds of people - fishermen, harlots, tax collectors, the sick, the sorrowing.

                    A.  He Described Himself as a Servant. 

 Matt 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Luke 22:27, For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

                    B.  He Conducted Himself Like a Servant.

In the Upper Room, when His disciples apparently refused to minister, Jesus arose, laid aside His outer garments, put on the long linen towel, and washed their feet! (John 13) He took the place of a menial slave! This was the submissive mind in action - and no wonder Jesus experienced such joy!

During the American Civil War, Gen. George B. McClellan was put in charge of the great Army of the Potomac, mainly because public opinion was on his side. He fancied himself to be a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the people call him "a young Napoleon." However, his performance was less than sensational. President Lincoln commissioned him General-in-Chief, hoping this would get some action; but still he procrastinated. One evening, Lincoln and two of his staff members went to visit McClellan, only to learn that he was at a wedding. The three men sat down to wait, and an hour later the general arrived home. Without paying any attention to the President, McClellan went upstairs and did not return. Half an hour later, Lincoln sent the servant to tell McClellan that the men were waiting. The servant came back to report McClellan had gone to bed!

His associates angry, Lincoln merely got up and led the way home. "This is no time to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity, " the President explained. “I would hold McClellan's horse if he will only bring us success."  This attitude of humility was what helped to make Lincoln a great man and a great President. He was not thinking of himself, he was thinking of serving others. Service is the second mark of the humble and submissive mind.

IV.      God is Looking for Humble Servants Still!

God still looks to the humble person to bless, revive, strengthen, inform, encourage, enlarge, and use greatly.

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

Isaiah 66:2, For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalm 138:6, Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

2 Chron. 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Potter's House

To the Potter's house I went down one day,

And watched Him while moulding the vessels of clay,

And many a wonderful lesson I drew,

As I noted the process the clay went thro

 

Trampled and broken, down trodden and rolled,

To render more plastic and fit for the mould,

How like the clay that is human, I thought,

When in Heavenly hands to perfection brought,

 

For self must be cast as the dust at His feet,

Before it is ready for service made meet.

And pride must be broken, and self-will lost--

All laid on the altar, whatever the cost;

 

But to! by and by, a delicate vase -

Of wonderful beauty and exquisite grace.

Was it once the vile clay? Ah, yes; yet how strange,

The Potter has wrought so marvelous a change!

 

Not a trace of the earth, nor mark of the clay,

The fires of the furnace have burned them away.

Wondrous skill of the Potter-the praise is His due,

In whose hands to perfection and beauty it grew;

 

Thus with souls lying still, content in God's hand,

That do not His power of working withstand.

They are moulded and fitted, a treasure to hold;

Vile clay now transformed into purest of gold.

- Selected

Conclusion:

Real humility pursues the glory and honor of God intentionally and looks out for the welfare of others (Colossians 3:12-14; Philippians 2:3-8). Our Lord Jesus affords us a perfect example of humility by going to the cross to give His life for our salvation that we might live for God.

How do I know if I am truly humble? Evaluating humility before God involves reflecting on my dependence on Him, obedience to His will, and my attitude toward sin and others. I may ask myself: Do I rely on God’s power rather than my own limitations? Am I eager to obey Him even when it's costly, difficult, or sacrificial? Do I genuinely admit my faults with a spirit to turn away from sin? Am I characteristically grateful rather than self-focused and demanding? 

A humble person is also ready to be taught something new about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. They then move forward believing that truth and exemplify it in their lifestyles. Each occasion is potentially a learning experience provided by the Lord or a chance to serve. Humility means we understand that everyone has their own story and a portion of God’s will to execute; we know each believer is a servant of Christ and they live for Him and not us. We are thus freed from any baseless judgments of other servants of Christ because we know we are not the standard.

Take Your Stand

James 4:6-8

One of the most difficult things we as Believers are called upon to do is take a righteous stand. Whether it’s a matter of standing for God and right or standing firmly against sin and evil, the requirements are deeply held convictions and old fashion courage to spring into action. That is your belief and reasonable actions stemming from those well-founded values is our obligation before God. Taking a stand means we know the truth and are acting on that truth in responsible and Christ-honoring ways.

With such responsibilities and privileges, God affords us instruction to navigate this often emotionally charged terrain.  After all, much is at stake…sometimes it is necessary to take a godly stand with family or friends. Because we love them and treasure the relationship we obey God and confront the issue with them. Though such “talks” may feel a little awkward, we still take the initiative.

There will be occasions to take a stand in the work place to seek God’s honor, but you know He is not welcome nor is His Book…. You know you cannot go along to get along…yet you’ve invested so much, and you don’t want to jeopardize your professional future either. Conflicted within you sense your need for help.

Compromise may suddenly seem plausible, yet the desire to please the Lord with your family, friends, and professional pursuits outweigh all other concerns. So what help is available from God? What guidance does He afford the child of God wanting to do right, but sorely tempted to compromise? How can we resist the Devil’s manipulations as he applies more pressure?

So, How Does God Assist Embattled Believers?

Often when under such pressure, we feel completely alone…as if God has abandoned us to struggle under such pressures alone. As you know, we cannot trust our feelings to guide us because they often interfere with clear and accurate thinking. It is entirely correct to look to the Lord. God assists His people when we face such challenges. One thing God does is provide strengthen and reinforcing grace.

There is Powerful Grace from God (Js. 4:6).

He gives more grace (4:6). The first five verses of this chapter indicate how wicked the old nature can be. Now we learn that we are not left to deal with the lusts of the flesh in our own strength. Thank God, He gives more grace or strength whenever it is needed (Heb. 4:16). He has promised, “... as thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deut. 33:25). I am certain you would agree with the words of Annie Johnson Flint,

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. 

Clearly, God wants us to depend on His grace, “But He giveth more grace,” (4:6) while the devil wants us to depend on ourselves. Satan is the author of all “do-it-yourself” spiritual enterprises. He enjoys inflating the ego and encouraging the believer to do it his own way. Despite Jesus’ warnings about Satan’s plans, Peter fell into the snare, pulled out his sword, and tried to accomplish God’s will in his own way. What a mess he made of things!

We Must Assume a Humble Spirit before God (Js. 4:6-7a).

Specifically, God provides “grace unto the humble.” Yes, we are called upon to shun pride and to humbly submit to God’s authority. He will supply incredible unmerited favor to those who understand the cure for conflict is a humble spirit. Beloved, this is how we secure God’s powerful aid in our battles.

MacDonald wisely observed,

To prove that God gives grace as it is needed, James quoted Proverbs 3:34, but here there is the added thought that it is to the humble, not the proud, that this grace is promised. God resists the proud, but He cannot resist the broken spirit. –Believer's Bible Commentary

We must all remember that God is the focus of all glory; there is no need or room for human pride (Rom. 7:18; 2 Tim. 1:6, 14). The correct posture before God is humbled on our knees acknowledging His excellence and supremacy. If you do not feel this way towards God, then spend time each day talking to Him from your knees. Your physical posture will help your brain catch up eventually. You see, humility recognizes the grandeur of God, our limitations before supernatural enemies, and our singular help in Almighty God. Beloved, the believer who kneels before God can stand against the flesh, the world, and the devil!

What Happens When We Stand Against the Devil? (Js. 4:7)

So, what can we expect as we engage in real spiritual battles?

Satan Will Flee When We Resist Him in the Lord.

James states a clear expectation for us to grasp, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The flipside of the first command. “Resist” literally means “take your stand against.” Although our own evil tendencies (Js. 1:14) and the desires battling within us (Js. 4:1) are the immediate sources of our problems, to give in to those internal desires is to yield to the devil (see Matt 4:1-11; Luke 22:31; John 13:2,27). All people are either under the lordship of Christ or the control of Satan (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 1 John 3:8; 5:19); there is no middle ground. Those who transfer their allegiance from Satan to God will find that Satan “will flee from” them; he is a defeated foe.

So long as Satan can stimulate human pride, he can interrupt God’s plan, even if only temporarily. But as powerful as Satan is, his only power over believers is in his powerful temptations. The devil can be resisted—and our resistance will cause him to flee. Conversely, a lack of resistance will practically guarantee ongoing harassment by Satan (see also Eph. 6:10-18 and 1 Peter 5:6-9).

“Neither give place to the devil,” cautions Paul in Ephesians 4:27. Satan needs a foothold in our lives if he is going to fight against God; and we give him that foothold. The way to resist the devil is to submit to God.

After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and killed her husband, he hid his sins for almost a year. There was war between him and God, and David had declared it. Read Psalms 32 and 51 to discover the high price David paid to be at war with God. When he finally submitted to God, David experienced peace and joy. This too he recorded in Psalms 32 and 51. Submission is an act of the will; it is saying, “Not my will but Thine be done.” (W. Wierbe)

The Devil’s Primary Purpose is to Separate Man from God.

Destined for everlasting destruction in the Lake of Fire, the Devil desires to take as many individuals with him as he possibly can. So many people are deceived by the Devil’s lies and manipulations…just as Heaven is real so is Hell. As certain as Jesus Christ is a reality so is the Devil, the World, and the Flesh real enemies of humanity. The truth is all humanity is sinful and lost with no real relationship with God. If we die in this state Hell will be our eternal place of suffering and destruction. The painful fact is we can do absolutely nothing to improve or change our situation in a positive way. God, because of His great love and mercy, provided the solution for our sinful condition through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ paid for my sins and yours. You and I must turn from our unbelief, rejection of God, and sin to Jesus as our personal Savior. Acknowledge your sinfulness to God and ask Him for forgiveness based on Christ’s death and resurrection. Trust the living Jesus, the risen Son of God, to save you and give you a brand-new beginning and a new life with God. Dear friend, God is offering you real hope; believe Him with all your heart.   

Among the reasons we so desperately need God's grace is that we are locked in mortal combat with a superior enemy. We cannot handle him alone; he is far too strong. Beloved, we desperately need God’s help to resist Satan's separating schemes and instead draw near to God. We must realize that the Devil's power over us is only as strong as the illusion that he is more powerful than God's help. We must trust that the Spirit who is in us is greater than Satan who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Acknowledge the assistance God provides to every humble and submissive believer embattled with the flesh, the world system, and the Devil himself. You have not been abandoned and you need not stand alone. Stand therefore, beloved assure of strengthening grace and power to overcome the manipulations of the wicked one. Stand with the assurance that Satan will flee before a child of God empowered by God’s mighty grace. So again, recognize God’s assistance, submit to God as your commander and chief, then resist the Devil. Beloved, take your stand!