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.

---

^[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.

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.  

 

 

Correcting Pride to Be Fruitful

“Correcting Pride to Be Fruitful”

Prov. 3:12; John 15:1-8 

SUBJECT: CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: 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, we must examine our hearts for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue to bear spiritual fruit.  

RELEVANCY:

Nothing compels us to take inventory and make spiritual changes like troubles. When facing adversity, it is important to look inward to see what corrections should be made to truly stay on course with the Lord’s will.

Certainly, we must move forward in growth, and trouble is God’s tool to encourage us along.  Therefore, we need to understand HOW to respond to troubles for spiritual benefit.  

INTRODUCTION:

The Lord Always Requires His Beloved Children to Make Changes in at Least Four Areas.

The Lord insists that we:

    A) conquer pride and humble ourselves to His will.

    B) come to the place where we hate sin and purge ourselves of evil.

    C) sift our friendships so that they are in keeping with His plan for our lives.

    D) adjust our priorities so that we place highest value on the things of God and, in turn, adopt new habits of behavior based on right priorities.

Sometimes Pride, Sin, Harmful Relationships, and Wrong Priorities Are So Deeply Embedded Within Us That We Can Hardly Recognize Them in Ourselves. During such dangerous blindness we need God’s help. Today let’s concentrate more on correcting our attitude of pride to be more fruitful.  

 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.

God out of love for us seeks to make us more like Christ using trouble. A prideful reaction to trouble would likely involve defensiveness, stubbornness, or even denial. Instead of accepting God’s help or acknowledging our mistake, our ego-driven response often leads to deflecting blame, dismissing constructive feedback, or masking vulnerability with anger and a false sense of superiority.

Some common carnal and prideful behaviors may include:

• Blame Shifting: Refusing to take accountability by shifting responsibility onto others or the situation.
• Rejecting God’s Help: Stubbornly refusing assistance from the Lord out of a fear of appearing weak or needy.
• Antagonism and Defensiveness: Responding to God’s correction with hostility, irritability, or sarcasm to protect one's self-image.
• Doubling Down: Committing deeper to a flawed course of action just to prove oneself right.

We only prolong the trouble with such reactions and guarantee its reoccurrence! Even when we become complacent and due to His great love, the Lord may permit troubles to come our way to jostle us forward in our spiritual walk. 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 the Lord intended.

OUR LORD IS MOTIVATED TO CORRECT US SO THAT WE BEAR MORE FRUIT.

Another reason the Lord corrects us is that we may be fruitful. Jesus taught this point using the analogy of a vine and its branches:

John 15:1-8, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Our Lord taught that believers must stay intimately connected to Him to be spiritually productive. Christ is the true source of spiritual life, God the Father shapes and nurtures believers, and bearing “fruit” represents exhibiting holy character and beneficial activities. This brings ‘glory’ to God! Accordingly, what can we learn….

   1. A Diligent Farmer Works Hard to Prepare the Plants to Bear Fruit.  Vs 1-2

God, our heavenly Father, is the “husbandman” or vinedresser—farmer. As the Gardener, He cultivates the Vine and the branches to achieve their best productivity; a grapevine needs the attention of an insightful gardener. Wild vines are rather unproductive. God’s role of producing growth is somethings the Bible’s repeatedly portrayal. (1 Cor 3:6; Col 2:19).

      A.  The Father Prunes Us.

John 15:2, Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

           1. Pruning is a Continuous Matter.

He will continue to prune us—so that everything in our lives bears fruit or, in other words, is beneficial to his eternal purposes.   Vs 2

           2. Pruning is a Painful Matter.

Whatever he cuts away from our lives, even though it may involve the pain of adversity or trial, is for our benefit. It's dead wood as far as the Lord is concerned, and dead wood occupies space—or in the case of our lives, our time and energy—that could be occupied by fruit-bearing activities.

I once played basketball religiously; my friends and I would play several “pick-up” games every evening after work. It was normal to play seven days a week for at least 2 hours each evening at the gym. I really loved the game and could play well! But when I was saved, I could not afford to spend as much time at the gym as I uses to. I could not be faithful to the Lord’s House and play Sunday morning B-Ball also. Further, I could not build a solid relationship with my wife if I were playing basketball every evening after work. I could not involve myself in church visitation activities and our own neighborhood German ministry if I continued to play basketball every evening. God ‘purged’ my life of many aspects of basketball so that my time and energies could be used to share the gospel, learn about the Lord Jesus, and to serve other believers. My life became more ‘fruitful’ for Christ because the Father as the farmer cut away excess—wasted time and energy—in my life to enable me to be more fruitful for His Kingdom.

     B.  The Father Focuses Us.  John 15:2

 The act of pruning appears harsh at times, but so necessary. The farmer cuts back the lush, growing branches just as they are about to flower. But all of this is done for the ultimate good and benefit of all involved.

           1. From Good to Better.

The wise gardener knows that good must sometimes be sacrificed for better. Grape branches can grow very fast and very long (twelve to twenty feet). But as they develop length and size, they use resources that could be channeled into making fruit. Pruning focuses the growth and energy of the plant. A lush vine with little fruit has failed its purpose.

Our Heavenly Father is never nearer to you than when He is pruning you. Sometimes He cuts away the dead wood that might cause trouble; but often He cuts off the living tissue that is robbing you of spiritual vigor. Pruning does not simply mean spiritual surgery that removes what is bad. It can also mean cutting away the good and the better so that we might enjoy the best.  Yes, pruning hurts, but it also helps. We may not enjoy it, but we need it.                                                                       

           2. From Believers to Disciples.     Jn. 15:7-8

God’s pruning of our lives can be painful. He may limit or remove achievements, objects, and abilities. These may not be wrong in themselves, but God knows they will detract from our fruitfulness. We must not resent God's pruning. Instead, God's discipline should cause us to turn to him with renewed desire to be productive.

Furthermore, the Lord says that in abiding in him and his word, and in bearing fruit, we are his disciples.

    2. Our Diligent Father Invests Real Energy to Prepare Believers to Bear Fruit.

 Just as the pruning of vines is important to their fruitfulness, so the Lord's correction is necessary for us to accomplish our God-given purpose in life and to find deep inner fulfillment.

         A.  Rejoice in the Father’s Thoughtful Pruning.   Jn. 15:11

Rather than shudder at the thought of the Lord's pruning, we should rejoice. We are about to be liberated of all dead weight and falsehood that may keep us from blessings.                    

ARE YOU ATTACHED?

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to a vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the Vine? If not, you are missing the key to living the Christian life. 

The greatest judgment God could bring to a believer would be to leave him alone, let him have his own way. Because God loves us, He “prunes” us and encourages us to bear more fruit for His glory (Jn. 15:8). If the branches could speak, they would confess that the pruning process hurts; but they would also rejoice that they will be able to produce more and better fruit.

           B.  Respond Complicitly to the Father’s Purging.

How does the Father prune us?

                1. The Word Cleanses Us.

Sometimes He simply uses the Word to convict and cleanse us. (The word translated “purge” in John 15:2 is the same as “clean” in John 13:10. See also Eph 5:26-27.  So, the original Greek word for “purgeth” means pruning or cleansing. Even when a branch is producing fruit, God will trim and shape it so it can produce more fruit. Getting into the Word and allowing it to cleanse our thoughts, priorities, goals, motivations, dreams, skills, ideals, and values, is behaving with alignment with God.

Beloved, God's refining process in the life of a true believer, while it can involve the Bible, trials, discipline, and challenges, this pruning removes distractions, bad habits, and parasitic extensions that drain spiritual energy. Though the process can be painful, it is an act of divine love intended to build spiritual maturity and character.

                2. The Father Corrects Us. 

Sometimes He must chasten us (Heb 12:1-11). At the time, it hurts when He removes something precious from us; but as the “spiritual crop” is produced, we see that the Father knew what He was doing all along.

The more we abide in Christ, the more fruit we bear; and the more fruit we bear, the more the Father has to prune us so that the quality keeps up with the quantity. Left to itself, the branch might produce many clusters, but they will be inferior in quality. God is glorified by a bigger crop that is also a better crop. 

CONCLUSION:

Realizing God desires to correct our attitude of pride, focuses our self-examinations and identifies changes we need to make to be fruitful and more fruitful. We can really live for God’s glory by being more fruitful!

Remember, 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 the Lord desires us. Are you dealing with troubles? Isn’t it time to take a look inward to see what you may need to correct? Are you still on course with what the Lord has for you? I know from personal experience this requires humbling ourselves to embrace God’s will more completely. Though I am ashamed of it, I have even had brief periods of anger with God because of the level of pain and difficulty…. Still, we must insist on moving forward in the Lord trusting Him to guide us to greater fruitfulness. The goal is always growth in Christ. Trouble is God’s tool to encourage us along. Therefore, respond to Him with cooperation, submission, and compliance to realize God’s intended fruitfulness.