Sermon About Pride: Conquering Pride with Humility

The concept of pride has been around for centuries;
In many cultures, pride is seen as a good thing. People should be proud of their achievements; it makes them stronger and helps them to avoid negative thoughts. However, people should be careful about how they express their pride. Being too proud can cause trouble for everyone.

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I. The Proud Resist the Word of God (Jeremiah 43:2,4,7)

Our journey into understanding pride and its consequences begins with a look at the resistance to the Word of God. In Jeremiah 43:2,4,7, we see the example of God's people who refused to listen to His word through the prophet Jeremiah. Their pride caused them to reject God's guidance, leading to their own detriment. Pride can blind us to the wisdom and direction found in God's Word.

II. "Pride Comes Before Destruction" (Proverbs 16:18)

Proverbs 16:18 famously warns us that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse serves as a clear reminder that pride can be the precursor to our downfall. When we allow pride to take hold of our hearts, we become vulnerable to making poor decisions and experiencing the consequences of our arrogance.

III. "God Resists the Proud" (James 4:6)

James 4:6 provides another perspective on pride, revealing that "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." God's resistance to the proud is a sobering thought, as it signifies that pride hinders our communion with Him and His grace. It is through humility that we can experience His unmerited favor and blessings.

IV. Fall Due to Pride (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Isaiah 14:12-15 provides a profound illustration of pride leading to a catastrophic fall. It describes the downfall of Lucifer, who, in his pride, sought to exalt himself above God. His rebellion resulted in his expulsion from heaven. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride, even in the spiritual realm.

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V. "Humility Before Honor" (Proverbs 15:33)

We begin by considering Proverbs 15:33, which states, "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." This verse emphasizes that true honor and wisdom are born out of humility. Humility is the foundation upon which God's favor and blessings rest. It is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God and a recognition of His wisdom and sovereignty.

VI. Pride as a Barrier to Repentance (Luke 18:9-14)

In Luke 18:9-14, we find the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee's pride and self-righteousness prevented him from approaching God with a humble heart. In contrast, the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, approached God with humility and repentance. Jesus teaches us that it is the humble heart that receives God's mercy. Pride can act as a barrier to repentance, hindering our ability to receive forgiveness and transformation.

VII. Pride in the Christian Community: Cause of Division (1 Corinthians 3:3)

1 Corinthians 3:3 warns us of the destructive power of pride within the Christian community: "For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?" Pride can lead to divisions, jealousy, and strife among believers. It disrupts the unity that God desires for His Church. To maintain a harmonious Christian community, we must address and overcome our pride.

VIII. Be a servant: To the scriptures

All Christians are called to be servants of the scriptures
What does it mean to be a servant of the scripture?

It is to humble ones self and to put God first
It is to lose your life in service to God through scripture
It is the opposite of pride and arrogance, we will never know everything.

2 Peter 3:18.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
To me, to grow in grace is to:

Grow in God’s power.
Get rid of the pride, ego, and attitude of self-sufficiency. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

Conclusion:

Pride is a formidable and destructive force that can hinder our relationship with God and lead to our downfall. The examples in Scripture, such as the resistance to God's Word, the warning in Proverbs, the promise of grace to the humble in James, and the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah, all highlight the importance of humbling ourselves before God.

Ppride is a stumbling block that hinders our spiritual growth, repentance, and unity within the Christian community. The Scriptures remind us that humility precedes honor, and it is a crucial quality for drawing near to God. The parable in Luke underscores the importance of approaching God with a humble and repentant heart, while 1 Corinthians warns us of the divisive nature of pride within the Church.

As we reflect on these passages, let us examine our own hearts and seek to cultivate humility in our lives. By acknowledging our dependence on God and recognizing His wisdom and guidance through His Word, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and embrace the blessings of humility. Let us choose the path of humility, knowing that it leads to a closer relationship with our loving Father and safeguards us from the destructive force of pride. In the name of Jesus, we pray

Sermon About Pride: Conquering Pride with Humility