Preaching on The Folly of Self-Exaltation

The Folly of Self-Exaltation

Let us turn our attention to the folly of self-exaltation, a path that leads not to glory, but to ruin.

1. He Who Seeks Exaltation Loves Strife (Proverbs 17:19)

“He who loves transgression loves strife; he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” (Proverbs 17:19). Those who relentlessly pursue their own elevation sow discord and reap destruction. True humility fosters peace, while pride breeds conflict.

2. Prudence in Seeking Honor (Proverbs 25:6-7)

“Do not boast in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men. For it is better that they say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than that you should be humbled before the prince whom your eyes have seen.” (Proverbs 25:6-7). The wise person does not clamor for recognition. They understand that true honor comes from God, and it is far better to be invited up than to be publicly demoted.

3. Excessive Pursuit of Honor is Dangerous (Proverbs 25:27)

“Eating much honey is not good; so seeking one's own glory is not glory.” (Proverbs 25:27). Just as too much sweetness can be harmful, so too is the excessive pursuit of self-glory. It is a fleeting and empty pursuit, devoid of lasting value.

4. The Fall of Satan – The Danger of Self-Exaltation (Isaiah 14:13-14)

“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Satan’s fall serves as a stark warning against the insatiable desire for self-exaltation. Pride is the root of spiritual ruin.

5. The Deception of Self-Confidence and Pride (Isaiah 47:10)

“You trusted in your wickedness and said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’” (Isaiah 47:10). Self-exaltation breeds self-deception, blinding us to our true condition. Pride distorts our perception of reality.

6. The King of Tyre: An Example of Pride and Ruin (Ezekiel 28:2)

“Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, "I am God, I sit in the seat of God in the midst of the seas," yet you are a man and no God, though you set your heart as the heart of God.’” (Ezekiel 28:2). Those who dare to usurp God’s place will inevitably be brought down. Human pride is a fragile foundation.

7. Judgment Against the Proud (Ezekiel 31:10)

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have exalted yourself in your stature, and your top has lifted up among the thick boughs, and your heart has been lifted up in its height.” (Ezekiel 31:10). God opposes the proud, and the higher the self-exaltation, the greater the fall.

8. The Deception of Those Who Feel Untouchable (Obadiah 4)

“Though you were exalted like the eagle, and though you made your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.” (Obadiah 4). No one is beyond God’s reach. All human pride will be humbled.

9. Jesus' Teaching: Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled (Matthew 23:12)

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12). This is a fundamental principle of God’s kingdom. True exaltation comes through humility, not self-promotion.

10. The Foolish Request of the Sons of Zebedee (Mark 10:37)

“And they said unto him, Grant us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy glory.” (Mark 10:37). The desire for positions of power and prestige is contrary to the spirit of Christ. True greatness lies in service, not in self-exaltation.

Preaching on The Folly of Self-Exaltation

Conclusion

Let us cast aside the foolish pursuit of self-glory and embrace the path of humility. Let us remember that true exaltation comes from God, and it is granted to those who serve Him with a humble heart. Amen.