PRIDE: An overly high opinion of oneself; conceit, arrogance,
boastfulness, puffed up, swelling up, stiff-necked, stuck-up and
vain-glory.
1. Pride started a long time ago:
Satan started this Ultimate Trip:
(Isaiah
14:13-14) “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into
heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also
upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I
will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most
High.
The first sin of our first parents, which has brought sin
to all their descendants, was pride; for the tempter whispered to them,
“You shall be as gods.”
Paul stated—(1 Cor. 9:24) “Do you not
know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the
prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”
( Col. 3:23) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and
not to men.”
2. Why is Pride so Bad…
a. Because God Hates it.
Prov.
6:16-17—“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination
to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,”
Prov. 8:13—“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.”
Prov. 11:2—“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.”
Prov. 13:10—“By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.”
Prov. 16:5—“Every one proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”
Prov. 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Prov. 29:23—“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Jesus said, “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt. 23:12
Luke 18:9-14—The contrast between pride and humility:
b. Pride stand opposed to God—James 4:6, “…God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
c.
Pride is the springboard to further sin—Prov. 16:18, “Pride goes before
destruction, and a haughty sprit before stumbling.”
3. What To Do About Pride:
a.Recognize it: The 9 symptoms to recognize
*An Inconsistent Prayer Life
* Weariness
* Bursts of Anger
* A Critical, Judgmental Spirit
* Defensive Reactions to Criticism
* Being Despondent After Failure
* Taking Responsibility or Credit For Success /Accomplishments
* Impatience
* And unwillingness To Associate with Others
b. Repent of it
c. Ready yourself to fight pride every day
James 4:6-10—Resist---Come Near (7b,8a)
Wash---Purify (8b)
Grieve---Change (9)
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