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Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-4

The Perils of Pride

 

Intro.

1.  Jesus was the most humble man who ever lived, and He calls us to have His mind, Phil. 2:5-8 (Matt. 18:1-4).

2.  We must admit the struggle with pride that challenges us all.

3.  The danger of pride is its self-deceiving nature:

  a.  When we examine ourselves for sin, who says, "My problem is pride"? ("I'm so proud to be so humble"!)

  b.  Yet, the thread of pride runs through practically every sin.

  c.  Pride is worldly, putting trust in self and in the flesh, 1 Jno. 2:16.

4.  Pride: An exaggerated regard for self; a swollen estimate of oneself that prompts looking down on others, treating them rudely, with disrespect and contempt. It thinks too highly of itself, Rom. 12:3.

 

I.  PRIDE IS DEFILING, Mk. 7:22-23.

  A.  Pride is the Way of the World, 1 Jno. 2:15-16.

    1.  Pride denies the power of godliness because it is self-centered  in how it views the world around it, cf. Eve, Gen. 3:6.

    2.  Pride is driven by lust for attention and acclaim, yet forfeits them all for a fraudulent and faithless view of self and others.

  B.  Pride Develops in a Heart that has Turned to Evil, Mk. 7:21.

    1.  Grows in an evil heart of unbelief, (cf. Heb. 3:12).

    2.  As the heart is given over to unbelief, pride becomes a defensive barrier from the rebukes and pleadings of truth to repent.

    3.  It corrupts the entire person, Mk. 7:23.

  C.  Pride Produces:

    1.  Strife and shame, Prov. 13:10; 11:2. (Relationships are damaged)

    2.  Rude and cruel speech, Prov. 14:3. (Not thoughtful of others)

 

II.  PRIDE IS DECEPTIVE, Gal. 6:3. It cannot view others better (Phil. 2:3).

  A.  Pride is Haughty in its View and Treatment of Others, Prov. 6:17.

    1.  It does not see redeeming value in others, Prov. 30:11-13.

    2.  Condescending, arrogant treatment of others (words/deeds) is a part of pride, cf. Rom. 1:30; 12:16 (conceit).

    3.  Pride not only lifts us up above man, but also above God - the ultimate insult against God, Job 38:1-4 (42:1-6).

  B.  Pride Deceives Us to Trust in Our Own Knowledge Instead of Loving and Trusting God, 1 Cor. 8:1-3.

    1.  When I view any subject in terms of  “me” and what I "know" instead of "God" and His will for me, I am being prideful.

    2.  Causes sinful treatment of others (puffed up) Prov. 21:24 (Scoffer).

       -Acts in “proud wrath” (KJV) – Violent anger toward others.

 

III.  PRIDE IS DESTRUCTIVE, Prov. 16:18; 18:12.

  A.  Pride Destroys a Proper View of Self, Jer. 10:23.

    1.  Pride convinces us we are (always) right, Prov. 16:25.

    2.  In fact, pride takes us downward, Prov. 29:23.

  B.  Pride Destroys a Proper View of Others, cf. Lk. 18:9, 11, 14.

    1.  As pride overestimates its own value it devalues others, which in turn mistreats others, cf. Matt. 7:12.

    2.  Pride does not (cannot) serve others. Matt. 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8.

  C.  Pride Destroys Respect for Christ and His Word, 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

    1.  It is God (His word) who is always right, Psa. 19:9.

    2.  Pride disregards truth and accepts the lies that generate self-importance, 1 Tim. 6:3 (proud: "superior, lifted up", lifted up with haughtiness).

 

Conclusion

1.  The proud trust the imaginations (dispositions) of their hearts, but God scatters them (lays waste), Lk. 1:51 (Prov. 15:25).

2.  God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, 1 Pet. 5:5-7.

  a.  Pride refuses to submit to men and God where humble submissiveness is required and beneficial, 1 Pet. 5:5.

  b.  Only by humbling ourselves to God will He lift us up, 1 Pet. 5:6 (Lk. 18:14).

  c.  Even refusing to cast our care (anxiety) on the Lord is evidence of pride in our hearts, 1 Pet. 5:7.

3.  You will obtain grace from God when you humble yourself to Him and obey His gospel of salvation. Isa. 57:15

 

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: October 5, 2016