A Fundamental Church Problem: Pride Series

1. The NT letters often address certain issues and problems of congregations. Corinth had major problems such as:

a. Divisions

b. Immorality

c. Abuses of the Lord’s Supper

d. Temptation

e. Marriage

f. Spiritual Gifts and Love

g. Resurrection

2. We could talk about modern issues but in reality, our issues are their issues

[Restoration Movement started as a Unity Movement but has wound up to be filled with division –In the American church it seems to me that the problem of PRIDE has become significant

3. James 4:6-8a 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

I. Satan Appeals to Our Pride

A. He Appeals in Three Areas:

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

B. Adam and Eve – Pride to be God (Satan’s desire)

C. Job – Blameless outwardly – Proud inwardly?

D. Jesus’ Temptations – Matthew 4:1-11

1. Flesh (Stones to Bread)

2. Pride of Life (Pinnacle of Temple)

3. Eye (All Kingdoms + a shortcut to avoid cross)

II. Satan Attacks Our Pride

A. We Want It OUR Way [Burger King

B. Pride Produces:

1. Divisions

2. Arrogant Attitudes – “I’m smarter/better than you.” 1 Corinthians 8:1b-3

This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

3. Rise of Shallow Churches – Vegan Church b/c of 1 Corinthians 8:13b I will never eat meat,

III. Attending to Our Pride

A. Cultivate Humility in Our Lives!

1. The antidote

2. James 4:6b “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (CF Proverbs 3:34)

B. Fact – We are DEPENDENT on God for EVERYTHING!

1. Vine and Branches – John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

2. Pride Brings Loss of Love (for God/others) –

a. Ephesians – Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

b. Jesus’ Challenging Question to Peter – “Do you love me?” John 21:15-19

c. [Generations and Jesus slide

3. Pride Needs Nothing (Laodicea) Revelation 3:17 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

4. Pride keeps us from:

a. Hearing God – Naaman

b. Serving – we want to be served more

*Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

*Someone has observed we want to be “servants” until someone treats us that way.

*”Elder to serve younger” (Genesis 25:23; Romans 15:1)

*Jesus washing disciples’ feet

c. Admitting wrongs

d. Asking for forgiveness

e. Forgiving others

f. Yet Repeatedly God humbly cares for us

C. Our Heroes are of a Humble Nature – Moses; Jesus, etc.

D. We Are to Walk Humbly with Him – Micah 6:6-8

6 “With what shall I come before the LORD,

and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

with calves a year old?

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

8 He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

1. God rewards a humble spirit and has a way of humbling us when we are not.

2. If we humble ourselves:

a. He honors us – James 4:10 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

b. Our problems diminish

c. We live a happier life

3. It’s all about dying to self (Galatians 2:20)