Introduction

Good morning, Church family! Today, we're going to dive into a message from the book of James. We'll be exploring the danger of pride, the blessing of humility, and how we can live in God's will.

As C.S. Lewis once said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." True humility isn't about putting ourselves down, but rather, it's about focusing on God and others more.

Let's take a moment to read our scripture passage from James 4:7-10 (NIV):

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Let's pray together as we begin our time of study and reflection:

Heavenly Father, we come before You today, asking You to open our hearts and minds to Your truth. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where pride is hindering our relationship with You and others, and teach us to walk in humility. Show us, Lord, how to live in Your will and experience the blessings that come from a humble heart. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's dive in.

The Danger of Pride

The danger of pride is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, and it is one that James addresses with great urgency in his letter. Pride is a deceptive and destructive force that can easily creep into our lives, often without us even realizing it. It is a spiritual cancer that eats away at our relationship with God and others, causing division, strife, and ultimately, spiritual death. Therefore, it is essential that we recognize the danger of pride and take the necessary steps to guard against it.

One of the most significant dangers of pride is that it blinds us to our own faults and shortcomings. When we are filled with pride, we tend to focus on the speck in our brother's eye while ignoring the plank in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-5). This self-righteous attitude prevents us from seeing our own need for repentance and growth, and it can lead to a hardened heart that is resistant to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

Another aspect of the danger of pride is that it leads to a false sense of security and self-sufficiency. When we are filled with pride, we may begin to believe that we can handle life's challenges on our own, without the help of God or others. This mindset is not only foolish but also dangerous, as it sets us up for failure and disappointment.

Proverbs 16:18 warns us that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." When we rely on our own strength and wisdom, we are setting ourselves up for a fall, as we are not tapping into the limitless power and guidance that God offers us.

Pride also has a tendency to breed arrogance and a sense of entitlement. When we are filled with pride, we may begin to believe that we deserve certain things in life, whether it be success, recognition, or material possessions. This mindset can lead to a lack of gratitude and a spirit of discontentment, as we are never satisfied with what we have and always striving for more.

Moreover, pride can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion for others. When we are consumed with our own self-importance, it can be difficult to see the needs and struggles of those around us. We may become judgmental and critical, lacking the grace and mercy that God has shown us. This lack of empathy can lead to broken relationships and a failure to fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

Another danger of pride is that it can lead to spiritual stagnation. When we are filled with pride, we may begin to believe that we have "arrived" spiritually and that there is no more room for growth or improvement. This mindset can cause us to become complacent in our walk with God, neglecting our spiritual disciplines and failing to seek His guidance and wisdom. As a result, our spiritual growth may come to a standstill, and we may find ourselves drifting further and further away from God.

Pride can also lead to a distorted view of God. When we are filled with pride, we may begin to see God as a cosmic vending machine, existing solely to meet our needs and desires. This mindset can cause us to approach God with a sense of entitlement, expecting Him to bless us and answer our prayers on our terms. This distorted view of God can lead to a shallow and self-centered faith that is more focused on what God can do for us than on who He is and what He desires for our lives.

One of the most insidious dangers of pride is that it can lead to spiritual blindness. When we are filled with pride, we may become resistant to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, believing that we have no need for repentance or change. This spiritual blindness can cause us to become hardened to the truth of God's Word, and it can lead to a life that is marked by disobedience and rebellion against God. As Jesus warned the Pharisees in Matthew 23:26, "First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

Finally, pride can lead to isolation and loneliness. When we are filled with pride, we may begin to believe that we are better than others and that we have no need for their friendship or support. This mindset can cause us to push people away, as we become more focused on our own self-importance than on building meaningful relationships with others. As a result, we may find ourselves isolated and alone, missing out on the blessings that come from genuine community and fellowship.

The Blessing of Humility

Humility allows us to recognize our own limitations, weaknesses, and dependence on God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO