The Answer to Sinful Pride Problems Christians Face

What is pride? Biblically, one who thinks too highly of himself, or an undue sense of one’s own self importance. Thinking we don’t need God Manifested in arrogance, self-righteousness, boasting, etc. We can be prideful in many ways James 4:6, Proverbs 6:16-17

The Bible and pride What does pride do? It dethrones God from our hearts It deceives us as to who we really are It can lead to numerous other sins It will lead to our condemnation (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Humility, the answer to pride Humility, putting one’s real worth into proper perspective. Thinking of others rather than yourself. It is recognizing God’s right to rule in our hearts and lives and to use our gifts to bring glory to Him.

Humility, the answer to pride Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Romans 12:3, do not think MORE highly of yourself than you ought to think James 4:10, humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord…

Humility, the answer to pride Colossians 3:12, a quality to be “put on”, along with “tender mercies”, etc. 1 Corinthians 13:4, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up Matthew 18:1-4, humble yourselves as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven

Examples of humility Moses, Numbers 12:3 (Exodus 3 & 4, Hebrews 11:24-25, etc.) demonstrated as He led Israel. Jesus, Matthew 11:28-29, Philippians 2:5-7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Peter 2:21-24, etc. He demonstrated humility in every way in His life.

Remember your place Developing humility Romans 12:3, 16 Accept your circumstances in life (what you cannot control) Consider Jesus Philippians 2:8. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death (cf. Hebrew 5:8)

The process… Matthew 5:3-6 Developing humility The process… Matthew 5:3-6 Poor in spirit Hunger & Thirst after righteousness Those who mourn Meekness (humility)

Submit to God Developing humility Proverbs 8:13, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Matthew 5:5, the meek inherit the earth (a quality that wins the world for goodness; our “new earth” – eternal reward – 2 Peter 3:13)

Realize that meekness and humility are not degrading qualities. Developing humility Realize that meekness and humility are not degrading qualities. While the world may perceive meekness as being weak and exploit it, we need meekness James 4:7-8, Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil… (cf. 6 & 10)

Submit to others Developing humility 1 Peter 5:5, be submissive to one another. Associate with the humble, Romans 12:16 Think about others and their needs, Philippians 2:3-4 Serve others, Galatians 5:13, cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19

Check your thoughts Developing humility THINK before you assume! (cf. James 1:19) 1 Corinthians 10:12, Let him who thinks he stands 2 Corinthians 10:5, we struggle to bring every thought into captivity Philippians 4:8, the types of things we think about

Developing humility NOTE: We are still accountable to correct error 2 Timothy 2:25, in humility correcting those in error Galatians 6:1, restore them in a spirit of gentleness 1 Peter 3:15, give a defense with meekness and fear

Be thankful Developing humility Gratitude leads to humility Thankful in all things, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 4:2 Considering what Christ did, cf. 1 Timothy 1:12, 15

Pray about it Developing humility James 1:5, do we ask for humility (like wisdom)? (Jas. 3:17 – the wisdom from above IS gentle and yields)

When you do sin, repent and ask for forgiveness Developing humility When you do sin, repent and ask for forgiveness Acts 8:21-22, pray the though of your heart be forgiven you.

Are you humbly overcoming your pride?