MEMORY VERSE: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 5:5-7.
INTRODUCTION
Despite the magnitude of God’s creations Psalm 8:3-4, God still humble Himself to behold the activities of man on earth Psalm 113:5-6. A proud person is therefore repulsive to Him and He resists such an individual. Lucifer was cast out of heaven because of pride Isaiah 14:12-14. The Ancient Greek word ‘pride’ is ‘Hubris’: it describes a personality of dangerous overconfidence or an over inflated self- confidence synonymous with arrogance. God intentionally builds a wall of resistance against the proud.
OUTLINE
1.PRIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
2.ELIMINATING DIVINE RESISTANCE
1.PRIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
The Bible gives records of some characters who were filled with ‘hubris’. These include King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:30, King Belshazzar Daniel 5:20, Goliath 1 Samuel 17:41-44, the rich fool in Jesus’ parable Luke 12:16-20, and King Herod Acts 12:21-23. All these men were resisted and judged by God for their sin of pride. Nebuchadnezzar was
filled with pride when he boasted about Babylon but God brought him low, and he ate grass Daniel 4:30-32. Pride is rebellion against God and a bid to share in His glory Ezekiel 28:17; Jeremiah 13:15-16. Herod tried it when the people gave the glory due to God to him, but God reduced him to nothing as he was eaten by worms and died Acts 12:21-23.
God reserves the following punishment for the proud: He cuts them off by silencing them Psalm 12:3. He keeps His distance from them and ensures that they are kept in derision Psalm 138:6. He will destroy their house Proverbs 15:25. The proud are offensive to the Lord and would not go unpunished Proverbs 16:5. He will bring them down Isaiah 2:12. He will cause their arrogance to cease Isaiah 13:11. He is against them and will make them stumble Jeremiah 50:31-32. He will demean them Daniel 4:37 They shall be wasted like debris and straw Malachi 4:1.
2.ELIMINATING DIVINE RESISTANCE
God sets Himself in battle array against the proud Obadiah 1:2-4, James 4:6. He repels those who live in pride and self-sufficiency by trusting in themselves and despising others. Pride stirs up strife Proverbs 28:25. Pride is sin Proverbs 21:4, and thus, the proud is abominable to God Proverbs 16:5a.
Humility is the antidote for pride and a requirement to walk with God Micah 6:8. To be humble is simply a lack of pride -a state marked by meekness or modesty without any iota of arrogance Colossians 3:12. It is the attitude of having no special importance that makes you better than other Philippians 2:5-8.
Unlike pride which puts a barrier (a wall of resistance) between man and God, humble people receive grace from God 1 Peter 5:5b. He forgives their sins and heals their land 2 Chronicles 7:14. He hears when they call 2 Chronicles 34:27; Psalm 9:12. God will save them Job 22:29. He guides and teaches them His way Psalm 25:9. Furthermore, humility comes before honour Proverbs 18:12; Philippians 2:7-11 and it brings riches and life Proverbs 22:4.
However, being humble must be a conscious and deliberate resolve; Jesus says whoever humbles himself as a little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven Matthew 18:4. Humility must be worn like a garment every day 1 Peter 5:5b.
CONCLUSION
Pride goes before a fall Proverbs 16:18. Be humble.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Proverbs 18:12.
MON: Matthew 23:11.
TUES: Matthew 18:3.
WED: 2 Peter 1:10.
THURS: Isaiah 1:17.
FRI: Hosea 6:6.
SAT: Acts 1:18.