Freedom in Jesus: Set Free From Pride (Proverbs 16:18)

Series: Freedom in Jesus

Sermon: Set Free From Pride

Scripture: Proverbs 16:18

Date: August 26, 2018

 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  (Proverbs 16:18)

"This sin - the sin of pride - does more to hold back revival, more to destory homes than any other sin, causes more Christians to live in defeat than any other sin and does more to fill hell than any other sin."  -Adrian Rogers

Here are a couple of things that pride is not:

• Pride is not a good self image
• Pride is not being glad about a job well done

Pride is the most destructive thing in the universe.

Here's what pride is:

• Pride is an attitude of independence from God
• Pride is a spirit of ungratefulness to God
  • "When entitlement is high, joy is low."  -Steven Furtick
• Pride is esteeming (valuing) yourself better than someone else

Indications of a proud person:

• A proud person becomes irritated when corrected for mistakes
• A proud person accepts praise for things for which he/she has no control: beauty, talent, intellect, abilities
• A proud person will not admit mistakes
• A proud person says when there is a disagreement: I can get along without you
• A proud person has an ungrateful spirit
• A proud person refuses to accept counsel from other people
• A proud person does not want more - just more than someone else

 

3 ways pride devastates your life:

1. Pride defies God
   • These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.  (Proverbs 6:16-17)
   • The Lord detests all the proud of heart.  Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.  (Proverbs 16:5, NIV)
   • Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  (1 Peter 5:5)
2. Pride divides society
   • "There's never been an argument, war, divorce, or a church split that pride was not the major factor."  -Adrian Rogers
   • Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.  (Proverbs 13:10, NIV)
   • There is no problem too big to be solved, just people too small to solve them.
3. Pride destroys souls
   • The Lord will destory the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.  (Proverbs 15:25)
   • No one is so bad they can't be saved
     • But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.  (1 John 1:7)
   • No one is so good they don't need to be saved.
     • If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  (1 John 1:8)
   • How to get set free: come to Jesus
     • realize
     • repent
     • rely

"It's not about you."  -Rick Warren