03 Those-who-are-proud (copy)

LOYALTY and DISLOYALTY

Introduction: Those Who Are Proud

  • Pride is considered the most deadly evil affecting humanity.

  • It is an invisible force leading to many conflicts and wars.

  • The need for humility is urgent; pride causes contention.

  • Biblical reference: Proverbs 13:10 - "Only by pride cometh contention; but with the well advised is wisdom."

  • Pride is pervasive and universal across all societies.

  • It manifests in relationships, leading to separation and conflict.

The Nature and Impact of Pride

  • Conflicts and Marital Issues:

    • Marital problems often stem from pride.

    • Influence of Satan in causing pride and strife (Job 41:34).

  • Church Issues:

    • Disloyalty and conflicts in churches arise from individuals feeling equal to leaders.

  • Examples from history include Lucifer and the rebellion against God, mirroring how pride leads to disloyalty.

Chapter 1: Humble Yourself

Importance of Humility

  • Call to action: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord" (James 4:10).

  • Definitions of humility: Must align with God's definition rather than popular or personal views.

  • Seven Reasons to Humble Yourself:

    1. God Resists the Proud: Resistance leads to divine opposition (James 4:6).

    2. Grace for the Humble: Humility attracts God’s grace.

    3. Promotion: Humble people will be exalted (1 Peter 5:6).

    4. Protection: Humility serves as spiritual covering.

    5. Warning of Destruction: Pride is a precursor to shame and downfall (Proverbs 29:23).

    6. Satanic Nature of Pride: Pride aligns individuals with Satan (Job 41:34).

    7. God's Disgust for Pride: Pride leads to being an abomination to God (Proverbs 16:5).

Chapter 2: How To Be Humble Like a Child

  • The Childlike Perspective:

    • Humility involves characteristics observed in children.

    • Key traits include forgiveness, teachability, and reliance on others.

  • Characteristics of Childlike Humility:

    1. Quick to forgive.

    2. Open to learning new things.

    3. Willing to follow and be instructed.

    4. Not prideful about wealth or status.

    5. Embraces adventure and new experiences.

    6. Dependent on others for care.

    7. Trusting and believing.

Chapter 3: How To Be Humble Like a Servant

  • Serving with Humility:

    • Humility is closely tied to servanthood.

    • Emphasizes doing menial jobs without looking down on them.

  • Signs of Humility in Service:

    1. Willingness to perform menial tasks.

    2. Content with basic conditions.

    3. Openness to training and learning.

    4. Honoring those in authority.

    5. Patience in awaiting instructions.

    6. Ability to serve without needing acknowledgment or recognition.

Chapter 4: Mind Not High Things

  • Avoiding Prideful Attitudes:

    • Emphasizes the importance of humility in ministry and daily life.

    • Warns against being high-minded or elitist.

    • Focus on the poor and those in need of spiritual guidance.

Chapter 5: Proud Speaking

  • Identifying Proud Speech:

    • Fifteen indicators of proud speaking include overconfidence and rejection of counsel.

    • Biblical references provided for each type of prideful speech.

Chapter 6: What it Means To Have A Proud Look

  • Pride is Expressed Through Body Language:

    • Discusses how pride can be observed in physical demeanor and the atmosphere one creates.

Chapters 7-17: Examples of Pride in Biblical Figures

  1. Lucifer: Example of falling from grace through prideful ambitions.

  2. Vashti: Puffing up resulting from disobedience to authority.

  3. Nebuchadnezzar: Ignoring warnings leading to downfall.

  4. Belshazzar: Showing disdain for the sacred.

  5. Rehoboam: Failing to heed wise counsel.

  6. Pharaoh: Ignoring warnings from God, leading to destruction.

  7. Korah: Rebellion against spiritual authority.

  8. General Theme: The overarching results of pride include loss of position, destruction, and alienation from God.