#8 Dealing With Emotions – Pride In A Godly Way.

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Topic #8 Pride: An Abomination To God

     Pride in the sense of self-esteem, is good.  However, in the Bible pride refers to conceit, arrogance, feelings of superiority and boasting.  This kind of pride can be caused by feelings of inferiority and insecurity, self-centered or intellectualism.

     Underline any of the following feelings you have experienced.

1. You don’t like to be criticized, but you tend to be critical of others.
2. You are embarrassed by your spouses (or parents, friends, children) because of their lack of education, position or appearance.
3. You feel your talents and gifts have not been properly recognized.
4. If you can’t be the leader of a group, you don’t want to be involved.
5. You tend to look down on others and feel you are superior.
6. You resent someone else’s ability or talents.

An Abomination

What does God say about pride?

1. Proverbs 6:16-17?
2. Proverbs 8:13?
3. Proverbs 16:5?
4. Proverbs 16:18?
5. Proverbs 21:4?

Who is the originator of Pride on earth?

Read Isaiah 14:12-14, comparing it with Ezekiel 28:12-18.  How many “I wills” do you count in Isaiah 14?  ________ is pride personified.

From the illustration given in Luke 18:10-14, list characteristics of each person.  What was the final result for each one?

Have you ever been guilty of depending on your own goodness rather than on God’s grace?  _____

Servant Spirit

What commands are given relating to humility and meekness?

1. 1 Corinthians 1:31?
2. 1 Timothy 6:11?
3. 2 Timothy 2:25?
4. Titus 3:2?

What promises are given for the humble?

1. 2 Chronicles 7:4?
2. Isaiah 57:15?
3. Matthew 5:5?
4. James 4:6-10?
5. 1 Peter 5:5-6?

What is Jesus’ example?

1. Matthew 11:29?
2. 2 Corinthians 10:1?
3. Philippians 2:5-8?

List several ways you can humble yourself (Philippians 2:7-8)

How did Jesus become a servant to the disciples (John 13:4-17)

     List an example, command and promise from this passage regarding becoming a servant.

Application:

     Confess your pride as sin.  As we come to recognize sin in our lives, we can appreciate God’s grace to a greater extent.

     Ask God to give you a servant spirit.

     Realize the twerp (satan) is tempting you with a proud spirit.  Claim the protection of Ephesians 6:10-18 against his attacks.

Prayer:

     Father, I confess to you my pride.  Humble me before you that I may seek to serve you with gladness and singleness of heart.  I claim 2 Chronicles 7:14 (personalized)  If I, called by Your name, humble myself, and pray, and seek Your face, and turn from my wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive my sin, and You will heal my land.  I Praise You that no word shall return void without fulfilling what it was sent to accomplish.  AMEN

I’ll continue Wednesday  11/04/15 with “Topic #9 -Dealing With Selfishness & Self-pity In A Godly Way”.

Blessings – The Lord’s Servant – Sandy F.