1 Corinthians 3:19 “For
the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He
catches the wise in their own craftiness.”
Continuing Pastor Obie’s
massage on the sin of “pride”, based on the minor prophet Book of Obadiah, he
first explains how selfish pride is deceptive, meaning that the pride in our
heart deceives us with (1) false security, (2) false allies, and (3) false
wisdom. It is said that egocentric “pride” is the ground that all other sins
grow out of. Logically speaking, know-it-alls cannot learn anything new. What
causes us to think pridefully, that we believe that we do not need God in our
lives? Where exactly do we put our pride – self or God?
Proverbs 16:18-20 “Pride goes before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of
a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in
the Lord, happy is he.”
Secondly, Pastor Obie
explains that pride is destructive and to our downfall, because it is
unfaithfulness to God. (1) Pride destroys our ability to improve. We have to
come to the reality that we are a work in progress. (2) Pride destroys our
ability to adjust and change. We must also realize that we have not arrived;
life is a journey. (3) Pride destroys our ability to love. Our first
responsibility is our family. We need to love when it is inconvenient.
Proverbs
3:27 says, “Do not withhold good
from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to
do so.”
Romans 12:9-13, 16-21 “Let love be without
hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly
affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in
tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing
to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” We are all in a position to help, so give of
yourself. “Be of
the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but
associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one
evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all
men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance Is Mine, I will repay,” says the
Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty,
give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do
not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Thirdly, in terms of pride,
you reap what you sow. Every sin has a consequence and a judgment for justice.
The Lord is the judge that casts judgment justly. Galatians 6:7 spells it out, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a
man sows, that he will also reap.” Maybe you have been wronged by others.
Leave the wrath and revenge to God because God opposes the proud. God’s Word
stays true and He takes care of His people because the mercy of God will take
care of the humble. James 4:6 tells
us, “God resists the proud, but
gives grace to the humble.” The key word is “humble” and is defined as: Low; opposed to high or lofty; opposed to
lofty or great; mean. In the evangelical sense, having a low opinion of one's
self, and a deep sense of unworthiness in the sight of God. Humility brings
healing, pride does not. Be humble and be healed by God. Swallow your pride and
humbly live in Christ.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My
people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and
seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Pastor Obie concludes that Almighty
God desires to heal our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord. May God reveal any pride in our heart, mind and soul, to rid of it
now. Father God, speak to our hearts. Take control of our lives; guide our
steps and lead of upon the path of righteousness, to your glory. Amen.
In Christ, Brian
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