MEMORY VERSE : Proverbs 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.
BACKGROUND : Isaiah 14: 12-15 Generally a special blessing or favor of the Lord serves as the root cause of Pride. God gave Lucifer, the archangel the highest position in heaven and the maximum amount of beauty and riches; but unfortunately, pride got hold of him and as a result of which, he wanted to ascend even above God. This pride was the cause for the downfall of Satan.
CAUSES OF PRIDE : 2 Chronicle 12:1; 26:16 In the life of these two kings we realize that their achievement was their source of their pride.After God has helped them to the throne,establish and prosper them they forsook him. In this day and age it is the little extra blessing that God blesses us with, becomes the root cause of our pride. Examples education, wealth, positions, skills or ability e.t.c Discuss these examples.
CONSEQUENCES OF PRIDE : 2 Chronicle 12: 5-7 ; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21
Realization of who we are and asking God for forgiveness is the first remedy. Allowing God’s word and His Holy Spirit to mold our lives as we obey him. (What was the end of
Of each king)
COMPARE & CONTRAST : Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Humility is strength. Pride is weakness
Humility is attractive. It makes people want to follow you. Pride is obnoxious. It causes people to flee from you.
Humble people are responsive to God, themselves and others Proud people are resistant. Everyone else is the problem.
Confident & Secure in God Overconfident & insecure
Humble people understand their dependence on God and yield to Him. Proud people are their gods and over emphasize themselves.
Most believers are not in the imminent danger of ruining their lives .They are facing a danger that is so greater: wasting them.
God’s power within you is only potential until you convert it into strength : By faith & Action
When God is speaking one word is more than enough, He is more interested in your full obedience than your total understanding.