THE PERIL OF SELF-EXALTATION

THE PERIL OF SELF-EXALTATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Daniel 4:28-37

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:18, Isaiah 42:8, Acts 12:21-23, James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 1:29

INTRODUCTION:
One of the greatest temptations that men face—especially when they begin to taste success—is the desire to glorify themselves rather than honouring God. The Bible is filled with stories of men who were lifted by God but later fell because they forgot who elevated them. Pride is the root of self-exaltation, and God resists the proud while giving grace to the humble.

Self-exaltation happens when man takes credit for what only God can do. It manifests in subtle and overt ways—boasting in our accomplishments, seeking human praise, and downplaying God's role in our lives. Yet the Scriptures are clear: no flesh shall glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1:29). To exalt oneself is to compete with God, and that is a war no man can win.

This sermon is a warning and a call—to check our hearts, surrender our pride, and ensure that God alone receives all the glory. The case of King Nebuchadnezzar is a vivid example of what happens when man glorifies himself instead of God.

1. SELF-EXALTATION INVITES GOD’S RESISTANCE
Before we ever fall into destruction, pride usually enters first. Self-exaltation puts us in direct opposition to God’s character.

a) God resists the proud (James 4:6)
When we exalt ourselves, we place ourselves against the flow of God's grace. Instead of being lifted, we are resisted.

b) Pride turns favour into judgment (Proverbs 16:18)
What starts as a blessing from God can become a curse when pride enters the heart. Pride always comes before a fall.

c) Self-glory disconnects us from divine help (Isaiah 42:8)
God does not share His glory. When we take His credit, we lose access to His help.

d) Boasting replaces gratitude (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
The moment we say, “My power has gotten me this wealth,” we forget that it is God who gives us power to prosper.

Biblical Example: King Herod (Acts 12:21–23) was struck by an angel and eaten by worms because he accepted praise as a god instead of giving glory to God.

2. GOD EXALTS THE HUMBLE, NOT THE PROUD
True promotion comes from God, but only to those who walk humbly before Him.

a) God lifts those who bow low (Luke 14:11)
He that humbles himself shall be exalted; humility is the key to true and lasting greatness.

b) Promotion is not self-generated (Psalm 75:6-7)
Lifting doesn't come from east, west, or south—it is God who judges and promotes.

c) A contrite heart pleases God (Isaiah 66:2)
God looks upon the one who is humble and trembles at His word.

d) Humility positions us for grace (1 Peter 5:6)
When we humble ourselves under God's hand, He exalts us in due time.

Biblical Example: Joseph remained humble despite his dreams and trials. In the end, God lifted him to a position of honour (Genesis 41:39–44).

3. SELF-EXALTATION DISTORTS TRUE IDENTITY
When man seeks to exalt himself, he forgets that he is dust and begins to assume godlike status.

a) It blinds us to our limitations (Isaiah 14:13–15)
Like Lucifer, the desire to rise above our place can lead to ruin.

b) It makes us unteachable (Proverbs 26:12)
The proud man thinks he knows everything and refuses correction, even from God.

c) It fuels comparison and rivalry (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Exalting oneself often stems from a desire to outshine others, not to glorify God.

d) It creates a false image (Romans 12:3)
We are cautioned not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.

Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar called Babylon his own doing (Daniel 4:30). He was later driven from among men and made to eat grass like cattle until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.

4. GOD JUDGES SELF-GLORIFICATION SEVERELY
No one steals God’s glory and gets away with it. The judgment may be delayed, but it will surely come.

a) Divine patience is not divine approval (Ecclesiastes 8:11)
Just because God delays does not mean He accepts our pride.

b) God warns before He strikes (Daniel 4:27)
Nebuchadnezzar was warned in advance, but he refused to humble himself.

c) The fall of the proud is always sudden (Proverbs 29:23)
Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit, but a man’s pride shall bring him low.

d) Glory theft triggers divine discipline (Acts 12:23)
When we rob God of glory, we open ourselves to swift judgment.

Biblical Example: Lucifer was cast out of heaven for seeking to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12–15).

5. GOD DESERVES ALL THE GLORY ALWAYS
We were created to give Him glory, not to compete with Him. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

a) All achievements are by His grace (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Paul declared, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.”

b) God alone is worthy of praise (Revelation 4:11)
He created all things and for His pleasure they are and were created.

c) Our strength comes from Him (Psalm 18:32)
Whatever victories we have, the glory must return to Him who empowers us.

d) The throne belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8)
He will not share His glory with another nor His praise with idols.

Biblical Example: David gave all the glory to God for every battle he won (2 Samuel 22:1–4).

CONCLUSION:
God created us for His glory, not ours. When we learn to redirect all praise, success, and honour to Him, we stay safe under His covering. But when we begin to think we are the source of our own greatness, we invite destruction.

God does not mind lifting His children high, but He expects them to stay low in their hearts. The peril of self-exaltation is real. Let us choose the path of humility, acknowledging God in all our ways.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, deliver me from every form of pride and self-exaltation.
2. Lord, teach me to walk in humility all the days of my life.
3. Father, help me to always remember that every success comes from You.
4. Lord, may I never take the glory that belongs to You.
5. Father, deal with every hidden pride in my heart.
6. Lord, clothe me with the garment of humility and brokenness.
7. Father, may my life always reflect Your greatness and not mine.
8. Lord, let the fear of God keep me from the path of pride.
9. Father, may I never end up like Nebuchadnezzar or Herod.
10. Lord, take all the glory for every good thing in my life.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will never fall into the trap of pride.
2. The Lord will clothe you with humility and honour.
3. You shall be lifted, and your lifting will glorify God.
4. Your success will never lead to your downfall.
5. The hand of the Lord will uphold you in every season.
6. You shall walk in grace and not in self-glory.
7. Your voice will always declare, “To God be the glory!”
8. God will preserve you from the judgment of pride.
9. You will live to glorify God in all things.
10. Every testimony in your life will point people to God.