PRIDE

PRIDE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Supporting Texts: James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Isaiah 14:12-15, Daniel 4:30-37, Philippians 2:5-8

INTRODUCTION:
Pride is one of the deadliest sins that often hides behind a mask of self-confidence or success. It is an exaltation of self above others and, more dangerously, above God. The Bible is filled with warnings about the dangers of pride, showing how it leads to downfall, disgrace, and separation from God. Pride is a spiritual cancer that eats away at the soul and distorts our perception of who we truly are in relation to God and others.

From Lucifer in heaven to kings on earth, the fall of many has been traced to the seed of pride. It blinds a man to correction, inflates his ego, and distances him from humility, which is the very posture God desires. Pride makes people feel self-sufficient and removes their dependence on God. That is why God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

In today’s sermon, we will explore the causes, manifestations, and consequences of pride. We will also see how to overcome pride through a lifestyle of humility and brokenness before God. Let us consider five key truths on this destructive spirit and how to walk in its opposite—humility.

1. PRIDE LEADS TO DESTRUCTION

Pride is a dangerous pathway that ends in ruin, both spiritually and physically.

a) Pride blinds people to reality
When someone is consumed by pride, they lose the ability to see their faults and limitations (Proverbs 11:2).

b) God resists the proud
According to James 4:6, God actively opposes those who walk in pride. This puts the proud at odds with divine favour.

c) Pride invites judgment
Whenever pride is present, divine judgment is not far behind (Obadiah 1:3-4).

d) Pride gives the devil a foothold
Just as Lucifer fell because of pride, those who entertain it give room for satanic manipulation (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God after boasting in his power and glory (Daniel 4:30-37).

2. PRIDE HINDERS SPIRITUAL GROWTH

A proud heart cannot receive from God or others, stalling spiritual maturity.

a) Pride makes us unteachable
Pride closes our ears to counsel and correction (Proverbs 13:10).

b) It kills intimacy with God
The proud do not seek God, and their hearts become cold toward Him (Psalm 10:4).

c) It quenches the Holy Spirit
Pride resists the gentle leading of the Spirit, causing stagnancy (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

d) It promotes spiritual pride
Even religious knowledge can inflate the heart if not balanced with humility (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Biblical Example: The Pharisees were too proud to accept Jesus as the Messiah, despite their knowledge of the law (John 9:39-41).

3. PRIDE DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

Where pride exists, unity suffers and love is hindered.

a) It fuels arrogance and superiority
Pride causes people to look down on others, straining relationships (Romans 12:3).

b) It creates conflict
Pride refuses to apologise or compromise, leading to divisions (Proverbs 13:10).

c) It hinders forgiveness
A proud heart would rather hold grudges than humble itself (Matthew 6:14-15).

d) It undermines teamwork and unity
Pride thrives on independence rather than collaboration (Philippians 2:3).

Biblical Example: King Uzziah became proud after success and crossed spiritual boundaries, leading to his isolation (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

4. PRIDE IS ROOTED IN SELF-GLORY

The essence of pride is the desire to exalt oneself above others and even God.

a) It seeks personal praise
Pride feeds on the applause of men rather than the approval of God (Matthew 6:1-2).

b) It boasts in achievements
Pride gives self the credit instead of acknowledging God's grace (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

c) It builds self-made thrones
Proud people often create a sense of self-rule where they answer to no one (Revelation 3:17).

d) It misplaces identity
Pride ties value to status, success, or possessions rather than to being in Christ (Luke 12:16-21).

Biblical Example: Herod was struck by an angel and died because he did not give glory to God when people praised him (Acts 12:21-23).

5. HUMILITY IS THE ANTIDOTE TO PRIDE

To overcome pride, we must deliberately embrace humility in our walk with God.

a) God exalts the humble
True promotion comes from a life of humility (James 4:10).

b) Jesus modelled humility
He humbled Himself even unto death, showing us the example to follow (Philippians 2:5-8).

c) Humility attracts grace
God gives more grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

d) Humility builds unity and love
It lays down self to serve others and live peaceably (Colossians 3:12-14).

Biblical Example: The tax collector humbled himself in prayer and went home justified, unlike the proud Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14).

CONCLUSION:
Pride is subtle but deadly. It can creep into our lives unnoticed through success, knowledge, or even spiritual service. The proud heart distances itself from God and becomes a target of divine resistance. To deal with pride, we must consistently examine our hearts, confess our self-exaltation, and walk in brokenness before the Lord.

God delights in the humble. He lifts them up, covers them with grace, and entrusts them with honour. As we empty ourselves of pride and self-glory, we make room for God to be glorified in our lives. Choose today to dethrone pride and embrace the humility that pleases the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Father, deliver me from every hidden pride in my heart.

2.  Lord, give me the grace to walk in humility daily.

3.  Father, destroy every spirit of self-exaltation operating in my life.

4.  Lord, help me to seek Your glory and not my own.

5.  I receive the spirit of meekness and submission in all areas of my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You will not fall into the trap of pride.

2.  The Lord will clothe you with humility and favour.

3.  Every root of pride in your heart is uprooted in Jesus’ name.

4.  You will be exalted by God in due season.

5.  Your life will reflect the humility and glory of Christ.

DEALING WITH PRIDE

 

INTRODUCTION:

The writer of Proverbs tells us that “God hates the proud look” and that

“There is more hope for a fool than a man who is wise in his own conceit.”

 

Think about it, “Do you want God to look at you and see something He hates.” No! Well, He hates a proud look. A proud look is the facial expression that proceeds from a proud heart.

 

Think about it, “Do you want God to look at your life and see something that will cause Him to resist you?” No! Well, the Word of God says, God resist the proud!

The problem with PRIDE is its middle letter. It is the self-centered life. It is the “Big Me” and “Little You” type of thinking. So in this message I want to make you hate the thing that God hates. The way I am going to attempt to do that is by reminding you of what Pride will cause in your life:

 

 

1. Pride will cause you to miss God and find trouble.

Proverbs “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

 

ILLUS—One of the more recent technological developments has been the Global Satellite Positioning device, or GPS. You can look on a map and then see where you are in relation to where you are going. If you don’t know where you are going, you can just check it as you move and see the direction you are headed and then you can know where you are going.

 

Similarly, you can look into your life and if you see Pride, the Bible tells you that you can know where you are headed—toward destruction and a fall.

 

2. Pride will cause you to see the faults of others but not your own.

Luke 18: 10  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  11  "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  12  `I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'  13  "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise [his] eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'  14  "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

 

QUESTION--In the above story, who got attention? Both of them did. One got man’s attention. The other got God’s attention.

 

Even the world is turned off by a boastful arrogant individual who thinks they are better than everybody else.

 

There is a principle in the above story. The man who makes himself tall will in the end be made small.

 

3. Pride will cause you to have a faulty view of God and self--this is what   happened to the devil.

 

1 Timothy 3:6  not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the [same] condemnation as the devil.

 

ILLUS--In other words, PRIDE blinds us to who we really are. Therefore we become too self-important and begin thinking the earth actually rotates around us. Remind you of someone else? Reminds me of what happened to Lucifer who fell from Heaven. Yep, he got to looking at himself and comparing how much more beautiful he was than the other angels, and then the next thing you know, he thinks he should be God. What happened? He fell. What awaits him? Eternal destruction.

 

Pride will cause you to follow the wrong set of footprints dear friend!

 

4. Pride will cause God to resist you.

1 Peter 5:5  Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to [your] elders. Yes, all of [you] be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for  "God resists the proud,  But gives grace to the humble."  6  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  7  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

 

Illus—In a football game we often see a running back put out a stiff arm to keep a defender from tackling him. To me, this is the picture I see in the above verse. God stiff arms the person who has pride. In other words, whatever God is carrying, you can’t get to it if there is pride in the way.

 

5. Pride will cause you NOT to submit to God and NOT resist the Devil.

James 4: 6  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:  "God resists the proud,  But gives grace to the humble."  7  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  

 

NO SUBMISSION TO GOD

-Pride is a prayer killer.

Prayers from a proud heart go no further than our own ears which is why the proud person prays anyway, to hear himself.

 

NO RESISTANCE TO THE DEVIL

 

Illus—There is a terrible flu season going on this year. People are being encouraged to have their flu shots in order to create resistance to the flu virus going around. People take the vaccinations because they don’t want the flu to attack them if it comes near them.

 

 

If there were no other reason to avoid PRIDE it would be enough to know that PRIDE will take away your resistance to the Devil. You do not have the power to overcome and defeat the Devil with PRIDE in your heart. PRIDE I self-reliance and you can’t defeat the Devil without relying on the power of Jesus Christ.

 

CONCLUSION—I am calling on this church to be filled with hatred! Yes, hatred! May God help us to hate PRIDE when we see in our lives.

 

God hates pride, therefore we should hate pride.

 

Proverbs 6:16  These six [things] the Lord hates,  Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him:  17  A proud look,