THE DANGER OF PRIDE

Title: THE DANGER OF PRIDE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 16:18
Supporting Texts: James 4:6, Isaiah 14:12-15, 1 Peter 5:5, Daniel 4:28-33, Philippians 2:3

INTRODUCTION:
Pride is a dangerous attitude that leads to downfall and separation from God. It is characterised by self-exaltation, a lack of dependence on God, and disregard for others. Scripture warns that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. This study explores the nature, consequences, and remedies for pride, drawing lessons from biblical examples.

1. THE NATURE OF PRIDE

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

a) Definition of Pride
Pride is an inflated sense of self-importance and independence from God.

b) Forms of Pride
Pride can manifest as arrogance, self-reliance, or contempt for others (Luke 18:11-12).

c) Subtlety of Pride
Pride often disguises itself as confidence or achievement (Obadiah 1:3).

d) The Root of Pride
Pride originates from the heart and is fuelled by the desire for self-glory (Mark 7:21-23).

e) Biblical Example:
Lucifer's fall resulted from his prideful desire to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15).

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRIDE

"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

a) Separation from God
Pride creates a barrier between man and God, leading to spiritual decay (Psalm 138:6).

b) Fall and Destruction
Pride often precedes a significant fall or failure (Proverbs 29:23).

c) Loss of Grace
God withholds His grace and favour from the proud (1 Peter 5:5).

d) Judgement
The proud are often subject to God’s judgement and correction (Daniel 4:31-33).

e) Biblical Example:
King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God after boasting in his achievements (Daniel 4:28-33).

3. WHY GOD HATES PRIDE

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way I hate" (Proverbs 8:13).

a) It Challenges God’s Authority
Pride seeks to dethrone God and enthrone self.

b) It Breeds Sin
Pride is often the root of many other sins, including disobedience and rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23).

c) It Corrupts Relationships
Pride leads to conflicts and strife among people (Proverbs 13:10).

d) It Hinders Spiritual Growth
A proud heart resists correction and spiritual guidance (Proverbs 15:10).

e) Biblical Example:
The Pharisees’ pride blinded them to the truth of Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 23:12).

4. HOW TO OVERCOME PRIDE

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10).

a) Recognise Pride in Your Life
Acknowledge pride as sin and ask God for forgiveness (Psalm 19:12-13).

b) Cultivate Humility
Practice humility by valuing others above yourself (Philippians 2:3).

c) Depend on God
Trust in God’s power and wisdom instead of your own abilities (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Submit to God’s Authority
Surrender every area of your life to God’s will (James 4:7).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself to serve and save humanity (Philippians 2:5-8).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF HUMILITY

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

a) Access to God’s Grace
Humility attracts God’s favour and blessings (1 Peter 5:5).

b) Exaltation by God
God lifts up the humble and honours them (James 4:10).

c) Peace in Relationships
Humility promotes harmony and unity with others (Ephesians 4:2-3).

d) Spiritual Growth
A humble heart is teachable and open to God’s guidance (Psalm 25:9).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph’s humility in the face of hardship led to his exaltation in Egypt (Genesis 41:37-44).

CONCLUSION:
Pride is a dangerous and destructive sin that can separate us from God and lead to ruin. We must examine our hearts, confess any pride, and seek to live in humility before God and others. True greatness comes from serving God with a humble heart, just as Jesus exemplified.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, expose and remove every root of pride in my heart.

2. Father, help me to walk in humility before You and others.

3. Lord, teach me to depend on Your wisdom and power, not my own.

4. Holy Spirit, help me to recognise and confess areas of pride in my life.

5. Father, keep me from the deception of self-exaltation.

6. Lord, grant me a heart that values others above myself.

7. Father, protect me from the fall that pride brings.

8. Lord, transform me into a vessel of humility and grace.

9. Holy Spirit, guide me in submitting fully to God’s will.

10. Lord, may my life glorify You in humility and obedience.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will walk in humility and receive God’s abundant grace.

2. Every trace of pride in your life is uprooted in Jesus’ name.

3. The Lord will exalt you in due time as you humble yourself before Him.

4. You will not fall into the trap of self-exaltation.

5. God will grant you the wisdom to value others above yourself.

6. Your life will reflect the humility of Christ in all you do.

7. The peace of God will reign in your relationships.

8. You will grow spiritually as you submit to God’s authority.

9. God’s favour will locate you because of your humble heart.

10. You will fulfil your divine destiny with a heart of humility and grace.