How can we apply Ezekiel 29:9 to avoid pride in our lives? Setting the Scene “The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it.’” Why Pharaoh’s Boast Matters Today - Pharaoh claimed personal ownership and authorship of the Nile, the very river God created. - His words revealed a heart convinced that power, provision, and success originated with him, not with the Lord. - God’s response—turning Egypt into “a desolate wasteland”—shows how seriously He judges pride. Recognizing Modern Expressions of Pride - Taking credit for accomplishments while forgetting the Giver of every gift. - Trusting career, finances, or relationships as ultimate security rather than trusting God. - Believing influence or intelligence makes one self-sufficient. - Minimizing prayer, the Word, and fellowship because of an inflated sense of competence. How God Addresses Pride in Scripture - Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” - Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.” Practical Steps to Avoid Pharaoh’s Trap • Daily acknowledge God’s ownership – Begin and end the day thanking Him for every resource, relationship, and opportunity. • Redirect praise – When complimented, verbally give glory to God, reinforcing that talents and achievements come from Him. • Serve unseen – Choose tasks that bring no spotlight, cultivating humility of heart (Philippians 2:3-4). • Keep Scripture in view – Memorize verses on humility; recite them when tempted to boast. • Invite accountability – Allow trusted believers to point out pride they notice. • Celebrate others’ successes – Rejoice when someone else is promoted or honored, silencing envy and self-exaltation. • Maintain a prayerful posture – Consistent prayer confesses dependence on the Lord for wisdom, strength, and direction. • Practice generous giving – Financial generosity reminds the heart that possessions are stewarded, not owned. Encouraging Examples - Moses, who “was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth” (Numbers 12:3), led powerfully because he relied wholly on God. - John the Baptist declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), gladly stepping back so Jesus could be seen. Key Attitudes to Cultivate 1. Gratitude: Regularly thank God for His mercy and provision. 2. Dependency: Recognize that every breath is sustained by Him. 3. Submission: Align decisions with His revealed will in Scripture. 4. Teachability: Remain open to correction and growth. 5. Other-centeredness: Look first to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Scripture to Keep Close - Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” - Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” - Luke 18:14: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Living Out Ezekiel 29:9 Today Remembering the downfall of Egypt guards the heart against the same sin. By continually recognizing God as Creator and Owner of every blessing, embracing humble practices, and anchoring life in Scripture, believers can avoid pride and walk in the grace He loves to give the humble. |
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