How can we avoid the prideful attitudes condemned in Isaiah 47:1? Setting the Scene “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender and delicate.” (Isaiah 47:1) What God Condemned in Babylon • Arrogant self-exaltation that refused to bow before the LORD • A false sense of security rooted in wealth, power, and comfort • A belief that judgment would never come (Isaiah 47:7–8) • Cruel domination of others (Isaiah 47:6) • Trust in occult wisdom and human counsel instead of God (Isaiah 47:10–13) Tracing the Same Threat in Our Hearts • Subtle confidence in titles, abilities, or achievements • Assuming tomorrow will be like today, so repentance can wait • Looking down on those who seem weaker, poorer, or less gifted • Leaning on culture’s applause rather than on God’s approval Steps to Avoid Babylon’s Pride • Remember who rules: “The LORD reigns forever” (Psalm 146:10) • Admit dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) • Celebrate God’s gifts, but refuse to boast in them (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Invite correction early and often (Proverbs 15:31) • Serve unnoticed; choose tasks no one else wants (Mark 10:43–45) • Confess pride the moment it appears (1 John 1:9) • Store up treasure in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19–21) Daily Practices That Cultivate Humility • Start each morning with thanksgiving, not self-assessment • Read a Gospel section daily to keep Christ’s cross before you • Memorize Philippians 2:3–8; recite it when tempted to self-glory • Fast periodically to remind the body it is not in charge • Identify three people to serve anonymously this week • End each day reviewing where God’s grace, not your effort, carried you Scriptures to Remember • 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.” • Micah 6:8 — “Walk humbly with your God.” • Luke 14:11 — “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6 — “Clothe yourselves with humility… under God’s mighty hand.” |
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