How can we avoid the prideful attitude seen in Jeremiah 48:14 today? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 48:14 “ ‘How can you say, “We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle”?’ ” Moab’s boast portrayed a self-assured confidence that ignored God’s sovereignty. The verse exposes the heart posture the Lord opposes: pride that trusts in human strength instead of in Him. Identify Modern Forms of the Same Pride • Taking credit for career success without acknowledging God’s provision (Deuteronomy 8:17-18) • Measuring worth by titles, wealth, or social media recognition (1 John 2:16) • Assuming moral superiority over others—spiritual pride (Luke 18:11-12) • Relying on personal discipline or intellect instead of seeking the Spirit’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-6) Truths That Deflate Pride • God owns everything and rules over all creation (Psalm 24:1) • Human life is a mist, here briefly and gone (James 4:14) • Every good gift, including salvation, is by grace, not merit (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Apart from Christ we can do nothing of eternal value (John 15:5) Practical Steps to Cultivate Humility • Begin each day in Scripture, letting God’s Word set the agenda (Psalm 119:105) • Pray specific prayers of dependence: “Lord, apart from You I cannot…” (Philippians 4:13) • Keep a gratitude journal to shift focus from self to God’s generosity (1 Thessalonians 5:18) • Serve people who cannot repay you; hidden service undermines hidden pride (Matthew 6:3-4) • Speak words that build others up rather than elevate self (Ephesians 4:29) • Invite trusted believers to correct you when self-exaltation surfaces (Proverbs 27:6) • Confess sin quickly; repentance keeps the heart soft (1 John 1:9) Replace Boasting with God-Centered Confidence • “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:31) • Celebrate God’s power working through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) • Testimony language: “Look at what the Lord has done,” not “Look at what I accomplished.” The Reward of a Humble Heart • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5-6) • The Lord looks with favor on “the one who is humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2) • Humility positions us to receive guidance, strength, and exaltation in God’s perfect timing (James 4:10) |
    |