How can we avoid the prideful behavior described in Luke 20:46 today? Seeing the Warning in Luke 20:46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.” • Jesus exposes four pride-driven habits: – Displaying status through appearance. – Craving public praise. – Grasping for religious prestige. – Positioning for social honor. Tracing the Heart of the Problem • Pride shifts attention from God’s glory to our own (Isaiah 42:8). • It resists God’s grace—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • It precedes downfall—“Pride goes before destruction.” (Proverbs 16:18) Choosing Humility Instead • Reflect on Christ’s example—“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) • Adopt His mindset daily—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) • Dress the soul, not the body, for attention—“Clothe yourselves with … humility.” (1 Peter 5:5) Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts 1. Private generosity • Give quietly: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3) 2. Hidden prayer life • Seek the Father in secret (Matthew 6:6). 3. Anonymous acts of service • Volunteer where no one notices; clean up after others; write encouragement without signing your name. 4. Accountability friendships • Invite a mature believer to ask hard questions about motives and attitudes. 5. Regular Scripture intake • Let passages like Luke 18:9-14 (the Pharisee and the tax collector) search the heart. Evaluating Motives Before Saying Yes Before accepting a role, posting on social media, or sharing a testimony, ask: • Am I seeking applause or advancing the gospel? (Galatians 1:10) • Will Christ be magnified, or will I? • Would I still do this if no one knew? Serving from a Christ-Centered Identity • Remember whose approval matters: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) • Anchor worth in being God’s child (1 John 3:1), not in titles, likes, or seats of honor. • Celebrate others’ successes; pray for their ministries; rejoice when God uses them (Romans 12:15). Living the Difference • Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. • As the Spirit shapes us, the spotlight naturally shifts to Jesus, and the praise of people loses its grip. |
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