In what ways can we "trample" pride in our spiritual walk? Key Verse “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble… Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:6, 10) Why Pride Must Be Trampled • Pride was the first sin (Isaiah 14:13–15) and is behind every rebellion against God. • The Lord explicitly “hates…haughty eyes” (Proverbs 6:16–17). • Pride chokes fellowship with God, shuts us off from correction (Proverbs 16:18), and provokes His opposition (1 Peter 5:5). What “Trampling” Pride Looks Like To trample means to bring underfoot, to treat as crushed and conquered. In our walk that involves conscious, repeated action: • We step on self-exaltation with truth. • We press down conceit by serving others. • We keep pride beneath us by staying under the Word’s authority. Practices That Stamp Out Pride 1. Center on God’s greatness • Daily rehearse Psalm 145:3—“Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised.” • Gazing upward leaves no room for self-glory. 2. Treasure the cross • Galatians 6:14—“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Remembering the price of redemption flattens entitlement. 3. Submit to Scripture • Isaiah 66:2—“This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” • Let the Bible overrule feelings and opinions without argument. 4. Choose lowly tasks • John 13:14—Jesus washed feet; copy Him by seeking unnoticed service. • Regular, hidden service trains the heart to rejoice when only God sees. 5. Practice quick, specific confession • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper.” • Admit wrongs immediately; pride withers when exposed to light. 6. Cultivate gratitude • 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive?” • Thank God aloud for abilities, successes, possessions; gratitude redirects credit. 7. Welcome godly correction • Proverbs 9:8—“Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” • Invite mature believers to speak frankly; respond with “Thank you,” not self-defense. 8. Keep eternity in view • Matthew 23:12—“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” • Remember the coming judgment seat; future honor is God’s to give. Daily Heart-Checks • Did I secretly crave praise today? • Did I talk more about myself than Christ? • Did I resist input from others? When the answer is “yes,” apply 1 John 1:9 immediately. Caution: Pride Recovers Quickly • Even victories over pride can tempt new pride (“I’m so humble now!”). • Keep pressing it underfoot; “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). The Promise for the Humble “Clothe yourselves with humility…so that at the proper time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:5–6). God Himself lifts those who trample pride. |
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