In what ways can we guard against pride in our own lives today? Setting the Stage: Ezekiel 28:11 and Pride “Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 28:11) - Ezekiel is told to address the king of Tyre—a ruler so self-confident that his arrogance mirrors the fall of Satan himself (vv. 12-17). - God takes pride seriously because it steals the glory that belongs to Him alone. Tracing the Fall: What Pride Did to Tyre—and Still Does - “Your heart became proud because of your beauty;” (Ezekiel 28:17) - Pride distorts accurate self-assessment. - It corrupts wisdom; the king’s gifts became the very tools of his downfall. - Judgment followed: loss of position, influence, and ultimately life. Spotting Pride in Everyday Life - Self-reliance that pushes prayer to the margins. - A craving for recognition, likes, or titles. - Dismissing counsel with “I already know.” - Measuring success by comparison instead of obedience. - Resenting correction or celebrating another person’s stumble. Scripture-Based Guardrails - Depend on the Lord daily: “Pride goes before destruction,” (Proverbs 16:18). - Invite sharpening friendships: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). - Practice continual gratitude: “Give thanks in every circumstance,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). - Keep humility in view: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). Walking in Christ’s Humility - Jesus is our pattern: “but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant,” (Philippians 2:7). - He had every right to display splendor yet chose sacrificial service. - True greatness is measured at the cross, not the pedestal. Concrete Habits to Practice Today - Start and end the day acknowledging God’s sovereignty aloud. - Serve anonymously—do a hidden good deed and tell no one. - Celebrate others’ victories as if they were your own. - Keep a “gratitude ledger” listing daily evidences of God’s grace. - Fast from self-promotion on social media for a set period. Keep Short Accounts with God and People - Regular confession breaks pride’s hard shell. - Swift apologies restore horizontal relationships. - “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,” (Luke 18:14). The Promise for the Lowly - “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand,” (1 Peter 5:6) and He will lift you up at the proper time. - The God who brought down Tyre’s proud king delights to pour grace on hearts that bow willingly today. |
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