In what ways can we avoid the pitfalls of pride seen in Edom? The Warning Wrapped in Jeremiah 49:9 “ ‘If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? If thieves came by night, would they not destroy only what was sufficient?’ ” God’s point: when human raiders finish, something is usually left behind; when He judges pride, nothing is spared. Edom’s self‐confidence invited a thorough downfall. What Edom’s Pride Looked Like • Trusted natural defenses (rocky cliffs, Obadiah 3–4) • Boasted in reputed wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7) • Relied on alliances (v. — “your allies have deceived you,” Obadiah 7) • Gloated over Judah’s troubles (Obadiah 12–14) • Ignored repeated prophetic warnings Recognizing the Same Roots in Us • Security in position, savings, or talents rather than the Lord • Assuming past victories guarantee future safety • Harboring silent satisfaction when a rival stumbles • Treating Scriptural rebuke as optional advice • Believing “that could never happen to me” Guardrails that Keep Pride from Taking Over 1. Humble self-assessment – Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” – Ask, “Where am I most unteachable right now?” 2. Daily gratitude discipline – 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?” – List three undeserved gifts every morning. 3. Immediate confession of hidden gloating – Obadiah 12 condemns rejoicing over a brother’s day of misfortune. – When the heart cheers at another’s loss, stop and repent. 4. Cultivate lowly service – Philippians 2:3–5 calls us to “regard others as more important.” – Volunteer for tasks that won’t headline social media. 5. Welcome accountability – Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” – Invite trusted believers to speak hard truth without retaliation. 6. Keep God’s greatness before the eyes – Isaiah 66:1–2 reminds us heaven is His throne. – Regularly read psalms of God’s majesty (8, 19, 24, 145). 7. Practice secret generosity – Matthew 6:3–4 teaches giving in hiddenness breaks the craving for applause. Encouragement from Promised Grace • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” God never leaves the humble empty-handed; He fills what pride would destroy. A Take-Home Checklist □ Did I thank God for today’s undeserved blessings? □ Have I celebrated someone else’s success this week? □ Am I acting on the last piece of biblical correction I received? □ Is there a hidden boast I need to confess? Staying alert in these small ways keeps Edom’s downfall from becoming our own. |
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