In what ways can we guard against spiritual pride like the Pharisees? Setting the Scene “Then they heaped insults on him and said, ‘You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses!’ ” (John 9:28) The Heart Issue Exposed • The Pharisees’ words drip with superiority—“We follow Moses; you follow that man.” • Their knowledge of Scripture had become a badge of honor instead of a doorway to humility. • They assumed spiritual pedigree guaranteed favor with God; Jesus said the opposite (John 5:39-40). Snapshots of Spiritual Pride • Measuring closeness to God by tradition or credentials rather than transformed lives (Matthew 23:5-7). • Looking down on those with different backgrounds, experiences, or levels of understanding (Luke 18:11). • Confusing zeal for God with zeal for one’s own reputation (John 12:43). Why Pride Is So Dangerous • “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Pride blinds us to our need for mercy; the Pharisees couldn’t rejoice over a blind man’s healing because it threatened their image. Guardrails That Keep Pride in Check 1. Remember everything is received – “For who makes you different from anyone else? … what do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). 2. Compare yourself only to Christ – “Have this mind among yourselves that was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5-8). 3. Stay rooted in gratitude – “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). 4. Practice regular confession – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). 5. Serve when no one sees – “Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). 6. Welcome correction – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge” (Proverbs 12:1). 7. Keep the cross central – “Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). 8. Dress daily in humility – “Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility…” (Colossians 3:12). 9. Pursue unity, not rivalry – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride” (Philippians 2:3). 10. Walk humbly with God – “He has shown you… to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Encouragement from Jesus’ Example • Jesus healed, taught, and served without grasping for recognition (Mark 10:45). • He welcomed humble seekers like the blind man, while warning the self-assured (John 9:39-41). • Following His pattern keeps hearts soft and eyes open. Living It Out Together • Spot pride early—when criticism stings too sharply or applause feels essential. • Choose the lower seat, the unseen task, the gentle response. • Let Scripture shape identity more than achievement or heritage. • Celebrate every evidence of grace in others; it dethrones comparison and fuels worship. |
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