What actions can we take to avoid the pride described in Isaiah 25:11? The Warning in Isaiah 25:11 “ And he will spread out his hands within it, as a swimmer spreads his hands to swim; but the LORD will lay low their pride together with the trickery of their hands.” Why Pride Must Be Confronted • Pride sets itself against God’s glory (Isaiah 2:11). • It precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). • God actively resists the proud (James 4:6). Heart-Level Commitments That Choke Out Pride • Fix your gaze on God’s sovereignty. – Isaiah 40:25-26 shows His unmatched greatness. – Regularly rehearse what only He can do; it shrinks self-importance. • Choose daily, conscious dependence. – Pray like John 15:5: “apart from Me you can do nothing.” – Begin tasks with verbal acknowledgment of need. • Treasure Scripture above personal opinion. – Psalm 119:11 guards the heart; memorize verses on humility (e.g., Philippians 2:3-4). • Keep short accounts through confession. – 1 John 1:9 invites prompt admission of hidden pride. – Name specific attitudes—don’t excuse or rename them. • Submit decisions to godly counsel. – Proverbs 11:14 resists the lone-ranger mindset. – Invite feedback before and after major choices. • Serve where no applause is heard. – Matthew 6:3-4 teaches unnoticed generosity. – Seek tasks that benefit others but do nothing for your image. • Celebrate others’ successes. – Romans 12:15 counters envy. – Publicly thank God for gifts He gave them. • Practice gratitude. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 keeps focus on the Giver, not the achiever. – List daily mercies—health, job, salvation—acknowledging each as unearned. • Rest in God’s evaluation, not human praise. – Galatians 1:10 asks whom we aim to please. – Refuse to let likes, shares, or titles define worth. Accountability Structures That Keep Pride in Check • Covenant friendships—regular, honest conversations (Proverbs 27:6). • Local church oversight—elders who may correct or admonish (Hebrews 13:17). • Family transparency—invite spouse or children to point out arrogance they see. A Lifestyle That Magnifies Christ, Not Self • Daily worship sets the throne in proper order (Psalm 95:6-7). • Open-handed stewardship reminds everything is on loan (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Persistent evangelism shifts attention from personal success to eternal souls (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Lord promises to lay low pride; choosing these actions keeps us low before Him so He does not have to. |
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