What steps can we take to avoid self-promotion seen in 1 Kings 1:5?

Recognizing the Danger of Self-Promotion

“At that time Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king!’ And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run ahead of him.” (1 Kings 1:5)

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Why Self-Promotion Beckons

• Desire for recognition and control

• Fear of being overlooked

• Forgetting that God—not strategy—is the source of promotion (Psalm 75:6-7)

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God’s Pattern versus Adonijah’s Pattern

Adonijah: self-declared, image-driven, entourage first

God: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

David waited; Jesus “made Himself of no reputation” (Philippians 2:7).

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Seven Steps to Avoid Self-Promotion

1. Check Motives Daily

– “Search me, O God…” (Psalm 139:23-24).

– Measure ambitions by Scripture, not culture.

2. Surrender Timing and Position

– “Humble yourselves… He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

– If it’s from God, you won’t need to force it.

3. Let Others Speak for You

– “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” (Proverbs 27:2)

4. Serve Quietly

– Follow Christ’s foot-washing example (John 13:3-5).

– Seek unnoticed tasks that bless others.

5. Celebrate, Don’t Compare

– “I have learned to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

– Verbally honor others’ successes.

6. Stay Accountable

– Welcome honest friends (Proverbs 27:6).

– Remain submitted to local church leadership.

7. Fix Your Gaze on the Cross

– Remember the humility of Christ (Hebrews 12:2).

– The gospel keeps pride in check.

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Fruit of Walking Humbly

• God’s favor rests (Isaiah 66:2)

• Relationships thrive without rivalry

• Freedom from striving and burnout

• Influence that endures because God, not self, sustains it