Why is it important to address "arrogance" and "disorder" in our lives? Paul’s Warning Echoes through the Centuries “ ‘For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish… I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.’ ” (2 Corinthians 12:20) What Arrogance Does to Our Hearts • Crowds Christ off the throne of our affections (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). • Blinds us to personal sin, so repentance stalls (Revelation 3:17). • Blocks grace—God “opposes the proud” (1 Peter 5:5). • Fuels every other relational sin Paul lists—jealousy, rivalry, slander. What Disorder Does to Our Communities • Erodes unity Christ purchased with His blood (John 17:21; Ephesians 4:3). • Hinders worship—“everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Distracts from the gospel; outsiders see chaos, not Christ (1 Corinthians 14:23). • Gives the enemy a foothold for ongoing conflict (Ephesians 4:26-27). The Cost of Ignoring These Sins • Stunted spiritual growth—pride and disorder quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Loss of testimony—our message rings hollow when our lives ring loud with self-promotion. • Divine discipline—God loves His people too much to leave pride unchallenged (Hebrews 12:5-11). God’s Better Way: Humility and Peace • Christ’s example: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). • The Spirit’s fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). • The church’s calling: “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12-14). Practical Steps to Root Out Arrogance and Disorder 1. Daily self-examination with Scripture’s mirror (Psalm 139:23-24; James 1:23-25). 2. Confess quickly—keep short accounts with God and people (1 John 1:9). 3. Serve others intentionally; humble action dismantles proud attitudes (Mark 10:45). 4. Submit to godly order—honor leaders, processes, and fellow believers (Hebrews 13:17). 5. Pursue reconciliation—initiate peace when relationships fracture (Matthew 5:23-24). 6. Cultivate gratitude; thankful hearts leave little room for self-exaltation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Promises for Those Who Walk in Humility and Order • “He gives more grace” (James 4:6). • “Humble yourselves… He will exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). • “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). |
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