Topical Encyclopedia Self-delusion, particularly the belief that one is superior to others, is a recurring theme in the Bible, warning against pride and the dangers of self-righteousness. This form of self-deception is often rooted in pride, leading individuals to overestimate their own virtues while underestimating or dismissing the worth of others. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that caution against this mindset.Biblical Warnings Against Pride and Self-Delusion The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride and the false sense of superiority it can foster. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows prideful self-delusion. The belief that one is better than others blinds individuals to their own faults and leads to spiritual and moral decay. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses this issue directly in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, illustrating the danger of self-delusion and the value of humility. The Apostle Paul's Teachings The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of self-delusion in his epistles. In Romans 12:3, he advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you" . Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness, urging believers to evaluate themselves honestly and recognize their dependence on God's grace. In Philippians 2:3, Paul further instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" . This teaching directly counters the self-delusion of superiority, encouraging believers to adopt a mindset of humility and service. Old Testament Examples The Old Testament also provides examples of self-delusion and its consequences. King Saul's downfall is a poignant illustration. Initially chosen by God to lead Israel, Saul's pride and disobedience led to his rejection as king. In 1 Samuel 15:17, the prophet Samuel reminds Saul, "Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel" . Saul's self-delusion in thinking he could act independently of God's commands ultimately led to his downfall. The Call to Humility Throughout Scripture, the call to humility is clear. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" . The Bible consistently teaches that humility, rather than self-delusion and pride, is the path to receiving God's grace and favor. In summary, the Bible provides a comprehensive warning against the self-delusion of thinking we are better than others. Through parables, teachings, and historical examples, Scripture emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and reliance on God's grace, urging believers to guard against the prideful mindset that leads to spiritual downfall. Nave's Topical Index Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. Nave's Topical Index Library Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Is the war in heaven in Revelation 12 describing Satan's original fall or an end times angelic battle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the "church of Oprah"? Is Eckhart Tolle's "New Earth" compatible with Christianity? | GotQuestions.org What is the mystery of iniquity? | GotQuestions.org Delusion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Delusion: A Characteristic of the Wicked Self-Delusion: A Characteristic of Wicked People Self-Delusion: Church of Laodicea Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Christ Shall not Come to Judge Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Christ Will not Come to Condemn Us Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Gifts Entitle Us to Go to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Gifts Entitle Us to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that God Will not Punish Our Sins Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our Lives Shall be Prolonged Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our Lives Will be Prolonged Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our own Ways are Right Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Privileges Entitle Us to Enter Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Privileges Entitle Us to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Above Adversity Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Better than Others Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Pure Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Rich in Spiritual Things Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we May Have Peace While in Sin Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we should Adhere to Established Wicked Practices Self-Delusion: Fatal Consequences of Self-Delusion: Frequently Persevered In, to the End Self-Delusion: Frequently Preserved In, to the Last Self-Delusion: Obstinate Sinners often Given up To Self-Delusion: Prosperity Frequently Leads To Self-Delusion: The Laodicean Congregation Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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