Topical Encyclopedia Ambition, in its essence, is the strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Within the biblical context, ambition is often examined in light of its motivations and outcomes, particularly when intertwined with pride. The Bible provides numerous insights into how ambition, when driven by pride, can lead to spiritual downfall and separation from God.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. Lucifer's Fall: One of the most profound examples of ambition connected with pride is found in the account of Lucifer's fall. Isaiah 14:13-14 describes Lucifer's ambitious desire to ascend above the stars of God and make himself like the Most High. This prideful ambition led to his downfall, illustrating the destructive nature of self-exaltation. 2. Tower of Babel: In Genesis 11:4 , the people said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves." Their ambition to make a name for themselves, driven by pride, resulted in God confusing their language and scattering them across the earth. This narrative underscores the futility of ambition rooted in self-glorification. 3. Warnings in Proverbs: The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against pride and its consequences. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This wisdom literature highlights the inherent danger in allowing prideful ambition to guide one's actions, as it often leads to ruin. 4. The Disciples' Ambition: In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus occasionally displayed ambition tainted by pride. In Mark 10:37 , James and John asked Jesus, "Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory." Their request revealed a desire for status and recognition, prompting Jesus to teach about servanthood and humility as the true path to greatness (Mark 10:43-44). 5. Pharisees and Religious Leaders: The Gospels frequently depict the Pharisees and religious leaders as individuals whose ambition for power and recognition was fueled by pride. In Matthew 23:5-7 , Jesus criticizes them for their ostentatious displays of piety and love for titles, highlighting how their prideful ambition led them away from genuine righteousness. The Apostle Paul's Perspective The Apostle Paul provides a counter-narrative to prideful ambition through his teachings and personal example. In Philippians 2:3 , he exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Paul emphasizes humility and selflessness as virtues that counteract the destructive nature of prideful ambition. Paul's own life serves as a testament to ambition redirected by divine purpose. Once a zealous persecutor of the church, his encounter with Christ transformed his ambitions. In Philippians 3:7-8 , he writes, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul's ambition became centered on knowing Christ and advancing the Gospel, demonstrating how godly ambition aligns with humility and service. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently warns against ambition driven by pride, illustrating its potential to lead individuals away from God's will. Through various examples and teachings, Scripture encourages believers to pursue ambitions that are rooted in humility, service, and a desire to glorify God rather than oneself. Torrey's Topical Textbook Habakkuk 2:5Yes also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man, neither keeps at home, who enlarges his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers to him all nations, and heaps to him all people: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pride of Prosperity The Fiery Furnace But we Need no Longer Show in this Narrow Way the Drawback of this ... Importance of the Anniversaries Connected with the Years 1894-1897 ... Worry Versus Peace Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla Prefatory Remarks. Isaiah Fourth Division. Resources What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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