Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, pride is frequently depicted as a sin that leads to increased condemnation. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of pride, illustrating how it can lead individuals away from God and result in severe consequences.Old Testament Insights The Old Testament provides numerous examples of pride leading to downfall and condemnation. One of the most notable instances is the account of King Uzziah. In 2 Chronicles 26:16 , it is recorded, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." Uzziah's pride in his accomplishments and power led him to overstep his boundaries, resulting in his condemnation and eventual downfall. Another significant example is found in the account of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. In Daniel 4:30-31 , Nebuchadnezzar boasts, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His prideful declaration is immediately followed by divine judgment, as a voice from heaven pronounces his temporary removal from power until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the dangers of pride and its role in increasing condemnation. In the teachings of Jesus, pride is often linked with hypocrisy and self-righteousness. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, filled with pride, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector." In contrast, the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus concludes that the humble man is justified, while the prideful Pharisee is not. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of pride 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 warns that pride can lead to a distorted self-view, which in turn can result in actions and attitudes that bring about condemnation. Theological Reflections Theologically, pride is often seen as the root of many other sins. It is the elevation of self above God, leading to rebellion against divine authority. Proverbs 16:18 succinctly states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse encapsulates the biblical perspective that pride inevitably leads to negative consequences, both spiritually and morally. Pride is also contrasted with humility, which is consistently portrayed as a virtue that brings favor and grace. James 4:6 declares, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The opposition of God to the proud underscores the severity of pride's consequences, while the promise of grace to the humble highlights the path to redemption and favor. Practical Implications For believers, the biblical warnings against pride serve as a call to self-examination and humility. Recognizing the potential for pride to lead to increased condemnation, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging their dependence on God and the need for His grace. The teachings of Scripture urge believers to avoid the pitfalls of pride by embracing a life of service, humility, and submission to God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 3:6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Corinthians iii. 21-23. Pride and Humility Pride and Humility 2 Thessalonians Seventh Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Resist Sin. John i. 11 Human Responsibility A Doomed People Sanctification. Letter Lvi. To Pergamius. Resources What does it mean that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible contain so much condemnation? | GotQuestions.org Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence Condemnation: Increased by Oppression Condemnation: Increased by Pride Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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