Topical Bible: Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges

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Pride, a sin that is frequently condemned in the Scriptures, can often find its roots in the religious privileges and positions that individuals hold. This form of pride is particularly insidious because it cloaks itself in the guise of spiritual superiority and can lead to a false sense of righteousness. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against this kind of pride, emphasizing the need for humility and the recognition of God's sovereignty.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were chosen by God as His special people, set apart to be a light to the nations. However, this privilege sometimes led to pride and a sense of superiority over other nations. The prophet Amos warns Israel of their complacency and pride, saying, "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria" (Amos 6:1). This pride in their chosen status often resulted in disobedience and neglect of God's commandments.

The account of King Uzziah is another poignant example. Uzziah was a king of Judah who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, his success and strength led to pride, which ultimately resulted in his downfall. "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 26:16). Uzziah's pride, stemming from his royal and religious privileges, led him to unlawfully enter the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for the priests.

New Testament Warnings

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses the pride of the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who were esteemed for their knowledge of the Law and religious practices, often exhibited a prideful attitude that blinded them to the truth of Jesus' message. Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces" (Matthew 23:13). Their pride in their religious status and adherence to the law led them to miss the essence of God's grace and mercy.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of pride in religious privileges in his letters. In Romans, he warns the Jewish believers not to boast in their knowledge of the law, stating, "You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?" (Romans 2:23). Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from the privileges of knowing or possessing the law.

Theological Insights

Theologically, pride originating from religious privileges is a distortion of the purpose of those privileges. God grants spiritual gifts and positions not for self-exaltation but for service and the edification of the body of Christ. The Apostle Peter reminds believers, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10). The recognition of one's role as a steward rather than an owner of spiritual privileges is crucial in combating pride.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that humility is the antidote to pride. James writes, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). This humility is not merely an outward demeanor but an inward recognition of one's dependence on God and the grace that He provides.

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, the warnings against pride in religious privileges serve as a reminder to examine one's heart and motivations. It is essential to approach religious duties and positions with a spirit of humility and service, recognizing that all spiritual privileges are gifts from God meant for His glory and the benefit of others. The call to humility is a call to align oneself with the example of Christ, who, though He had every right to exalt Himself, chose the path of servanthood and obedience to the Father.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 3:11
In that day shall you not be ashamed for all your doings, wherein you have transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the middle of you them that rejoice in your pride, and you shall no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
... of very various value; never fanciful, but often trivial; undeniable ... to popular morality
and to religious theory ... It originates caste sanctity, and a traditional ...
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Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... Stem the torrent of my pride; ... the olden times, and it has been carried on full often
by those ... we have a Church peculiar in its unmerited privileges, chose from ...
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