Topical Encyclopedia Pride, a fundamental human vice, is often highlighted in the Bible as a significant spiritual danger. It is characterized by an inflated sense of one's own worth or abilities, often leading to a disregard for others and a departure from humility. For the saints, or those set apart for God's purposes, the admonition to resist pride is particularly emphasized. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings and teachings on the perils of pride and the importance of maintaining humility before God and others.Biblical Warnings Against Pride The Bible consistently warns against pride, illustrating its destructive nature and the way it distances individuals from God. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse underscores the inevitable downfall that follows pride, serving as a cautionary reminder for the saints to remain vigilant against this sin. In the New Testament, James 4:6 echoes this sentiment: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Here, the opposition of God to the proud is contrasted with His favor towards the humble, highlighting the spiritual benefits of humility. The Example of Christ The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings provide a model for the saints to emulate. Philippians 2:5-8 describes Christ's humility: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's willingness to humble Himself, despite His divine nature, serves as a powerful example for believers to follow. The saints are called to adopt this mindset, prioritizing service and obedience over self-exaltation. Practical Steps for Saints to Avoid Pride 1. Self-Examination and Repentance: Regular self-examination is crucial for identifying areas of pride in one's life. Psalm 139:23-24 offers a prayerful approach: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Through repentance and seeking God's guidance, saints can address prideful tendencies. 2. Cultivating Humility: Humility can be cultivated through intentional practices such as serving others, prioritizing their needs, and acknowledging one's dependence on God. Romans 12:3 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 think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." 3. Prayer and Dependence on God: Maintaining a prayerful attitude and reliance on God helps keep pride in check. 1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages believers to "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." Consequences of Pride for the Saints The consequences of pride are severe, as it not only disrupts one's relationship with God but also hinders spiritual growth and community harmony. Proverbs 11:2 warns, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." The disgrace associated with pride can lead to a loss of credibility and influence, both within the church and in the broader community. Furthermore, pride can create divisions among believers, as it fosters competition and strife rather than unity and love. The saints are called to be peacemakers and to build one another up, as instructed in Ephesians 4:2-3 : "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." In summary, the Bible's teachings on pride serve as a vital guide for the saints, urging them to resist this sin and to embrace humility as exemplified by Christ. Through self-examination, service, and reliance on God, believers can guard against pride and live lives that honor God and reflect His love to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 131:1Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pride and Humility Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God But God Wanted not Power to Make Man Such as that He Should Not... Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ... The Death of the Righteous The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ... That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ... Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Resources Should a Christian have swag / swagger? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many tragedies among celebrities? | GotQuestions.org How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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