THE PRIDE OF LIFE- second service
Sunday 24th July 2022
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE OF LIFE—is not of the Father but is of the world.
The pride of life comes as a result of the successes and achievements we have attained in life for which we want men to recognize us instead of God.
The bible gives us two examples of people who were destroyed because of spiritual pride. They detached themselves from what God had done through them and thought they had done it in their power.
Daniel 4:27-30
....Nebuchadnezzar, At the end of the twelve months was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by MY MIGHTY POWER and for the honor of MY MAJESTY?”
Nebuchadnezzar forgot that it was God who had raised him. He was too blinded by his prosperity, wealth, and success that he could no longer recognise the hand of God on him.
May God deliver us from ourselves. It is not just the hard work, integrity, connections, etc, that make things happen. It is the hand of God upon us that enables us.
Daniel 4:31-33 While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: THE KINGDOM HAS DEPARTED FROM YOU! That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; ..
Do not allow pride to get into your heart. God reigns in the affairs of men.
Acts 12:21-23 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “THE VOICE OF A GOD AND NOT OF A MAN!”
Acts 21:23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord STRUCK HIM, because HE DID NOT GIVE GLORY TO GOD. And he was eaten by worms and died.
Be careful with the songs people sing for you. Do not entertain the praises of men . Always give glory back to God because however powerful you are, He can reduce you to nothing.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Pride can bring anyone down. See the story of Lucifer. (Isaiah 14:12-17)
Before you accuse the devil, first check your pride levels. They could be the cause of your downfall.
2 Chronicles 26:15-16
The tester of humility is being grateful and acknowledging God for everything you have in life.
Deuteronomy 8:12-18 ...then you say in your heart, ‘MY POWER and the MIGHT of MY HAND have gained me this wealth.’ “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is HE who gives you power to get wealth, .....
One of the ways of remaining grateful is never to forget where God has brought you from. It has always been His help, hand and power to achieve all that you have.
Further study
Luke 18:10-14 It has always been His mercy that has taken you that far.
How to identify pride in your life.
1. When you feel no one else can advise you yet you can advise the others.
2. When you find it difficult to receive correction.
3. When you defend your mistakes at all costs even when you know you are wrong.
4. When you feel you have to win every argument.
5. When you are slow to repent after sinning or are even slow to say sorry to those you have wronged.
People who walk in humility are always very quick to repent.
Romans 8:26
As long as you are a man, you have weaknesses. Accept them and let your heart be willing to receive help in form of correction and advice from anyone. That is the heart of humility.
STAY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED, WE LOVE YOU. PASTOR BEN OCHOLA.!
