Defeating Pride of Life

[manichunter]

What is the Pride of Life?We get introduced to pride in Gen 3:1-7 during the temptation of Eve. It is connected to the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes. However, it is deadlier and more subtle than the others in how it impacts and manipulates our person. It is illusive to the point that the religious people of the world are the most corrupted by it. It is so deeply embedded in us, that we think pride is a good thing to demonstrate and act in; and, humility and meekness are bad things to exhibit as signs of weakness. Pride is one hundred percent carnal in thinking and feeling. It is the part of us that assumes that since I have a life, it is at my disposal to use as I see fit. We claim ownership of our life and take possession of control over it. We determine that we have all the rights to make the decisions for it and that no one else should exert control over it. We become sovereign, self powerful, and the author of our life. How can we know pride is operating in and managing our life? Here are some of my suggestive hints (Matt 4:5,6). It never likes being wrong, corrected, or told what to do. It loves to boast about knowledge, always demonstrate that it is right, and being in control of its own affairs. It will be on guard against anything contrary to its right of way. It will defend against anything that makes it look bad or weak. It will reject anything that threatens its sovereign control over its life. Pride cannot submit its will or control to others. It defies any god that attempts to exercise any real sovereignty over it. It exalts itself against God. It wants a glory of its own. It mimics humility as false humility; plays dead in ignorant believers, and remains insincere in believers that have not overcome its seduction. This becomes the root of self righteousness in believers that justifies a bad attitude, condemnation towards others, malice actions, and anger that sins against others. This is how religious people are able to justify atrocities and shameful things they commit. However, God says pride and haughty spirit goes before our destruction and the fall (Proverbs 18:16).How can a believer defeat the temptation, the pride of life?Be honest and examine yourself (1 Cor 11:13). Expose your thought to critical analysis in constrast to Scripture (2 Cor 13:5). You can only do this by acting contrary to pride (James 4:7). You act contrary by challenging your beliefs, assumptions, and opinions. Study Scripture and ask God to give you the interpretation of what you read (2 Tim 2:15-17). Argue and debate with the Scripture concerning your convictions (Isa 1:18). Be zealous about obtaining the truth despite the pain truth causes (Heb 11:6). Get to know your place as beneath God and anybody He has given authority over you. Understand that the difference between spiritual and natural things (John 3:1-12). Allow God to set fire to your person, thoughts, and feelings to see if anything is of God (1 Cor 3:11-15). What gets consumed in the fire was pride or built in our pride. What is left is all good and usable for God. What is your input? I am trying to write a sermon regarding this matter. I have to teach Sunday in a pinch situation.God hit me with a brick today with a revelation. He told me that pride in people is an attempt to steal glory from God. Pride is mankind's attempt to look good, important, andor self-suffucient as a person by one's own means of talent, knowledge, or character. He told me He hates the pride of life in mankind. It exhalts itself above its creator. He says it is never lawful to demonstrated pride. It is okay to happy or joyful about something, but boasting and bragging of oneself goes to far. I was like wow to recieve this revelation today. He also showed me how pride is attached to the sin of strife which matures to confusion. I did not know strife was a dead work of our sin nature. Man there is so much more. I think He is leading me to learn more about this subject................. Take some pride in yourself, just got a new meaning to me..... no thank you.

 

[For Life]

Very good post. I have a question I am dealing with regarding the authority issue. Are we supposed to follow those in authority over us if they are clearly against God and the Bible? If we choose not to follow that authority is it ultimately because of pride? If we do choose that authority is that a sin? As you can see I am really wrestling with this one...

 

[Jackie D]

(For Life;52284)
Very good post. I have a question I am dealing with regarding the authority issue. Are we supposed to follow those in authority over us if they are clearly against God and the Bible?
I don't doubt you have read Daniel? There is a very good message in that book regarding breaking the "law" of man that could bring you in emnity with God should their laws be "clearly against God and the Bible". (For Life;52284)
If we choose not to follow that authority is it ultimately because of pride?
It really depends on the thoughts and intentions of your heart. There is no writ answer as you and God are the only ones who are privy to that information.(For Life;52284)
If we do choose that authority is that a sin? As you can see I am really wrestling with this one...
If you are without a doubt sure that what is being asked of you is in direct violation to God and the Word yet do it anyhow, IMO yes you are in sin should you choose to do what you know you should NOT.

 

[TallMan]

One of the most deceitful forms of the pride of life is religious pride, shown by refusal to take correction when you are shown to be wrong by what you claim to follow, the Word of God.The idea that you and all your friends have been wrong on something basic is too much for some, they would rather carry on trying to build on their foundation than re-build.