Filter by Categories
Overcoming (Part 9): Self-Exaltation
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsSatan employs a deceptive tactic to shatter our resistance to pride by enticing us with desires for high stature and wealth, aiming to elevate us in our own minds only to spiritually dash us to pieces. Self-exaltation, an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance, manifests as self-tribute, self-praise, and self-worship, placing oneself above all else. This sin is epitomized by satan, who sought to usurp God's throne, and is mirrored in figures like Nebuchadnezzar, who boasted of his own might and majesty, and will culminate in the Antichrist, driven by the same spirit of pride. Self-exaltation arises from self-deception, encouraged by satan, the father of pride, leading us to believe we are greater than we truly are. Human nature then perpetuates this pride, ironically resulting in shame rather than the personal glory we seek. The penalties for this sin are severe; God ultimately strips away the physical accomplishments of the self-exalted, bringing condemnation, debasement, degradation, and humiliation. Those who glory in themselves find no true honor, as their perceived achievements often lack real substance. In contrast, God commends the humble, promising to exalt them at the appointed time. The example of Jesus Christ illustrates true humility; He relinquished inexpressible glory to take on the humble form of humanity, performing the lowliest services, and consenting to be without distinction or honor. Though He became as nothing, He is now exalted above all. His life serves as a model for us to overcome self-exaltation and cultivate the true, ultimately exalting trait of humility.
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughII Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJob had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.
Think Soberly (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we examine our spiritual gifts, we must avoid any presumption that we alone carry exclusive knowledge that other church groups are too blind to see.
Countering Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKorah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
The Danger of Trusting in Oneself
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThose wise in their own eyes, including philosophers, politicians, educators, and religious leaders, have failed in their quest to make the world better.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is the basis of resisting God, while humility is the key to a relationship with Him. We recognize it in others but we seldom see it in ourselves.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Faith and Spiritual Focus
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFasting is not for pressuring God or attempting to put Him in debt, but instead to reveal what we really are, clothing us with the humility to yield to Him.
It's Not Fair!
'Prophecy Watch' by Geoff Preston'Fairness' is a major buzzword in these times. Yet our discontent over perceived mistreatment pales in comparison to what others have endured.
Are You Living An Illusion?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReligious narcissists, who identify with the servant who received ten talents, cherry-pick Scripture to enhance their self-love and support their views.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.