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Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world often promotes self-confidence as a marker of capability, encouraging individuals to build themselves up through self-promotion and arrogance. Such manufactured self-confidence can sometimes lead to success in worldly pursuits, as seen in examples where individuals tout their own greatness with bold claims. However, there is a natural humiliation process for those who are self-promoters, as their self-exaltation often leads to downfall. In contrast, godly confidence, rooted in faith and belief, stands opposed to this self-centered boldness, reflecting a deeper reliance on divine strength rather than personal arrogance.
Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSelf-exaltation is a perilous trap that ensnares the heart, leading one to think more highly of himself than he ought. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, revealing His disdain for those who elevate themselves above their true measure. Pride, often cloaked in a deceptive image, drives individuals to project a persona rooted in arrogance, concealing their flaws behind a smokescreen of self-admiration. This haughtiness breeds contempt for others and a lack of fear toward God, manifesting in disobedience and a refusal to acknowledge personal sin. The danger of self-exaltation lies in its blinding effect; a proud person so admires himself that he remains unaware of his spiritual poverty and rejects correction, believing he is above reproach. Such a mindset fosters an independence that scorns reliance on others or on God, presuming self-sufficiency in all matters. This deadly quality distorts one's perception, leading to a vast overestimation of personal righteousness and worth. Job's journey exemplifies this struggle with self-exaltation. Despite his righteousness, he harbored a highly exaggerated opinion of himself, projecting an image far from the perfection he believed he displayed. His complaints against God exposed an irritation and a sense of equality with Him, accusing God of unfairness and negligence. Job's attitude placed himself above God, denying His right to deal with him as He sees fit. Yet, through divine intervention, Job was humbled, realizing his presumptuousness and the vast difference between himself and God spiritually. True humility emerges when one empties himself of self-will and renounces preconceived notions in a wholehearted search for God. It is an internal transformation, not a mere outward appearance, where one confesses unworthiness before God and acknowledges utter dependence on Him. Job, once accustomed to wealth and authority, discovered his total reliance on God for every breath of life, recognizing that without Him, he could achieve nothing of eternal value. Humility, therefore, becomes foundational to a growing relationship with God, stripping away the ego that hinders true submission.
Was Job Really Self-Righteous?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSelf-righteousness is defined as being smugly proud of one's own opinion and intolerant of others. What Job repented of was his misunderstanding of God.
Facing Times of Stress: Lovers of Self
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe face the same kind of pressures and stress that Timothy faced, with perilous times ahead of us, threatening the existence of the nation and the church.
Overcoming (Part One): Self-Deception
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughOvercoming our sinful human nature is a primary task for a Christian. We must first acknowledge the role of self-deception in our lingering sinfulness.
Celebrating Birthdays
Article by Martin G. CollinsAre birthday celebrations as harmless as they seem? How did the practice start? Here is a spiritual principle concerning birthdays that many do not consider.
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe two men who go to the Temple to pray contrast in character, belief, and self-examination. The contrast shows how to be justified before God.
Doorway to the Kingdom
Sermonette byAny time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.
The Case Against Pride
Sermonette byThree symptoms of pride include (1) lying to protect our self-image; (2) competitiveness; (3) believing our personal ideas are more valuable than God's Truth.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Day of Atonement, when God commands us to afflict our souls, is a day of self-evaluation and repentance to seek unity with Him and our brethren.
From Pride to Humility
Sermon by John O. ReidTwo tests to reveal the presence of pride are the way we treat others (especially our own family) and the way we receive instruction or correction.
Pride, Contention, and Unity
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sin of pride underlies many of our other sins, and it is often the reason for the contentions we get into as brethren.
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.
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.
Parable of the Great Supper
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the Parable of the Great Supper, Jesus exposes and corrects the ignorance of those who, in their pride, misjudge their true moral condition.
Tearing Your Clothes
Sermonette by James C. StoertzTearing one's clothing has lost its meaning, such as when it is used as a form of vanity like in torn clothing fashions or as a form of faux humility.
Living By Faith: Humility
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paradoxically, God stoops to us when we humble ourselves. Humility produces honor from God; if we humble ourselves, He will hear us.
Delusions of Perfection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have both perseverance and humility in prayer to keep our vision sharp and clear. Without humility, the doorway to acceptance by God is closed.
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.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
Coattails
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeNimrod, Babylon's founder, was a narcissistic, arrogant, ungodly rebel who strove for preeminence. Most of his world clung to his coattails for security.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
Taking Our Lead From God
Article by StaffIn light of the examples of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, have we allowed ourselves to be led by men or are we really following God?
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSelf exaltation is the heart of pride: a perverted comparison in which a person, failing to see God as beyond comparison, elevates himself above God and others. Satan is the pattern. Lifted up by his beauty and intellect, he said, "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God," and wrapped in the "smoke" of conceit, he sought sovereignty rather than serving in the role God gave him. Adam and Eve followed, enticed by "You shall be gods," and only Jesus refused, saying, "Not My will, but Yours be done." The central biblical issue is government and sovereignty, and life is driven either by self-generated pride from Satan or by faith, fear, and humility before God. The proud do not necessarily deny God; they push Him to the background and ignore Him so they can keep control. Self exaltation shows itself in taking advantage of the weak, boasting, sarcasm, lying to protect one's image, scorn, contempt, quarreling, puffed-up knowledge, complacency toward sin, seeking one's own glory, laziness, and showy dress. God answers reciprocally, resisting the proud and giving grace to the lowly. Moses, meek despite his position, admitted he did not know the answer and listened to those seen as lowly.
Faith (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is a perverted comparison that elevates one above another. Because of its arrogant self-sufficiency, it hinders our faith. Faith depends on humility.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
What Do We Have to Be Proud Of? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBelievers often rely on worldly philosophy rather than divine revelation, ignoring the fact that all gifts and abilities are received from God rather than earned.
The Role of the Outcasts (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David F. MaasA humble spirit is a teachable and moldable spirit, but a haughty, self-satisfied, pride-filled spirit cannot be molded or shaped into a godly vessel.
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.
Tyre and Loving One's Enemies
'Prophecy Watch' by Mike FuhrerThrough Ezekiel, God prophesied the destruction of Tyre in great detail. God judged them guilty of pride, greed, and hatred toward His people, Israel.
Sovereign God, Not Man
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have all become little 'sovereigns.' Everyone thinks he or she can make up the rules about God's truth, when God is to be the sole arbiter of truth.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.
What Has Happened to Deference?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughDeference is a foundational virtue. It reveals one's humility—that he is thoughtfully aware of others and seeking to serve them even in insignificant ways.
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.
Job: Things Left Unsaid
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughForgiveness from God is directly tied to our forgiving those who have sinned against us! We must reciprocate God's forgiveness by forgiving others.
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.
The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is it to be poor in spirit? This attribute is foundational to Christian living. Those who are truly poor in spirit are on the road to true spiritual riches.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe may find God's means of correction discouraging, but when we place His actions in context with His overall plan, we can find peace in God's sovereignty.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe current stormy cultural headwinds consist of noise, hurry, and party spirit. We must replace the gentile style of leadership and elevating leaders.
Private Religion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSomeone misusing piety to draw attention to themselves to enhance their reputation destroys character and they will not enter the Kingdom of God.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.