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The Problem with Pride
Sermon by Ryan McClurePride is a destructive force that distorts reality and inflates one's perception of self, often leading to strife and downfall. It is inherently self-centered, focusing on personal achievements or qualities that garner admiration, and causes individuals to view themselves as superior to others or their circumstances. The phrase "no pride, no problem" serves as a powerful reminder that removing pride from situations can eliminate resulting conflicts and issues. In the account of lucifer's fall in Isaiah 14:12-15, pride is evident in his desire to ascend above the heights and be like the Most High, showcasing how it drives one to overstep the position God has ordained. This directional language of ascending and exalting reveals pride's effect on thoughts, pushing one to act beyond their rightful place, ultimately leading to a fall to the lowest depths. Similarly, in Genesis 3:1-7, pride manifests in Eve's temptation, where the serpent's deception leads her to believe she can attain wisdom apart from God. Her decision to eat the forbidden fruit, driven by the pride of life, illustrates how pride tricks individuals into thinking they do not need their Creator, resulting in dire consequences. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14 further demonstrates pride's impact on relationships. The Pharisee's self-righteous prayer, exalting himself above others, clouds his perception of his own faults. Jesus Christ teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while the humble will be exalted, emphasizing that removing pride allows for a clearer focus on personal shortcomings rather than comparing oneself to others. In II Kings 5:1-14, Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instruction to wash in the Jordan River reveals pride's potential to breed rage when expectations are unmet. His inflated self-opinion leads to fury, but his eventual humility in following the instruction results in healing. This example shows that applying "no pride, no problem" can transform challenging situations by fostering humility and obedience to God's will. Pride, when unchecked, often leads to swift destruction, as seen in various accounts where sudden judgment follows prideful actions. It puffs up thoughts and inhibits spiritual growth, damaging relationships with others and with God. Conversely, humility, as exemplified by Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:1-11, counters pride. He, being in the form of God, humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross, showing that a life without pride, focused on serving others, aligns with God's desire for His people. Adopting a "no pride, no problem" perspective sets one up for success, encouraging reliance on God for help and humility in every situation. As pride comes before destruction, rooting it out and embracing humility prevents strife and fosters a closer walk with God.
Humble Your Hearts and Be No Longer Stubborn
Sermonette byThe peace that passes all understanding comes from yielding to God's will, asking Him for a soft, pliable heart to replace the hard heart of stubbornness.
Discord From Self-Determination
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsPride fuels strife by prompting individuals to sow discord among brethren, an abomination that the LORD hates because it destroys unity and produces only harm. This occurs when people promote self-determination, convincing others that they deserve freedom from perceived unfair authority or mistreatment, even when they enjoy prosperity and rights under a just order. Such tactics mirror historical campaigns in which propaganda stirs dissatisfaction, leading groups to demand separation and ultimately enabling greater bondage once defenses are relinquished. The same pattern appears when members of God's church leave and entice others by claiming superior liberty or relief from supposed oppression, using swelling words that promise a better state while they themselves remain enslaved to corruption. Pride underlies these efforts, as seen when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses out of envy for his position, prompting the LORD to confront their lack of fear and to afflict Miriam with leprosy as a direct consequence of their grumbling. Scripture reinforces that talebearers kindle strife like fuel sustains fire, and that complaining confirms unbelief in God's fairness, since every circumstance flows from the Most High. Those who murmur thereby align with Satan's successful ploys to fragment God's people, yet the command remains to work out one's salvation without complaining or disputing, becoming blameless children who shine as lights amid a perverse generation.
A Peaceful Spirit
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryPride produces only contention, shattering the unity and peace that once existed before Adam and Eve sinned and introducing the curse of disunity that sin can never generate. This root of strife appears when individuals value their calling and relationship with God too lightly, allowing conduct toward others to foster disharmony rather than the peace God requires. The opposite quality, humility, soothes, calms, heals, and unifies by replacing competitive assertiveness with a meek and gentle manner that cultivates peace. Such humility requires setting aside the selfish desire to win every argument, responding with a soft answer that turns away wrath instead of a harsh word that stirs up anger. Many disturbances arise when people react without reflection, blowing minor issues out of proportion and disturbing the congregation, yet those who disturb the peace must refocus their aims toward cultivating a spirit of peace. Godly wisdom, being pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy, must be sown in practice so that its fruit of righteousness grows through the efforts of those who make peace. Christians are therefore called to pursue the things that make for peace and edify one another, agreeing on major doctrines that lead to salvation while handling lesser differences with longsuffering and encouragement modeled after the patience God Himself extends. By imitating Christ's example of guiding feet into the way of peace, believers prepare for the Kingdom where all former sources of contention will be removed and holiness will permit them to see the Lord.
Satan, Division, and Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCompetition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.
Humility
Sermonette by James BeaubelleHumility is not an obsequious act we turn on and off at will, but a sober reflection of our true relationship to God and our spiritual siblings.
Unity Through Humility
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughCompetition in the church can lead to disaster, destroying harmony and unity. Competition and pride destroy unity; humility and cooperation enhance unity.
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.
Isaac the Peacemaker
Sermonette byIsaac was a genuine peacemaker, yielding to interlopers and suffering wrong while trusting God to provide. In all his actions, Isaac exemplified a peacemaker.
Living by Faith: Humility and God's Justice
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humility, poverty of spirit, and acknowledging our total dependence on God are of the utmost importance. God responds to those who are humble.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Isaiah 58 and Fasting
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFasting puts us in a proper humble and contrite frame of mind, allowing God to respond to us, freeing us from our burdens and guiding us into His Kingdom.
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.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
All Sifted Like Wheat (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe will be subject to Satan's attempt to destroy our faith through being sifted like wheat. Jesus allows this to strengthen our faith yet also oversees it.
The Only Path to Reconcliation
Commentary by Mark SchindlerWe must avoid being drawn into political conflicts because resolution and reconciliation is only available through yielding to Jesus Christ.
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAgape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Lot's Day and Our Day
Sermonette byThe West is obsessed with materialism and guaranteed security, as many institutions protect—even encourage—mediocrity, incompetency, and malfeasance.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Psalm 133 (1998)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnity comes only through the initiation of God. If we would follow the suggestions in Romans 12, we could do our part in promoting unity in God's church.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
The Defense Against Offense
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible states that offenses will come. How will we handle them? Scripture reveals ways to deal with them, keeping slights from growing into bitterness.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
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.