Striving for position and self-exaltation is deeply rooted in our carnal nature, mirroring the rebellion of the covering cherub and Korah's challenge to God's chosen leadership. This competitive drive for dominance, seen in the church and society, contrasts with the humility and servant leadership taught by Christ and Paul. Such ambition causes division among God's people, as many seek roles not assigned by God, reflecting arrogance over meekness. Instead, we must avoid selfish ambition, esteem others above ourselves, and seek unity through mutual care. True leaders rise by God's design, not personal striving. We are called to cultivate meekness, serve God, and follow His path for peace and ultimate reward.

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Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Three)

Sermon by David F. Maas

Deeply embedded in our carnal natures is the desire to advance ourselves, exalting ourselves over our fellow human beings, mirroring the mindset of the covering cherub helel, who declared in his heart that he would ascend to heaven and raise his throne above the stars of God. This ambition for position and self-exaltation stands in stark contrast to the humble servant leadership demanded by our Lord and Savior, who, at His last Passover, rebuked His disciples for seeking Gentile-style authority over their spiritual siblings. Similarly, the apostle Paul had to discipline the Corinthian congregation for comparing their spiritual gifts and lording superiority over one another, emphasizing that such competitive nonsense has no place among God's people. Instead, Paul urged that nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, each should esteem others better than himself. This spirit of contention and rivalry, driven by the desire for position, threatens to tear apart relationships within the scattered churches of God, mirroring the destructive party spirit that has plagued human governments since before the foundation of the world, when pride and ambition led a covering cherub to rebel against Almighty God. God's called-out saints are warned to avoid this toxic drive for self-exaltation, striving instead for unity and mutual care, recognizing that when one member suffers, all share the suffering, and when one is honored, all rejoice together.

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

Article by J. Edwin Pope

God makes tremendous promises of blessing and reward to those who develop meekness in their lives. We must stop striving for position and self-recognition as we set our minds on serving God. Christ taught that the greatest among us shall be a servant. Instead of seeking personal gain, we should examine our motives, asking whether they are to serve or to gain for ourselves. This self-examination should be a regular part of our journey toward the Kingdom. We must also view ourselves as less than others, following the example of humility in Scripture. Most importantly, we must ask God for more of this fruit of His Spirit, trusting that He will provide when we seek it. Tremendous blessings await those who cultivate meekness, including peace in this age, a place of safety, and the ultimate reward of inheriting the earth, as Christ declared.

Taking Our Lead From God

Article by Staff

In the church today, a troubling trend mirrors the competitive, worldly drive for dominance seen in business and society, where many strive for lead-dog status, reminiscent of Korah's rebellion. This striving for position has led to splintering within God's church, with numerous individuals adopting a Korah-like attitude, seeking power and roles not assigned by God. Such actions reflect a presumptuousness and arrogance, disregarding that God alone determines rightful leadership. Instead of following God's lead, many are influenced by a secular mindset, using tactics clouded with religious rhetoric but rooted in self-righteousness and rebellion. The example of Korah illustrates the dangers of wrongly desired roles and power, as his initial challenge to Moses and Aaron quickly grew into a movement, ensnaring thousands who perished for their involvement. This same attitude persists today, as self-proclaimed leaders attract followers with ideas unsupported by God's Word, leading them astray from God's path. Unlike Korah, God's chosen leaders, such as Moses, David, and the apostles, often rose from humble, unremarkable circumstances, their roles determined by God, not by personal ambition. God desires His people to embrace humility, meekness, and contriteness, qualities opposed to the arrogance of worldly striving. Yet, many leaders and members within the church seem to have lost sight of this principle, focusing more on personal messages and interpretations than on glorifying God. Paul warns against glorying in oneself, urging that any glory be given to the Lord. True unity in the church requires following God's Spirit, yielding to His design rather than pursuing selfish visibility or relevance. The challenge remains for each of God's people to discern whose lead they follow—God's perfect path or man's shortsighted course.

Coattails

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Nimrod, Babylon's founder, was a narcissistic, arrogant, ungodly rebel who strove for preeminence. Most of his world clung to his coattails for security.

The Problem with Pride

Sermon by Ryan McClure

Living by 'No pride, no problem' eliminates the grief associated with placing our desires over God's will for us when facing demotions or loss of status.

Think Soberly (Part One)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

As 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.

What Type of Leader Are You?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.

Countering Presumptuousness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Korah, 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.

Conspiracy Theory (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Satan has done a good job of sabotaging the educational system of this nation, a deliberate effort by those motivated by a desire for wealth and power.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.

Abdicate

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

In 1936, British King Edward VIII abdicated for the woman he loved. Satan's pride and Adonijah's presumptuousness urged them to leave their ordained positions.

Don't Be a Politician

Sermon by Mike Ford

Jesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.

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.

Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.

Surprise Attack

Sermon by Bill Onisick

Any thought not aligned to God's Spirit is satanic, including bragging, putting others down, being puffed up with arrogance, or putting anything before God.

Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.

Our Spiritual Career

Sermon by Ryan McClure

God puts everyone in the Body as He sees fit. We should be thankful for the role God is preparing us for rather than try to leapfrog to a higher position like Helel.

Think Soberly (Part Two)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

No one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.

The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Americans have a hard time submitting to authority and like to consider themselves as sovereigns, having the last say over anything including church doctrine.

Concerning Edom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.

WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Submitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.

Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Habakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.

Thou Shall Not Covet

Sermon by John O. Reid

Because virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.

What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.

Psalm 23:2

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

The shepherd has a critical role in providing conditions for sheep to rest, including freedom from fear, pests, hunger, and social friction within the flock.

Control and Self-Control

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paradoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.

A Political Hurricane

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mass media and social media have been deliberately poking political hot buttons, purposely dividing the people of this nation to take adversary positions.

Unity

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Each 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

God's Rest (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.