Embracing Humility: The Perils of Pride
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme "Be Humble or Be Humbled," focusing on the pervasive issue of pride in our lives. Pride is a subtle yet powerful force that can lead us astray, causing us to overestimate ourselves and underestimate others. We began by examining a series of introspective questions to help identify pride within us, such as whether we have a critical tongue, struggle to admit when we're wrong, or find ourselves often thinking we're better than others. These questions serve as a mirror, reflecting the pride that can easily take root in our hearts.
We delved into the biblical account of Herod Agrippa, a ruler who exemplified the dangers of pride. Herod's story is a cautionary tale of how pride can lead to downfall. Despite his power and influence, Herod's desire for glory and recognition ultimately led to his demise. This narrative reminds us that God will not share His glory with anyone, and those who seek to elevate themselves above God will eventually be humbled.
The message also highlighted the importance of cultivating humility in our lives. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. It involves admitting our mistakes, expressing gratitude, remembering our true identity as sinners saved by grace, and acknowledging the journey we've been on. By holding our achievements and possessions loosely, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God.
Furthermore, we are reminded that political leaders and worldly powers may come and go, but the Word of God endures forever. Our calling is to stand with the marginalized, seek justice, and live out the gospel daily. Ultimately, there is only one true King, and that is God, who reigns supreme over all creation.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Subtlety of Pride: Pride often manifests in subtle ways, such as a critical tongue or an inflated sense of self-worth. Recognizing these traits in ourselves is the first step toward humility. Pride can blind us to our own faults and lead us to elevate ourselves above others, but humility calls us to see ourselves as God sees us. [00:44]
2. The Danger of Seeking Glory: Herod Agrippa's story illustrates the peril of seeking glory and recognition for ourselves. When we place ourselves on a pedestal, we risk being humbled by God. True humility involves acknowledging that all glory belongs to God, and we must resist the temptation to claim it for ourselves. [10:48]
3. Cultivating Humility: Humility can be cultivated through practices such as admitting our mistakes, expressing gratitude, and remembering our identity as sinners saved by grace. By holding our achievements loosely and recognizing the journey we've been on, we align ourselves with God's perspective. [18:35]
4. The Endurance of God's Word: While political leaders and worldly powers may rise and fall, the Word of God remains steadfast. Our mission is to continue the work of justice, equity, and compassion, standing with the marginalized and living out the gospel in our daily lives. [31:51]
5. Recognizing the True King: There is only one true King, and that is God. In a world where many seek power and recognition, we must remember that God is the ultimate authority. Our lives should reflect His glory, and we should strive to live in a way that honors Him above all else. [29:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - Identifying Pride in Our Lives
[01:49] - The Human Condition and Pride
[07:27] - Herod's Power Plays
[10:48] - The Audacity of Pride
[12:42] - The Fallibility of Pride
[14:46] - Spiritual Plagiarism
[15:37] - God's Glory Alone
[18:35] - Cultivating Humility
[22:44] - Remembering the Journey
[24:23] - Holding Things Loosely
[26:58] - Personal Reflections on Pride
[29:31] - The Reliability of God's Word
[31:51] - Standing for Justice and Equity
[34:00] - Recognizing the True King
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Be Humble or Be Humbled"
Bible Reading:
- Acts 12:19-24
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 5:8
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the introspective questions mentioned in the sermon that help identify pride in our lives? [00:44]
2. How does the story of Herod Agrippa illustrate the dangers of pride according to the sermon? [10:48]
3. What are some practices mentioned in the sermon that can help cultivate humility? [18:35]
4. How does the sermon describe the enduring nature of God's Word compared to worldly powers? [31:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that pride can manifest subtly in our lives, and how can we become more aware of it? [01:49]
2. How does the sermon interpret Herod Agrippa's downfall as a warning against seeking personal glory? [12:42]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and gratitude? How can expressing gratitude help combat pride? [18:35]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to respond to the transient nature of political power in light of the enduring Word of God? [31:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the introspective questions from the sermon. Which one resonates with you the most, and why? How can you address this area of pride in your life? [00:44]
2. Consider a time when you sought recognition or glory for yourself. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to redirect that desire for glory towards God? [10:48]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of admitting mistakes. Can you recall a recent situation where you struggled to admit you were wrong? How might humility have changed the outcome? [18:35]
4. How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine to cultivate humility? Identify specific people or situations where you can express gratitude this week. [18:35]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of remembering our journey and God's grace. How can reflecting on your past help you maintain humility in your current circumstances? [22:44]
6. In what ways can you stand with the marginalized and live out the gospel in your daily life, as encouraged by the sermon? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [31:51]
7. How does recognizing God as the true King influence your priorities and decisions? What changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects His glory above all else? [29:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Subtle Pride
Pride often creeps into our lives in subtle ways, manifesting as a critical tongue or an inflated sense of self-worth. It blinds us to our own faults and leads us to elevate ourselves above others. To combat this, we must first recognize these traits within ourselves. By doing so, we can begin to see ourselves as God sees us, acknowledging our imperfections and the need for His grace. This self-awareness is the first step toward cultivating humility and aligning our hearts with God's perspective. [00:44]
Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you may have spoken critically of someone. How can you approach similar situations with humility and grace in the future?
Day 2: The Peril of Self-Glorification
The story of Herod Agrippa serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of seeking glory and recognition for ourselves. Herod's desire for adulation led to his downfall, illustrating that when we place ourselves on a pedestal, we risk being humbled by God. True humility involves acknowledging that all glory belongs to God and resisting the temptation to claim it for ourselves. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and avoid the pitfalls of pride. [10:48]
Acts 12:21-23 (ESV): "On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or praise. How can you redirect that desire towards glorifying God instead?
Day 3: Embracing Humility
Cultivating humility is a lifelong journey that involves practices such as admitting our mistakes, expressing gratitude, and remembering our identity as sinners saved by grace. By holding our achievements loosely and recognizing the journey we've been on, we align ourselves with God's perspective. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, allowing us to serve others and God more effectively. [18:35]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to admit mistakes. How can you practice humility in that area today?
Day 4: The Unchanging Word of God
While political leaders and worldly powers may rise and fall, the Word of God remains steadfast. Our mission is to continue the work of justice, equity, and compassion, standing with the marginalized and living out the gospel in our daily lives. By grounding ourselves in God's Word, we find the strength and guidance needed to navigate the ever-changing world around us. [31:51]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of God's Word into your daily routine to ensure it guides your actions and decisions?
Day 5: Acknowledging the True King
In a world where many seek power and recognition, we must remember that God is the ultimate authority. There is only one true King, and that is God, who reigns supreme over all creation. Our lives should reflect His glory, and we should strive to live in a way that honors Him above all else. By doing so, we acknowledge His sovereignty and align our lives with His divine purpose. [29:31]
1 Timothy 6:15-16 (ESV): "He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you seek control or recognition. How can you surrender this to God and acknowledge His sovereignty today?
Quotes
"I want to ask you a series of questions. If you say yes to any of these questions, it means you struggle with pride. Do you have a sharp or critical tongue? Do you generally think your way is the right way, only way, or best way? Are you easily offended or get in your feelings? Do you have a hard time admitting you're wrong? Do you find fault in others often?" [00:00:37] (28 seconds)
"truth that all of us struggle with pride I know I do it we are all prone to overestimate ourselves I have the tendency to think more of ourselves than we ought to it is part of the human condition that we constantly find ourselves a certain and measuring ourselves with an inflated estimation quick to put others down to elevate ourselves quick to be right and point out everybody else is wrong and quick to blame and slow to accept responsibility" [00:02:18] (31 seconds)
"Here's what pride is pride is an inflated view of who we really are truth of the matter is that humility is not to think of your stink less of yourself but to think of yourself less I love the way my friend Edie Dewey Smith puts it he says if you if you if you stay small enough long enough God will make you big enough soon enough either we can be humble or we will be humbled" [00:04:12] (28 seconds)
"Herod, does not give praise to God. Herod receives all of the adulation. Herod receives all of it. And the text says this way, and the Lord struck him down. Oh, I want you to also warn us too. I want you to also warn us too. God will not share with you. I want you to also warn us too. His glory." [00:13:36] (68 seconds)
"Humility says, humility is willing to say, I can't do everything. I tried this. I can't, I can't do all that. I want to be there. I want to do that, but I can't. Humility is willing to say, I missed the mark. I was wrong. I was wrong. I shouldn't have treated you that way I lied I sinned I apologize I blew it" [00:18:35] (25 seconds)
"humility means to admit your mistakes and limitations knowing that number two here it is humility to say thank you often do you realize that gratitude kills pride in your heart every time you tell somebody thank you to your family to your friends your employer to your co -worker to your church member to the cashier to the server to the waitress to the cleaning crew whenever you say thank you the more and more you say thank you the more and more you are cultivating humility in your heart because prideful people don't see nobody but themselves but humble people recognize that everybody has value" [00:19:00] (40 seconds)
"you got to remember the journey. You got to keep God first. You got to keep God first. Listen, don't you stop coming to church. Don't you stop worshiping God. Don't you stop giving to God. Don't you listen to the junk on the streets that talk about churches and talk about it. Listen, you're not going just for the people. You're going because you need to get to God." [00:23:07] (23 seconds)
"but it's a reminder that political leaders will come and go harris demires he's gone after four years as a reminder political leaders they're going to come and go and they will come with policies that disrupt our communities and target us in our own way They will try to erase our history and whitewash our history." [00:31:03] (25 seconds)
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