Overcoming Self-Pity and Pride Through Humility
Summary
### Summary
In our gathering tonight, we focused on the critical issue of self-pity and pride, two attitudes that can severely hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. We began by acknowledging the importance of having a heart prepared to receive God's word, knowing that His word never returns void but accomplishes its purpose. We then transitioned into discussing the ongoing renovations in our church and the exciting plans to expand our reach in Jakarta Barat, specifically in Pluit and Puri.
The core of our discussion centered on the dangers of self-pity and pride. Self-pity, as seen in the life of Jeremiah, is an attitude that God rebukes. It leads to a victim mentality, where one blames others, circumstances, and even God for their misfortunes. This attitude can be destructive, causing one to feel isolated and hopeless. Similarly, pride is another attitude that God detests. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God hates, with pride being the foremost. Pride leads to a false sense of superiority and self-reliance, which ultimately results in downfall and destruction.
We examined biblical examples of pride, such as Lucifer and King Nebuchadnezzar, who both faced severe consequences for their arrogance. Lucifer, once a high-ranking angel, was cast out of heaven due to his desire to exalt himself above God. Nebuchadnezzar, despite his great achievements, was humbled by God and reduced to living like an animal until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.
To combat these destructive attitudes, we must intentionally choose humility. Colossians 3:12 instructs us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Humility is a conscious decision and a reflection of our understanding of our identity in Christ. We are chosen, holy, and dearly loved, not because of our merits but because of God's grace.
Furthermore, we must cultivate a broken and contrite heart, as described in Psalm 51:17. True repentance and recognition of our need for God keep us grounded and prevent pride from taking root. Lastly, we should always direct glory to God, acknowledging that all our achievements and blessings come from Him. John the Baptist exemplified this by pointing others to Jesus, even when he had the opportunity to claim glory for himself.
### Key Takeaways
1. Self-Pity and Its Dangers: Self-pity is an attitude that God rebukes because it leads to a victim mentality, causing one to blame others and even God for their misfortunes. This attitude isolates and paralyzes us, preventing us from taking responsibility and moving forward in faith. [30:56]
2. The Destructive Nature of Pride: Pride is a sin that God detests, as it leads to a false sense of superiority and self-reliance. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists pride as the foremost of the seven things God hates. Pride precedes destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, making it a critical issue to address in our spiritual lives. [33:00]
3. Biblical Examples of Pride: Lucifer and King Nebuchadnezzar serve as stark warnings against pride. Lucifer's desire to exalt himself above God led to his downfall, while Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance resulted in him being humbled by God until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. These examples remind us of the severe consequences of pride. [43:36]
4. Choosing Humility: Humility is a conscious decision and a reflection of our understanding of our identity in Christ. Colossians 3:12 instructs us to clothe ourselves with humility, recognizing that we are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God's grace, not by our merits. This understanding helps us maintain a humble heart. [58:52]
5. Cultivating a Broken and Contrite Heart: Psalm 51:17 emphasizes the importance of a broken and contrite heart, which signifies true repentance and recognition of our need for God. This attitude keeps us grounded and prevents pride from taking root, ensuring that we remain humble and dependent on God's grace. [01:05:19]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:52] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[29:25] - Church Renovation and Expansion Plans
[30:25] - Introduction to Self-Pity
[30:56] - The Dangers of Self-Pity
[31:27] - Understanding Doubt and Heart Response
[32:26] - Warning Against Pride
[33:00] - Proverbs 6:16-19: Seven Things God Hates
[34:33] - Defining Pride
[39:19] - Biblical Examples: Lucifer
[43:36] - Biblical Examples: Nebuchadnezzar
[47:38] - Biblical Examples: Pharisees
[58:20] - Overcoming Pride: Choosing Humility
[01:05:19] - Cultivating a Broken and Contrite Heart
[01:09:08] - Directing Glory to God
[01:13:23] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 6:16-19: "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."
2. Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
3. Psalm 51:17: "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the six things that the Lord hates according to Proverbs 6:16-19? [33:00]
2. How does Colossians 3:12 instruct us to clothe ourselves, and what qualities are mentioned? [58:52]
3. What does Psalm 51:17 say about the kind of heart God will not despise? [01:05:19]
4. According to the sermon, what are the dangers of self-pity and how does it affect our spiritual life? [30:56]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think pride is listed as the foremost of the seven things God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19? How does this align with the examples of Lucifer and King Nebuchadnezzar mentioned in the sermon? [33:00]
2. How does Colossians 3:12's instruction to clothe ourselves with humility relate to our understanding of our identity in Christ? [58:52]
3. What does it mean to have a broken and contrite heart as described in Psalm 51:17, and why is this important in combating pride? [01:05:19]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the consequences of pride through the stories of Lucifer and King Nebuchadnezzar? [43:36]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt self-pity. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to overcome this attitude? [30:56]
2. Pride can often be a blind spot. How can you become more aware of pride in your life, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate humility? [52:51]
3. Colossians 3:12 mentions several qualities we should clothe ourselves with. Choose one quality and discuss how you can intentionally practice it in your daily interactions this week. [58:52]
4. Psalm 51:17 talks about having a broken and contrite heart. What does true repentance look like in your life, and how can you cultivate a heart that is always seeking God’s forgiveness and grace? [01:05:19]
5. The sermon mentioned that all our achievements and blessings come from God. How can you practice giving glory to God in your daily life, especially in moments of success? [01:09:08]
6. Think about a recent situation where you might have acted out of pride. How could you have approached it differently with a humble heart? [33:00]
7. How can you support the church’s mission to expand its reach in Jakarta Barat, specifically in Pluit and Puri, through prayer and other means? [30:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Dangers of Self-Pity
Self-pity is an attitude that God rebukes because it leads to a victim mentality, causing one to blame others and even God for their misfortunes. This attitude isolates and paralyzes us, preventing us from taking responsibility and moving forward in faith. When we indulge in self-pity, we are essentially saying that our circumstances are beyond God's control, which is a form of doubt and lack of faith. This can lead to a downward spiral of hopelessness and isolation, making it difficult to see God's hand at work in our lives.
To combat self-pity, we must recognize it for what it is: a destructive attitude that hinders our spiritual growth. Instead of wallowing in our misfortunes, we should turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength to overcome our challenges. By doing so, we can break free from the chains of self-pity and move forward in faith, trusting that God has a purpose for our lives and that He is in control of our circumstances. [30:56]
Psalm 42:11 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by self-pity. How can you shift your focus from your circumstances to God's promises and faithfulness today?
Day 2: The Destructive Nature of Pride
Pride is a sin that God detests, as it leads to a false sense of superiority and self-reliance. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists pride as the foremost of the seven things God hates. Pride precedes destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, making it a critical issue to address in our spiritual lives. When we allow pride to take root in our hearts, we become self-centered and lose sight of our dependence on God. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including broken relationships, spiritual stagnation, and ultimately, our downfall.
To overcome pride, we must first acknowledge its presence in our lives and repent of it. This requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's authority. By recognizing that all our achievements and blessings come from God, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and dependence on Him. This, in turn, helps us maintain a humble and teachable spirit, allowing us to grow in our relationship with God and others. [33:00]
James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride has taken root. How can you practice humility and dependence on God in that area today?
Day 3: Biblical Examples of Pride
Lucifer and King Nebuchadnezzar serve as stark warnings against pride. Lucifer's desire to exalt himself above God led to his downfall, while Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance resulted in him being humbled by God until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. These examples remind us of the severe consequences of pride and the importance of maintaining a humble heart. Lucifer, once a high-ranking angel, was cast out of heaven due to his pride and desire to be like God. Similarly, Nebuchadnezzar, despite his great achievements, was reduced to living like an animal until he recognized God's authority.
These biblical examples serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. By learning from their mistakes, we can avoid the same pitfalls and strive to live lives that honor God. This requires a conscious effort to recognize and repent of pride, as well as a commitment to cultivating humility and dependence on God. [43:36]
Daniel 4:37 (ESV): "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble."
Reflection: Reflect on the story of Nebuchadnezzar. How can you acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life and avoid the pitfalls of pride?
Day 4: Choosing Humility
Humility is a conscious decision and a reflection of our understanding of our identity in Christ. Colossians 3:12 instructs us to clothe ourselves with humility, recognizing that we are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God's grace, not by our merits. This understanding helps us maintain a humble heart and prevents us from falling into the trap of pride. When we choose humility, we acknowledge that our worth and identity come from God, not from our achievements or status.
Choosing humility requires a daily commitment to submit to God's authority and to serve others selflessly. This involves putting the needs of others before our own and recognizing that our abilities and blessings are gifts from God. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and dependence on God, allowing us to grow in our relationship with Him and others. [58:52]
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: Think of a specific way you can practice humility today. How can you serve someone selflessly and reflect Christ's love in your actions?
Day 5: Cultivating a Broken and Contrite Heart
Psalm 51:17 emphasizes the importance of a broken and contrite heart, which signifies true repentance and recognition of our need for God. This attitude keeps us grounded and prevents pride from taking root, ensuring that we remain humble and dependent on God's grace. A broken and contrite heart acknowledges our sinfulness and our need for God's forgiveness and mercy. It is a posture of humility that opens the door for God's transformative work in our lives.
Cultivating a broken and contrite heart requires regular self-examination and repentance. This involves being honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. By doing so, we can maintain a humble and teachable spirit, allowing God to shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be. This, in turn, helps us grow in our relationship with God and others, as we become more aware of our need for His grace and mercy. [01:05:19]
Isaiah 66:2 (ESV): "All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt convicted of sin. How can you cultivate a broken and contrite heart by seeking God's forgiveness and guidance today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Kesombongan itu Tuhan gak okay Bahkan dikatakan Ketika kita sombong Kita menempatkan Diri ditentang oleh Tuhan Gak ada seorang pun di tempat ini Saudara, yang mau ditentang oleh Tuhan No Kalau anda menjadikan Seseorang yang ditentang Tuhan Oh siap-siap saudara Bahkan dikatakan saudara Kecongkakan itu Mendahului kehancuran Kesombongan itu Mendahului kejatuhan Dengan kata lain, sebelum anda Lihat orang itu hancur, pasti sombong Itu mendahulunya Orang itu jatuh, pasti orang itu Ada dalam dosa kesombongan Kesombongan, kecongkakan Akan membawa kehancuran Itulah kata firman Saudara." [38:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Orang yang sombong Dia bertindak bodoh Orang yang sombong itu gak pakai hikmat Orang yang sombong itu dengan kata lain Dia sedang Tidak Atau dia merusak Hikmatnya sendiri Karena semaraknya Dia bertindak bodoh Demi kemegahan dan kesombongannya Dia lepaskan hikmatnya Ke bumi kau ku lempar Kepada raja-raja engkau ku serahkan Menjadi tontonan bagi matanya." [44:06] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Kalau Yohanes Pembaptis itu sombong Dan hidup di zaman sekarang Pasti waktu Mbaptis Yesus dia pasti bawa handphone Lalu dia selfie sambil Mbaptis, lihat siapa yang aku baptis Mesias men Saudara Bahkan pada abad pertama Banyak orang itu Menganggap Yohanes Pembaptis Adalah Sang Mesias Bahkan beberapa orang itu datang kepadanya Dan berkata Engkaukah Mesias itu Kalau Yohanes itu sombong Pasti di rumah Waktu dia ngaca Dia akan berkata Jangan-jangan kamu benar-benar Mesias Lihat pelayananmu Lihat kali bermutu." [01:10:20] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Selalu arahkan mata orang kepada Tuhan Selalu berikan kemuliaan kepada Tuhan Kalau ada orang memuji mu Jangan lupakan satu hal Jangan anda berkata Kalau ada orang memuji Jangan mengumumkan Jangan denial Berkata terima kasih Tapi anda harus kasih Semua karena anugerah Tuhan Jangan berkata Ya itu karena gue hebat Gue sekolah Gue begini Gue begitu No Katakan amin Selalu kembalikan kemuliaan Kepada Tuhan Itu adalah pengakuan seperti ini Itu membuat hati kita terus menerus Diingatkan Dibaptis lagi Dicuci lagi Supaya Kita itu terus mengingatkan hati kita Mendisiplin hati kita Semua pencapaian Semua berkat Bahkan kalau hari ini sukses Anda berhasil Itu semua Karena Tuhan." [01:12:33] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Kalau anda sulit minta maaf Kalau Anda memilih merendahkan hati Anda akan bisa minta maaf Kalau Anda sulit mengampuni Ketika Anda memilih merendahkan hati Anda akan punya kemampuan untuk mengampuni Kalau Anda sulit berubah Kebiasaan-kebiasaan buruk tertentu Ketika Anda merendahkan hati Di hadapan Tuhan Anda akan diberikan kemampuan untuk berubah Itulah kasih karunia yang Tuhan berikan Amen." [01:21:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Mengasihani diri sendiri ada sebuah perasaan Mengasihani diri sendiri Karena kemalangan atau karena Karena perlakuan buruk yang dia terima Atau karena kesedihannya Orang yang mengasihani diri sendiri Akan Merasa hidupnya paling malang Dia akan Melepaskan tanggung jawab dan menyalahkan orang lain Keadaan dan bahkan Tuhan Atas ketidakbahagiaannya Dia akan merasa Bahwa Gak ada orang yang peduli sama dia Gak ada orang yang Mengasihinya Dia akan merasa sebagai korban Bermental korban Aku begini karena Aku gak punya suami yang baik Aku seperti ini karena Hidupku hancur seperti ini karena aku gak punya istri yang baik Hidupku hancur karena Orang lain Karena ini, karena itu." [36:09] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sikap adalah Respon atau Reaksi kita Di dalam menghadapi situasi Sikap adalah Menggambarkan cara berpikir kita Dan menggambarkan Respon kita terhadap berbagai situasi Itu menggambarkan bagaimana kita Memutuskan dan bagaimana kita Berpikir Ketika kita menghadapi sesuatu Makanya sikap itu Akan menunjukkan siapa kita Sebetulnya Siapa kita sebenarnya Dan apa yang kita percaya Tentang Tuhan Anda bisa berteriak-teriak Berkata Amen di gereja Anda bisa melompat-lompat Menyanyi Tapi siapa Anda Atau apa sikap Anda Atau respon Anda di masa sulit Itu menggambarkan Siapa Anda sebenarnya Saudara Jadi sikap itu Keputusan." [01:00:24] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seseorang yang paham identitasnya Sebagai orang yang dipilih Orang yang dikuduskan Orang yang diselamatkan Dikasihi Karena anugerah Bukan karena warna kulitnya Etnisnya Prestasinya Pendidikannya Statusnya kaya atau miskin Bukan karena jabatannya Kehebatan dan kemampuannya Atau keahliannya Orang yang mengakui Bahwa aku ini adalah produk dari kasih karunia Semua kebaikan yang melekat dalam hidupku Itu karena Kemenangannya diatas kayu salib Karena anugerahnya Orang yang Paham identitasnya Dia akan dengan mudah Mengenakan jubah Kerendahan hati Katakan Amen." [01:03:17] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Nebuchadnezzar Itu perlu dihancurkan Tuhan merendahkan Nebuchadnezzar Sampai di titik dia itu hancur Baru dia itu mengakui Bahwa semua Kekuatan kekuasaannya Itu karena Tuhan Bukan karena dia hebat Makanya saya mau katakan Coba kita baca satu ayat lagi Satu ayat ini Terus lima ayat enam Rendahkan dirimu di hadapan tangan Tuhan yang kuat Supaya kamu ditinggikan Pada waktunya Maksudnya apa Katakan pada diri sendiri Saya harus merendahkan diri saya sendiri Sebelum Saya sampai pada titik Dimana Tuhan merendahkanku Dan Saya harus masuk dalam proses Yang menyakitkan Dan sulit Dan hancur Baru aku bisa Merendahkan diri." [01:08:01] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Kalau Yohanes Pembaptis itu sombong Pasti di rumah Waktu dia ngaca Dia akan berkata Jangan-jangan kamu benar-benar Mesias Lihat pelayananmu Lihat kali bermutu Tapi kerendahan hati Yohanes Pembaptis itu terlihat ketika Anggota atau murid-muridnya Datang kepadanya dan berkata Yohanes 3, 26 dan 27 Mereka datang kepada Yohanes dan berkata Rabbi orang yang bersama dengan engkau Di seberang sungai Jordan Dan yang tentang dia engkau telah memberi kesaksian Dia membaptis juga Dan semua orang pergi kepadanya Lalu jawaban Yohanes Itu menunjukkan Menunjukkan kualitas Hati dan pengertiannya Dia berkata Tidak ada seorang pun yang dapat mengambil sesuatu bagi dirinya Kalau tidak dikaruniakan Kepadanya dari sorga." [01:11:24] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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