Title: Kill Pride
Memorize: Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:5-8 (Nkjv)
[5] And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
[6] For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
[7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
[8] But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
Message:
God hates pride. The moment you become proud, you will begin to provoke God. Never forget that no matter how successful or influential you become in life, God is still the Highest.
God usually deals with proud people in two ways. The first way is by removing such a person from the earth suddenly and in a disgraceful manner, as seen in Acts 12:20- 24. King Herod’s pride made him consent to being compared to the Most High, which led to his sudden death. In one moment, Herod was sitting on his throne majestically; the next moment, he w as being eaten by worms.
God could also decide to disgrace a proud fellow openly but preserve his or her life, as we see in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:28-37. My dear child, be careful not to allow pride into your life. A proud fellow has God as his or her contender. Do not contend with God.
Reflection:
Are there elements of pride in your heart?
Bible Quiz:
Nebuchadnezzar’s punishment for pride was ___.
HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]
3. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]
Bible Reading In One Year: Song 5:1-8:14, 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye