Pride and Humility
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PRIDE AND HUMILITY? © Sue Found 1995
.
The Bible tells us that there is one person who would have reason to be proud. Colossians 1:15-19 Who is this verse referring to? ________
According to Philippians 2:5-8, was he proud? _______
According to Philippians 2:5-8, was he proud? _______
.
BASIC VERSES ABOUT HUMAN PRIDE
What is the source of pride? Mark 7:21-22 1 John 2:15-16
1.
2.
What is the source of pride? Mark 7:21-22 1 John 2:15-16
1.
2.
.
Read these basic verses about pride:
1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 23:12; Isaiah 57:15; Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and 16-20;
Proverbs 28:25; Proverbvs 18:12; Malachi 4:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 23:12; Isaiah 57:15; Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and 16-20;
Proverbs 28:25; Proverbvs 18:12; Malachi 4:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
.
Based on those verses, discuss the following 5 questions.
1. Why do you think God warns against pride?
2. What is the result of pride?
3. Why do you think God wants us to be humble?
4. What is the result of humility?
5. What are some ways that God helps people stay humble?
1. Why do you think God warns against pride?
2. What is the result of pride?
3. Why do you think God wants us to be humble?
4. What is the result of humility?
5. What are some ways that God helps people stay humble?
.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS TO COMBAT PRIDE:
Because the temptation to be proud, is inescapable it will be helpful to:
1. Consider the truth about ourselves as the Bible reveals it to us. Without Jesus:
A. We are _____ of ___. John 8:34
B. We are like ____ without a ________. Isaiah 53:6
C. We are like useless ____, Isaiah 64:8
D. We are like a broken off ______, John 15:5-6
E. We have nothing to be proud of since it is only by God’s ____ that the slave can be set free, the sheep shepherded, the clay made into something useful, and the broken branch grafted into the vine so that it can bear fruit. Ephesians 2:8 John 10:14
1. Consider the truth about ourselves as the Bible reveals it to us. Without Jesus:
A. We are _____ of ___. John 8:34
B. We are like ____ without a ________. Isaiah 53:6
C. We are like useless ____, Isaiah 64:8
D. We are like a broken off ______, John 15:5-6
E. We have nothing to be proud of since it is only by God’s ____ that the slave can be set free, the sheep shepherded, the clay made into something useful, and the broken branch grafted into the vine so that it can bear fruit. Ephesians 2:8 John 10:14
.
2. It will be helpful to recognize pride as a root cause of other sin, such as:
A. Slander (Gives the impression that I am _____ than the one I am “putting down”)
B. Ungratefulness (I _______ what I received so I don’t
have to be thankful,)
C. Self pity – for being unappreciated (I _______ to be
thanked or complimented.)
D. Critical spirit (I could do it ______)
E. Making fun of someone (I’m ______ than they are)
F, Taking something that doesn’t belong to me (I _______ to have this, more than it’s owner does.)
G. Talking about my successes, but not my failures (people will think more ______ of me.)
H. Thinking of how the concepts above apply to others, but not to ________,
A. Slander (Gives the impression that I am _____ than the one I am “putting down”)
B. Ungratefulness (I _______ what I received so I don’t
have to be thankful,)
C. Self pity – for being unappreciated (I _______ to be
thanked or complimented.)
D. Critical spirit (I could do it ______)
E. Making fun of someone (I’m ______ than they are)
F, Taking something that doesn’t belong to me (I _______ to have this, more than it’s owner does.)
G. Talking about my successes, but not my failures (people will think more ______ of me.)
H. Thinking of how the concepts above apply to others, but not to ________,
.
THE EXAMPLE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR
The Bible records a classic example of pride in the book of Daniel, We will read and study the story, not just as an historical account, but comparing ourselves to King Nebuchadnezzar and looking at the situation from God’s perspective.
.
The Bible records a classic example of pride in the book of Daniel, We will read and study the story, not just as an historical account, but comparing ourselves to King Nebuchadnezzar and looking at the situation from God’s perspective.
.
| Nebuchadnezzar | me | God’s perspective |
| Daniel 3:28-30. He knew and respected God. | Romans 1:20 | |
| Daniel 4:22. He had success and met his goals. | Genesis 12:2, 1 Cor. 12:4-6 | |
| Daniel 4:25. He was warned about the future. | 1 Peter 3:10-18 | |
| Daniel 4:30. He ignored God’s warnings. | Romans 1:21 and 28 | |
| Daniel 4:31-33. He was humbled by God. | 1 Corinthians 12:7 | |
| Daniel 4:34. He raised his eyes toward heaven. | Hebrews 12:1-2 | |
| Daniel 4:34. He raised his eyes toward heaven. | Hebrews 12:1-2 | |
| Daniel 4:34-35. He had a spiritual transformation. | Ezekiel 36:26-27, Hebrews 13:15 | |
| Daniel 4:36-37. He was restored for the glory of the kingdom. | Matt 6:33, John 10:10 |
.
COMPARING
Compare the way the devil tempted Eve to disobey God at the beginning of time to the ways he tempts us today through the New Age movement:
1) In Genesis 3:5 Satan says “When you eat of it (the forbidden fruit) your eyes will beopened and you will be like God.,,”
2)The new age movement says “We will help you get in touch with the divine energy source inside yourself,”
Compare the way the devil tempted Eve to disobey God at the beginning of time to the ways he tempts us today through the New Age movement:
1) In Genesis 3:5 Satan says “When you eat of it (the forbidden fruit) your eyes will beopened and you will be like God.,,”
2)The new age movement says “We will help you get in touch with the divine energy source inside yourself,”
3)Some religions say: “If you are an especially ‘good’ person, and/or perform certain rituals, you can earn the favor of the gods, perhaps even become a god.”
.
HOW CAN WE AVOID PRIDE:
How can we tell someone about something we have accomplished without bragging?
How can we encourage and build up others without flattering them or encouraging feelings of pride?
Is it ever OK to be boast about anything? According to Jeremiah 9:23-34,
I cannot boast of my: 1. ________ 2. _______ 3. _______,
but I can experience the joy of telling others that my wisdom, might and riches lie in understanding andknowing of the one and only Lord of heaven and earth who is
1. ________ 2. _______. 3._______
How can we tell someone about something we have accomplished without bragging?
How can we encourage and build up others without flattering them or encouraging feelings of pride?
Is it ever OK to be boast about anything? According to Jeremiah 9:23-34,
I cannot boast of my: 1. ________ 2. _______ 3. _______,
but I can experience the joy of telling others that my wisdom, might and riches lie in understanding andknowing of the one and only Lord of heaven and earth who is
1. ________ 2. _______. 3._______
.
BEING HONEST
3. Be honest with ourselves and with God: A, Admit our sins of pride B. Confess the sin C, Repent (turn from) D, Ask Jesus to forgive the sin and to help us to
recognize and resist the sin in the future, (First John 1:8-9)
recognize and resist the sin in the future, (First John 1:8-9)
.
Return to Life Issues Menu