teaching seminar on pride 12012014

Teaching Seminar on Pridetaking place at the Youth Church

RCCG Royal Generation Parish January 12, 2014

About “Pride ”

Pride can be defined as undue confidence in and attention to one’s own skills, accomplishments, state and possessions, or position. Pride is easier to recognise in others than in oneself.

The root of sin is pride, for it is a rebellion against GOD and the opposite of humility.

When one thinks about his/her own ability (self-satisfaction, presumption, arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, high-mindedness), the person is proud.

There are some core ingredients of pride. For instance when you win an award, when you achieve your goal, when GOD uses you to make someone progress in life etc.

There are three main types of pride:

Superiority: It entails actions and property in relation to victory. When one believes that one is better or stronger than another because of ones victory over another.

Types of “Pride ”

Arrogance: Occurs when one has less power than another but one is not willing to submit to the higher authority. The person can challenge the other for having more power.

Dignity: This is pride as regards human dignity. When one claims the right of being treated as peer, with the same status, same rights, same freedom as the other. He attributes a higher value to his self-image.

Types of “Pride ”

It is important to note that there is a thin line between pride and self-confidence.

A self-confident person is quiet and unassuming but a proud person believes he/she is always right and the person is not teachable.

Pride occurs when one regards oneself better than others. One therefore ascribes ones achievements to hard work and refuses to recognise the grace of GOD in ones life.

A proud person treats others with contempt or cruelty because he/she does not see the value in others.

How is “Pride ” expressed?

It is excessive confidence in oneself, achievements, possessions, position, etc. It is physically portrayed with a raised chin, chest-out and shoulders raised, small smile, head tilted backwards etc.

On a spiritual level, it leads to disregard, disrespect and disobedience to GOD. It is rebellion against GOD because it attributes to oneself the honour and glory due to GOD.

A proud person does not think it necessary to ask for forgiveness because they do not admit their sinful condition.

How is “Pride ” expressed contd.?

When people are blessed they tend to forget that it was because GOD allowed it and not by their power; this invariably leads to pride. Examples of blessings that can lead to pride if one forgets the GOD factor are:Wealth: The rich fool was blessed and became proud as a result

because he forgot the GOD factor. Luke 12:16-21Power: King Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated because he believed

that the great Babylon was built as a result of his power. Daniel 4:28-37

Beauty / good looks: The devil formerly named Lucifer was made beautiful and it got to him. He then wanted to be like GOD and he was thrown out of heaven. Ezekiel 28:12-15

What causes pride?

Position: King Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated because he regarded the position he occupies above GOD. He inherited the throne upon his fathers’ death and he also conquered nations which helped to expand his territorial powers, but his position got to his head and he lost it. He later repented and was restored. Jeremiah 46:1-2; Daniel 4:28-37

Skills and abilities: People tend to be proud when people praise them for their skills and abilities. For instance your ability to sing beautifully, play the piano, organise events etc. When one does not give GOD the glory it can lead to pride.

Family background: Some people become proud as a result of their pedigree and cannot really relate with people of a ‘lower class’.

What causes pride contd.?

It erodes the grace of GOD in the life of the person.

The person might end up being miserable.

It disrupts GOD’s plan for ones life. GOD will leave the person alone since he/she believes he/she can achieve greatness on his/her strength.

It brings dishonour and can lead to shame like in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar before he repented.

According to Proverbs 16:18, pride goes before destruction. That means a proud person who does not repent will be destroyed.

Consequences of pride

Be born-again: Surrender all to Him and realise that you are on earth for a limited time. You came with nothing and will leave with nothing. Give your life to Him and everything will work out for your good. 1 John 2:16

Pray: Tell GOD that He should take the spirit of pride away from you. Tell Him that you want to depend on Him all your life. Matthew 15:13

Be humble: Realise the fact that all you have and all you are is as a result of GOD. All you have comes from you , all you are He made you to be. Colossians 3:12

How can I avoid “Pride ” ?

Be honest: Recognise the fact that it is a character that you

have and you need to get rid of it. So that it does not lead you

to destruction. Pride goes before destruction.

Show kindness: Be kind to others. Realise that everyone has

their strengths and weaknesses and there is a need to be

tolerant and follow peace with all men.

How can I avoid “Pride ” contd.?

What the bible says about “Pride”

Pride is of the world – 1 John 2:16

Pride defiles a man – Mark 7:15;22

GOD will bring down the proud – Jeremiah 49:16

The proud will be abased (put to shame) – Daniel 4:37

Pride compasses the wicked about as a chain – Psalm 73:6

The proud in heart shall suffer – Psalm 101:5

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud – Proverbs

15:25

Pride lies in the mouth of a fool – Proverbs 14:3

A proud heart is an abomination to GOD – Proverbs 16:5

Causes loss of glory – Daniel 5:20

The proud shall be consumed – Malachi 4:1

The proud is worthy of death – Romans 1:30-32

Pride brings about GOD’s judgment – Isaiah 14:12-15

Pride stirs up strife – Proverbs 28:25

GOD commands us not to be proud – Jeremiah 13:15

What the bible says about “Pride” contd.

In Conclusion pride an attitude of ones heart. It might not be very obvious at the beginning but can grow to destroy. The fruit of the Spirit is an important ingredient in helping one get rid of pride.

The Holy Spirit who is very essential in our Christian walk today can direct us and show us the ways in which we are exhibiting this character.

As we walk with the Holy Spirit daily, He will guide us and remove everything that is in us that does not glorify GOD.

Question and Answer session