What are the seven deadly sins?

[Patriot]

What are the seven deadly sins?​

ANSWER

According to Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are seven vices or negative character qualities that, left unchecked, will result in a host of other sins and eventually kill a person’s soul. The seven “deadly” sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth. The list was first delineated by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century. Thomas Aquinas later expounded on the idea. In the fourteenth century, Dante wrote his epic poem Inferno in which he pictured Purgatory as having seven terraces corresponding to the seven deadly sins.

The seven deadly sins are also called the seven capital sins or the seven cardinal sins—cardinal in this context meaning, “of basic importance” or “extremely grave.” The seven deadly sins are considered to be the most basic sins that plague humanity and the sins that are most likely to beset us. Each of the seven deadly sins leads to other sins; for example, anger can lead to evil speaking, violence, or murder.

Here is a brief description of each of the seven deadly sins:

Pride — An inflated, unrealistic sense of your self-worth.

Envy — The feeling that you deserve the possessions, success, virtues, or talents of another person.

Gluttony — An excessive desire for the pleasure of eating and drinking.

Lust — A selfish focus on sex or a desire to have sexual pleasure with someone other than your spouse.

Anger — An excessive, improper desire to exact revenge.

Greed — A strong desire for possessions, especially for possessions belonging to another.

Sloth — Lack of effort in the face of a necessary task, causing it to go undone (or done badly).

A common misconception about the seven deadly sins is that they are sins that God will not forgive. The Roman Catholic Church does not teach the sins to be unforgivable; in Catholic doctrine, the seven deadly sins can lead to mortal sins, which will send a person to hell immediately upon death, unless such sins are repented of before death. Catholicism also teaches that the seven deadly sins can be overcome with the seven virtues (humility, gratitude, charity, temperance, chastity, patience, and diligence).

Is the idea of seven deadly sins biblical? Yes and no. Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things that are detestable to God: 1) haughty eyes, 2) a lying tongue, 3) hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that plots evil, 5) feet that are quick to rush to do wrong, 6) a false witness, and 7) a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Of course, this list is not what most people understand as the “seven deadly sins.”

Yes, pride, envy, etc., are sins that the Bible condemns; however, they are never called “the seven deadly sins” in the Bible. The traditional list of seven deadly sins can function as a way to categorize the many different sins that exist. Nearly every sin could be placed in one of those seven categories.

In the final analysis, no sin is any more “deadly” than any other sin. All sin results in death (Romans 6:23). Even one sin condemns a person as a lawbreaker (James 2:10). Praise be to God that Jesus Christ took the penalty for all of our sins, including the “seven deadly sins.” By the grace of God, through faith in Christ, we can be forgiven (Matthew 26:28; Acts 10:43; Ephesians 1:7).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need by David Platt
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[blackmondy]

Watch this great movie to find out.

 

[Patriot]

What does the Bible say about pride?​

ANSWER

There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we can feel about a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or the kind of pride we express over the accomplishment of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4). The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit is sin, however, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him.

Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from God: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” This kind of haughty pride is the opposite of the spirit of humility that God seeks: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of God or, worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.

Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God. For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead but disaster (Isaiah 14:22).

Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves; if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God. What we say about ourselves means nothing in God’s work. It is what God says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:18).

Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). That is why we give God the glory—He alone deserves it.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

Why is pride a sin?​

---

Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." There are many other biblical warnings about the sin of pride. But why is pride so strongly warned against? Why is pride a sin? Is it always a sin to feel proud of something you have accomplished? It is very important to understand what precisely is the pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13).

In the movie Evan Almighty, the main character, Evan, is seen praying to God before he goes to bed. Evan thanks God for his house, despite the fact that he worked hard to pay for it, because, well, God created matter. Evan understood that neither he, nor his house, would even exist were it not for God. That seems to be the key distinction between "good" pride and "bad" pride. Sinful pride is refusing to recognize God's sovereign role in everything. "Good pride" is recognizing that apart from God, you can do nothing (John 15:5), and, therefore, giving God the glory for the things you accomplish.

A few years ago my wife and I were given a prestigious award. I really struggled with what my attitude should be regarding the award. We had to travel to receive the reward, and people kept asking us why we were in town. What were we supposed to say? How could we have informed them that we were receiving a very distinguished award without sounding prideful and/or conceited? Ultimately, I think being mistaught on what sinful pride actually is made the proper response much more difficult than it had to be. We entirely recognize that nothing we have accomplished would have been possible without God. We entirely recognize that God is the one who has given us the wisdom, discernment, and strength to accomplish what we have. At the same time, we have worked exceedingly hard. Am I saying that God needed our efforts to accomplish what He desired? Of course not. Did God choose to accomplish His will through us due to our willingness to submit to Him? Yes, I think so. Is it a sin to feel pride in what God has accomplished? No, I do not think so.

While God is absolutely sovereign, and while nothing happens outside of His providence, our efforts, or more accurately, our willingness to be used of Him, do play a role in what God chooses to accomplish through whom. Of course, no one can come to God or submit to God without God's enablement (John 6:44). But, there is still an aspect to our relationship with God which "depends" on how willingly we submit to Him. God will accomplish His plan no matter what. How much God incorporates you into how He accomplishes His plan depends at least somewhat on you.

Assuming that Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-15 refer symbolically to Satan, Satan's sin was pride. Despite the fact that God had created Satan, and despite the fact that it was God who gave Satan the power and beauty he possessed, Satan wanted the glory and credit for himself. Satan did not want to worship God in response to the gifts God had given him. Instead, Satan wanted to be worshipped. Satan viewed himself as glorious instead of what he actually was: a reflection of God's glory. That is the sin of pride. Sinful pride is not recognizing that only God is worthy of worship because only God is able to accomplish things entirely in and of Himself. Only God is holy, beautiful, glorious, and powerful in and of Himself. Everything and everyone else relies on God. The most we are is evidence of the amazing creative power of God.

First Corinthians 4:7 summarizes this nicely: "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" Everything we have, we have received from God. Therefore, we should not act as if we have accomplished anything on our own. It is not wrong to feel good about something you have accomplished as long as you recognize, and admit, that you could not have accomplished it apart from God.

What would have been the proper response to people asking us why we were in town? Something to the effect of: "We are being recognized for the great things God has accomplished through us in response to our willingness to submit to His will and be used of Him." Now if I could only come up with a more concise way to say that.

S. Michael Houdmann

 

[Patriot]

What is the pride of life?​

ANSWER

The phrase “pride of life” is found only once in the Bible, in 1 John 2:16, but the concept of the pride of life, especially as it is linked with the “lust of the eyes” and the “lust of the flesh,” appears in two more significant passages of Scripture—the temptation of Eve in the Garden and the temptation of Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-10). The pride of life can be defined as anything that is “of the world,” meaning anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting. John makes it clear that anything that produces the pride of life comes from a love of the world and “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

The first example of the temptation of the pride of life occurs in the Garden of Eden, where Eve was tempted by the serpent to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve perceived that the fruit was “good for food,” “pleasing to the eye,” and “desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6). She coveted the fruit in three ways. First, it was appealing to her appetite. This John refers to as the “lust of the flesh,” the desire for that which satisfies any of the physical needs. The fruit was also pleasing or delightful to the eye, that which we see and desire to own or possess. Here is the “lust of the eyes” John refers to. Finally, Eve somehow perceived that the fruit would make her wise, giving her a wisdom beyond her own. Part of Satan’s lie was that eating the fruit would make her “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).

Here is the essence of the pride of life—anything that exalts us above our station and offers the illusion of God-like qualities, wherein we boast in arrogance and worldly wisdom. Eve wanted to be like God in her knowledge, not content to live in a perfect world under His perfect grace and care for her. Satan tried these same three temptations on Christ during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh, bread for His hunger (vv. 2-3), the lust of the eyes, “all the kingdoms of the world with their splendor” (vv. 8-9), and the pride of life, daring Him to cast Himself from the roof of the Temple in order to prove that He was the Messiah by an ostentatious display of power that was not in the will of God or His plan for the redemption of mankind (vv. 5-6). But Jesus, though He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15), resisted the devil and used the Word of God to ensure victory over him.

Christians have always been, and will always be, lured by the same three temptations Eve and Jesus experienced. Satan doesn’t change his methods; he doesn’t have to because they continue to be successful. He tempts us with the lust of the flesh—sexual gratification, gluttony, excessive alcohol consumption, and drugs, both legal and illegal, as well as the “deeds of the flesh” about which Paul warned the Galatians, “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). He tempts us with the lust of the eyes—the endless accumulation of “stuff” with which we fill our homes and garages and the insatiable desire for more, better, and newer possessions, which ensnares us and hardens our hearts to the things of God.

But perhaps his most evil temptation is the pride of life, the very sin that resulted in Satan’s expulsion from heaven. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God (Isaiah 14:12-15). The arrogant boasting which constitutes the pride of life motivates the other two lusts as it seeks to elevate itself above all others and fulfill all personal desires. It is the root cause of strife in families, churches, and nations. It exalts the self in direct contradiction to Jesus’ statement that those who would follow Him must take up their cross (an instrument of death) and deny themselves. The pride of life stands in our way if we truly seek to be servants of God. It is the arrogance that separates us from others and limits our effectiveness in the kingdom. The pride of life “comes not from the Father, but from the world.” And, as such, it is passing away with the world, but those who resist and overcome the temptation of the pride of life do the will of God, and “the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What are some Bible verses about pride?​

ANSWER

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 29:23
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 16:5
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Psalm 10:4
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Proverbs 13:10
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Galatians 6:3
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 21:4
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Galatians 6:4
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Psalm 59:12
For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter,

Jeremiah 9:23
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,"

Proverbs 16:19
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Special thanks to OpenBible.info for the data on the most well-known Bible verses.

​

 

[Patriot]

What happens to those who walk in pride (Daniel 4:37)?​

ANSWER

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was given an unusual opportunity to learn about what happens to those who walk in pride in Daniel 4. It was a hard lesson to learn, but an important one.

The king had a dream that troubled him, and only the prophet Daniel was able to provide the interpretation (Daniel 4:6–7). Nebuchadnezzar explained the dream: he had seen a great and glorious tree (Daniel 4:10–12). As he watched the tree, he saw someone come down from heaven and give an order that the tree be chopped down, but the stump was to remain (Daniel 4:14–15). Remarkably, the one who had come from heaven began to speak of the tree as if it were a person. From those words, the king understood that the person the tree signified would share with the animals the grass of the earth (Daniel 4:15) and his mind would be changed from that of a man to that of a beast for seven periods of time (Daniel 4:16). This sentence was pronounced so that all would know what happens to those who walk in pride (Daniel 4:37), that God is the Ruler of all, and that He bestows authority on whomever He wishes (Daniel 4:17).

As Daniel explains the meaning of the dream, he is alarmed, realizing it is about Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:19). The king certainly walked in pride (Daniel 4:37), and God planned to humble him. The tree that was cut down in the dream was Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:20–22), who would lose his glory and become like a beast for “seven times” so he would learn that God is the one who gives authority (Daniel 4:23–25). Once Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before God, his kingdom would be returned to him (Daniel 4:26–27).

As the narrative of Daniel 4 continues, Nebuchadnezzar describes that all these things happened just as the dream predicted. A year later, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with pride as he commended himself for the greatness of the kingdom he had built (Daniel 4:29–30). While he was still speaking, Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and became like a beast (Daniel 4:30–33). After the prophesied time, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returned to him, and he humbled himself before God, exclaiming that God is sovereign and does according to His own will (Daniel 4:34–35). Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was restored, and, this time, rather than view it with personal pride, he praised, exalted, and honored God:

“His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:34–35).

Nebuchadnezzar had learned what happens to those who walk in pride.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (see Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Jesus modeled the importance of humility—the willingness to treat others as worthy of more honor than oneself (Philippians 2:1–11). The quality of being humble before God (Micah 6:8) and treating others accordingly is demonstrated clearly in many ways in the Bible. Some of the lessons on humility show what happens to those who walk in pride (Daniel 4:37).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Daniel: The John Walvoord Prophecy Commentary by Walvoord & Dyer

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[Patriot]

What does it mean that pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18)?​

ANSWER

Many proverbs warn that the sin of pride is a dangerous offense. Proverbs 16:18 declares, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Verse 18 links to verse 19: “Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.” The meaning of the passage is clear-cut: pride leads to humiliation. It is better to be humble and poor than proud and rich.

A similar proverb expands the message: “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor” (Proverbs 18:12 NLT). While pride sets us on an ill-fated course, the opposite of pride—humility—leads to honor. To choose pride is to set oneself up for a fall; the pedestal we make for ourselves proves a precarious foundation.

Pride in the context of these verses refers to an arrogant attitude that manifests itself as independence from God and contrasts strikingly with humility. Such arrogance is hazardous to our well-being and success in life because it keeps us from fearing the Lord. By contrast, “Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

To fear the Lord and thus avoid the pride that goes before a fall is to respect, reverence, and submit to Him in every area of life. When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge our desperate need for God because He is infinitely wiser than we are: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil” (Proverbs 3:7).

Terms like destruction, fall, disaster, ruin, and downfall in these passages can be understood as a punishment or discipline meted out to the proud in order to humble them and correct their waywardness. The word fall translates from a verb meaning “stumble” or “stagger.” Pride, unchecked, leads to destruction; the purpose of Scripture’s warnings is to put the proud sinner back on a path that leads to honor and life. For this reason, the maxims repeatedly inform, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). And again, “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor” (Proverbs 29:23, NLT).

The Edomites serve as a classic example of the adage “pride goes before a fall.” Because of arrogance of heart, Edom fell never to rise again: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down declares the LORD” (Obadiah 1:3–4; see also verses 15–16). Many biblical prophets echo this theme: “The proud one shall stumble and fall, with none to raise him up” (Jeremiah 50:32, ESV; see also Isaiah 28:3; Ezekiel 31:10–12; Zephaniah 3:11; Zechariah 10:11).

Perhaps the most dramatic and consequential illustration of pride going before a fall is what happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s fall stands behind every proud fall of humankind since. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and proudly chose their own way. The fall that resulted was catastrophic.

The proud person pursues his or her own way, but the humble one obeys God’s Word. Delighting in the Lord and humbly following His commands makes us sure-footed so that we will not slip or stagger: “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” (Psalm 37:23; see also Psalm 18:36; 37:31). Humility and fear of the Lord establish us securely on God’s path, where our feet won’t stumble, nor will we fall (Proverbs 3:26; Psalm 17:5; 119:133).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Proverbs: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Tremper Longman III

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[Patriot]

How can I overcome pride?​

ANSWER

A minor league baseball player traveling to visit his family struck up a conversation with an older gentleman seated next to him on the plane. The rookie was pleased when his traveling companion expressed an interest in baseball, so the young ballplayer began bragging about his athletic skills on the field. During the flight, the bush leaguer boasted of his daring stolen bases, the well-connected balls smacked out of the park, and those diving catches that turned a double into an out. As the plane prepared to land, the big-talking minor league rookie learned the polite gentleman who had listened so intently was Hank Aaron, the Hall of Famer whose unequalled major league baseball career spanned twenty-three years. By his own admission, the boastful minor league ballplayer learned a valuable lesson in humility.

Pride is an elevated view of and a preoccupation with self. Pride is a fault we despise in others yet freely excuse and even justify in ourselves. Many theologians believe that pride, not drunkenness, adultery, or murder, is the deadliest of all sins, for it was pride that led to Lucifer’s rebellion (Isaiah 14:14) and the first couple’s attempt at usurping God’s authority in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5). Many other sins originate from pride.

God’s warning that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18) is illustrated again and again in the pages of Scripture. One particularly notable episode, the story of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar, begins with his boasting, continues with his downfall, and ends with his confession. After being duly warned of his prideful nature by the prophet Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar stood on the rooftop of his palace and praised himself, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30, ESV). Immediately, God judged his pride, and for the next seven years, the once grandiose monarch groveled about on all fours in the manner of a wild beast while grazing on the palace lawn. From regal to rags and from banquet table to mouthfuls of fodder, King Nebuchadnezzar completed a seven-year course on the dangers of pride and the virtues of humility.

How, then, does one overcome the grievous sin of pride? First, we must understand that pride, like dangerous narcotics, is addictive and detrimental to our well-being. The more we feed pride, the firmer its grip. Pride is a loathsome garment that is not easily shed, and it’s deceitful: those who think they have already achieved humility are probably mistaken. D. L. Moody used to pray, “Lord, make me humble, but don’t let me know it.”

Once we admit that pride has a foothold in our lives, we confess this sin to our Savior as we would any other sin (1 John 1:9). Once we have confessed the sin of pride, the Holy Spirit can begin correcting our faults and molding us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We may take cheer, knowing that, once God begins a good work in us, He will see that work to its completion (Philippians 1:6).

Just as the minor league baseball player learned a lesson in humility after boasting to Hank Aaron, we will understand the folly and foolishness of pride by comparing and contrasting ourselves to our Creator. Even the Henry Fords, Thomas Edisons, and Elon Musks of the world could not rightfully say they helped lay the foundation of the earth and mark off its dimensions (see Job 38:4–5). Only God can make that claim. Our greatest accomplishments are as insignificant as anthills in the shadow of God’s unfathomable creation.

To overcome pride, we must remember, as the psalmist did, our condition before Christ’s salvation: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the m&d and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). We must understand grace: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect” (1 Corinthians 15:10). We must acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God: “Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

And, to overcome pride, we must praise the Lord. Covered in dew and reeking with seven years’ worth of filth, a humble King Nebuchadnezzar declared, “At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’ At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 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” (Daniel 4:34–37, ESV).

Pride is to our detriment. Humility is for our greater good. Perhaps a final component of overcoming pride is a sincere, heartfelt desire for humility. When we truly understand the perils of pride, we will flee from it. When we realize the immense blessings of humility, we will long for it.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

What is the Pride of Jacob (Amos 8:7)?​

ANSWER

Amos 8:7 says, “The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done.’” What is this “Pride of Jacob”?

Interpreters are divided on the understanding of this phrase. First, some suggest the Pride of Jacob is a reference to Israel’s sins, in which the wicked took unabashed pride. Others suggest the Pride of Jacob is a title of God. The latter is probably the better interpretation. The Pride of Jacob was the One to whom Jacob, the nation’s forefather, looked for strength. A similar title is found in 1 Samuel 15:29, where God is referred to as “the Glory of Israel.”

To say, “The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob,” means that the Lord has sworn by Himself. The Bible speaks of God swearing by Himself in at least one other passage: “For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, ‘Surely I will bless you and multiply you’” (Hebrews 6:13-14).

But what has the Lord sworn by Himself? Amos 8:7 says, “I will never forget anything they have done.” This is the Lord’s promise to deal with the sins of the people. He would not let their rejection of Him go unpunished; rather, judgment would soon come.

Some confusion arises due to the same phrase, “pride of Jacob,” being used in two other passages. First, in Psalm 47:4 we read, “He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves.” Here, the phrase is in reference to the land of Israel rather than to God. Second, “pride of Jacob” is used in Amos 6:8 in reference to actual, sinful pride: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds.” The city of Samaria served as Israel’s capital, and “stronghold” likely refers to that city. They were trusting in their city’s defenses rather than in God.

In summary, the “Pride of Jacob” in Amos 8:7 is a reference to God Himself. The Lord makes a solemn promise, based on His own character and faithfulness, that He would bring judgment against Israel. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Holman Old Testament Commentary: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by Trent Butler

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[Patriot]

How should Christians respond to Pride Month?​

ANSWER

Over the past several decades, “Pride Month” has grown from obscurity into a major cultural event, especially in the United States. In America, June is designated for this celebration of non-traditional sexuality and gender expression. Pride Month also seeks to recognize contributions of LGBTQ-identifying persons. As with other cultural issues, Christians find themselves torn regarding the best response to Pride Month. It’s important to stand for biblical ideals. We ought not celebrate what Scripture condemns. Yet the gospel is not served if Christians contribute to false stereotypes about the faith. When sexuality and gender are filtered through unbiblical cultural views, the best tactic for most Christians is like that of the “conscientious objector”: polite, peaceful, firm refusal to actively participate in Pride Month events without demanding others to follow suit.

As the name suggests, Pride events presume that behaviors and attitudes once considered immoral should be embraced, even cheered, rather than being criticized. This is not the sole purpose of Pride Month events; activists also intend to remind people that history’s important contributors include those identified with LGBTQ ideas. Events such as parades and rallies are common. Pride flags—a series of colored bars representing homosexuality and transgenderism—are flown in some communities. The concept of Pride Month has been heavily commercialized; many companies incorporate Pride Month imagery in packaging, commercials, press releases, social media, and so forth. Even within the LGBTQ community, some object to these developments, seeing them as insincere pandering.

Faced with commercials, flags, statements, and public events endorsing “Pride,” Bible-believing Christians often feel they need to do something or say something to counter the month-long wave of hype. Scripture denounces many actions and attitudes championed during Pride Month as serious sins (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). The Word calls us to be clear about truth (Proverbs 12:17). Yet the same Bible encourages tact, common sense, and discretion (Proverbs 18:6; Matthew 10:16). It’s all too easy to be baited into fruitless arguments and a feeling of frustration (Proverbs 29:9). That which we say and do should be guided by thoughtfulness rather than by volatility (Proverbs 15:1).

Ultimately, Christians are called to be witnesses of the Way, the Truth, and Life (John 14:6; Acts 1:8). Our obligation is to offer truth to those who are interested (Matthew 28:19). We cannot conform non-believers to biblical expectations (1 Corinthians 2:14). Western culture has long embraced views of premarital sex, drug and alcohol use, morality, and other ideas that run counter to a biblical worldview. That a fallen world should continue to fall further is not surprising but expected (Romans 1:24–31). Instead of scuffling to “resist” or “stop” things like Pride Month, Christians should remember what it means to be “in” a culture without being “of” that culture (John 17:11; 18:36).

In short, the best Christian response to Pride Month is polite non-participation. Followers of Jesus should decline to have anything to do with “Pride” events. We should speak truth in love when given an appropriate chance (Ephesians 4:15). It’s good to articulate why we cannot endorse the ideas or assumptions behind the promotion of “Pride.” We should avoid giving worldly culture exactly what it wants: ammunition with which to falsely accuse the gospel of hateful intolerance (1 Peter 3:15–17). Many will be offended by truth spoken in humility and love (1 Peter 4:4)—but that means their conflict is with God, not with us (Galatians 1:10).

Believers cannot change cultural views on sexuality by trying to change culture itself in some broad sense. All we can do is reach individual people (Hebrews 8:10–12; Romans 14:11–12), letting the Holy Spirit work from there. When we are winsome and loving, those who respond with hate have none but themselves to blame (Proverbs 9:8; Psalm 109:1–5). Whether surrounding culture chooses holiness or depravity, our mission is unchanged: calling sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). We can’t expect society to do that for us (Joshua 24:15).

The mindset behind Pride Month is deeply immoral. Sin is to be mourned over, not celebrated (Romans 1:32). The “pride” in Pride Month has nothing to do with a satisfied happiness compatible with godliness (Galatians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 7:4). Arrogant bragging about immorality is the kind of “pride” leading to God’s judgment (Proverbs 8:13; 16:8–9; Psalm 10:4).

At the very least, Christians should never actively participate in anything that blatantly defies God (Acts 5:29), even though defiance of worldly expectations concerning Pride Month might mean suffering social and legal consequences. When so led by the Spirit, Christians can and should give a sound explanation for their views (1 Peter 3:15–17) and why others would be wise to follow suit. What we should not do is respond in panic or with fear that we have “lost” somehow when culture turns away from God.

First Peter 4:14–19 (ESV) summarizes this perspective efficiently:

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality by Mike Haley

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[Patriot]

What does the Bible say about hubris?​

ANSWER

Hubris is exaggerated pride or overinflated self-confidence. Pride is a sin, according to the Bible, and so hubris is also sinful.

Men in the Bible who were filled with hubris include King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30), King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:20), Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41–44), the rich fool in Jesus’ parable (Luke 12:16–20), and King Herod (Acts 12:21–23). All of these men were judged by God for their sin of pride.

Probably the best example of hubris in the Bible is Satan’s sin that led to his downfall in Isaiah 14:12–14. Before his fall, Satan was known as Lucifer, a beautiful and powerful archangel. Yet his God-given, glorious position was not enough for him. Lucifer wanted the honor and worship that belonged to the Lord. His hubris was so excessive that he rebelled against God, and it destroyed his position and potential. When Lucifer sinned, he lost his place in heaven and took a third of the angels with him (Revelation 12:4). Lucifer became Satan, enemy of God, and he brought pride with him and has used it to corrupt humankind ever since. In his temptation of Eve, the serpent presented the forbidden fruit as “desirable for gaining wisdom”—i.e., he incited hubris in Eve’s heart.

God hates hubris and pride because it wrongly exalts itself and brings destruction upon those whom God loves (Proverbs 8:13; 16:18). At the root of all excessive pride is the belief that God is at fault. He is not enough or has not done enough. He is withholding something good from us, and we know better than He what we need. As the serpent falsely told Eve, God was selfish to forbid the fruit of that one tree, and the only reason for the withholding was that “God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Genesis 3:6). Pride mushrooms into idolatry as our own egos supersede God’s rightful place in our hearts. Just as Lucifer insisted upon being treated like God, we also insist upon being our own gods when hubris rules our lives.

Hubris is met with opposition from God. James 4:6 says that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When excessive pride is our motivation, we cannot grow near to God (Psalm 138:6). He detests any word or action motivated by pride and the desire for self-exaltation. Proverbs 6:16–17 says that there are seven things the Lord hates; among them are “haughty eyes.” Psalm 101:5 says, “No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.” Hubris in the heart is reflected in the face. We may not even realize the message we are conveying by our lifted brows, turned up noses, or critical looks. But God notices them and wants us to be honest with ourselves so that we can recognize hubris as sin.

Pride or hubris is a universal problem, affecting human beings regardless of skin color, physical appearance, or socioeconomic factors. The poorest of the poor can have excessive pride while a wealthy celebrity may walk in humility. Hubris is a heart condition we all must guard against (Proverbs 4:23), or it will destroy us as it destroyed Lucifer. To combat hubris, we must seek humility (1 Peter 5:6) by continually examining ourselves in light of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must remain mindful of the grace God has shown us and how undeserving we are (Ephesians 2:8–9). We can practice the art of considering others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and seek to serve, rather than be served (Mark 10:44–45). Killing pride is a painful but necessary part of becoming more like Jesus (Matthew 11:29; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

At the end of his time of judgment, King Nebuchadnezzar had learned his lesson. His hubris was replaced with humility, and he published this in a public statement: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

Why are there so many tragedies among celebrities?​

ANSWER

Suicides, drug overdoses (whether by illicit or prescription drugs), divorces, alcoholism, financial disasters – why are celebrity tragedies like these so common? Why do many celebrities, some of whom are relatively intelligent and good people, make such complete disasters of their lives? There is no single answer that definitively applies to every celebrity tragedy, but if there is an explicit biblical answer, it is one word – pride.

The most powerful biblical example of a “fall from grace” is Satan. Listen to Ezekiel’s description of Satan before his fall: “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you. . . . Your settings and mountings were made of gold” (Ezekiel 28:12-13). What happened to Satan? “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17). Isaiah expands on the cause of Satan’s fall: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Rather than honoring and worshiping the God who created him and gave him beauty, Satan became proud, essentially worshiping himself.

What is the end result? “All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more” (Ezekiel 28:19). “But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate” (Isaiah 14:15-16). The messages of Isaiah and Ezekiel regarding the fate of Satan sound remarkably similar to some of the tragedies that have occurred among celebrities in recent years.

Why is pride such a problem? Proverbs 16:18 declares, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride causes people to forget God (Hosea 13:6). Pride causes some celebrities to forget that God was the one who gave them the talents and skills they possess. Pride causes celebrities to have too high a view of themselves, to think they are worthy of all the adulation they receive. Arrogant pride results in celebrities thinking they cannot be deceived, and therefore they put trust in very untrustworthy people. Too high a view of self leads to some celebrities believing they are beyond the possibility of failure, and so they make extremely foolish decisions with their lives, careers, relationships, marriages, finances, etc.

Ultimately, the issue is this – human beings are not spiritually, emotionally, or psychologically designed to receive worship. Only God is worthy of worship, and only God can receive worship without it perverting His “psyche.” When celebrities worship themselves or allow others to worship them, it results in arrogant pride and self-centeredness, which leads to disaster and tragedy.

It is important to remember that these sorts of tragedies are not limited to celebrities. "Average" and "ordinary" people experience the same tragedies. The difference is that the tragedies are not proclaimed in the tabloids and discussed in the news. You do not have to be a celebrity to be controlled by self-centeredness, arrogance, and vanity. We are all subject to these temptations and failures (1 Corinthians 10:13). Celebrities face an extra measure of temptation due to the adulation they receive, but, again, the same tragedies that beset celebrities also happen every day in the lives of "ordinary" people.

What is the cure? The cure is to give God the glory He alone deserves. The fix is to have a biblical self-image, recognizing that we are valuable because we are created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), not because of anything we have accomplished “on our own.” The solution is to refuse to be worshiped, as the holy angels do (Revelation 19:10; 22:9), and instead to deflect any and all worship and adulation to God, who alone is worthy. The key is recognizing that we are who Romans 3:10-23 says we are and praising God for being the merciful, gracious, and loving God that He is.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The Quest Study Bible

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[Patriot]

What does it mean that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)?​

ANSWER

Pride is celebrated in our world. People proudly flaunt their accomplishments, possessions, or qualities they deem admirable in expectation of praise. Yet, selfish pride is a hindrance to salvation and to a fruitful relationship with God and others. James warns us about this self-focused pride when he writes, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NLT).

In warning against pride and promoting humility, James quotes the Septuagint translation of Proverbs 3:34. Of course, James is not referring to “pride” as in the satisfaction of a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or to the kind of pride one expresses over the accomplishment of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4). He is referring to the kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit.

God opposes the proud because pride is sinful and a hindrance to seeking Him. Those who insist on elevating themselves and refusing to trust God as sovereign, good, and trustworthy will find their way opposed by God. Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that they make no room for God. The ESV words it like this: “In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’” The supremacy of God and the fact that we can do nothing to inherit eternal life apart from Christ is a stumbling block for prideful people. God will oppose those attempting to be the god of their own lives. Pride refuses to bend the knee to God or repent of sin, and that keeps many people from salvation.

In contrast to God’s opposition to the proud is God’s grace to the humble. Those who humble themselves find God’s favor: “Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble” (Psalm 138:6, NLT). God shows His favor to those with a right view—a humble view—of themselves, and He promises them restoration: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15; cf. James 4:10). Note that humility in this passage is related to contrition, or repentance.

Pride can also hinder our relationship with God and others even after we are saved. In his letter, James addresses an issue among the believers, namely, their quarrels and strife with one another. The source of the issue was selfish pride. Pride negatively affects our relationships because it inflates our view of self and deflates our view of God and others. In the midst of addressing this issue, James quotes Proverbs 3:34: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (ESV).

Exalting ourselves pushes God out of His rightful place in our lives, and He will humble us “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6). As we humble ourselves, He “gives grace generously” (James 4:6, NLT). God gives us grace that is sufficient to meet every need we have and every sin we face, if we are humble enough to receive it. As we decide whether we will elevate ourselves or turn to God, we must remember that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. God calls us to repent of self-righteousness, selfish demands, and proud exaltation and instead “submit [ourselves], then, to God” (James 4:7).

In a world that champions pride, Jesus commands believers to be different. Each believer is called to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, ESV). As we humble ourselves, we will experience God’s grace and the rewards He promises: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Since God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, may we live humble lives in the fear of the Lord (Micah 6:8).

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

The Letter of James - Second Edition: Pillar New Testament Commentary by Douglas Moo

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[Patriot]

What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself?​

ANSWER

John Bunyan, in the second part of his book The Pilgrim’s Progress, describes the time when Christiana and her companions must descend into the Valley of Humiliation. Bunyan describes that place as “a steep hill, and the way was slippery.” In other words, it’s never easy to humble oneself, and when our path demands humility of us, we can easily slip up.

Humility can be defined as the absence of pride, just as darkness is the absence of light. We cannot become more humble by focusing on humility, as it becomes a source of pride when we believe we have achieved it. C.S. Lewis describes humility not as thinking less of ourselves, but as thinking of ourselves less. With that definition in mind, the Bible has much to say about seeing ourselves in proper perspective. Holding the biblical perspective humbles us.

Humility increases when we are willing to be humbled by God, circumstances, and others. Our sinful natures do not want to be humbled. We tend to protect our pride as though it were our best friend, but pride gets in the way of our relationship with God. He resists the prideful but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). He will work with us when we desire humility, but the development of humility will be painful. Despite the discomfort, we find an added measure of grace to sustain us as we suffer through the refining process.

The first step in humbling ourselves is to challenge our motives for the things we do. Whenever we see that our actions are geared to elicit favorable opinions from others, we should bring it to the Lord. We can pray something like this: “Lord, You see what I’m about to do here. Is this for Your glory or for mine? Examine my heart. Am I desiring to give You praise or keep some for myself?” It’s not always wrong to want to make a good impression, but when we make the majority of our choices based on pleasing people, we may have a pride problem. We can confess our wrong motives and commit to doing only that which glorifies the Lord and not us. That may mean staying off social media for a while, refraining from bragging about our latest promotion or vacation, and deferring the praise we get to another who also deserves it.

Another step in humbling ourselves is to evaluate our response when we are slighted, overlooked, or underappreciated. We admit to ourselves and to God that the sting of self-pity we feel is pride demanding to defend itself. Rather than give in to it, we instead choose to embrace the opportunity to learn humility. We can pray something like this: “Father, I’m hurt and angry right now because they left me out (or didn’t appreciate me, etc.). Thank You for this opportunity to deal with some areas of pride in my life that I wouldn’t have otherwise noticed. If I’m overlooked, I take comfort knowing Christ was also overlooked, rejected, and misunderstood.”

Learning to be more humble involves capturing prideful moments and bringing them to the Lord so they cannot grow. We allow Him to turn something harmful into something beneficial for our growth. Recognizing areas of pride is a critical part of defeating it, so we must be prepared to agree with the Lord when He points them out to us.

The Bible gives examples of proud men who nevertheless humbled themselves when faced with the judgment of God. King Hezekiah struggled with pride, but he humbled himself and turned away God’s wrath from Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:25–26). The wicked kings Ahab (1 Kings 21:27–29), Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1–12), and Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:10–13) all wisely chose to humble themselves and seek the Lord’s mercy. In each case, mercy was granted.

The Bible lavishes praise on the humble. Jesus, of course, modeled humility (Matthew 11:29). Moses was “more humble than any other person” (Numbers 12:3). Paul reminded the Corinthians that, even though he was an apostle and their spiritual elder, he was humble when he was among them (2 Corinthians 10:1). Jesus taught that those who wish to be great must be the most humble (Matthew 23:12). Many places in Scripture command us to humble ourselves (Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 3:8; 5:6). If we don’t humble ourselves, God will do it, and that can be even more painful (Luke 1:52; 18:14).

When we abandon ourselves to the will of God, there is no room for pride. He may require us to do some humbling things, but it will be for our betterment. We cooperate with Him in the process by seeking unimportant jobs, working behind the scenes, helping when no one else does, and reminding ourselves that our reward is in heaven (Matthew 6:4). Those whose gaze is locked firmly on eternity find it easier to embrace humility on earth.

As we learn to be more humble, we discover that the place of the humble is a place of beauty. To continue Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, once Christiana and her friends make their descent into the Valley of Humiliation, they find it to be a peaceful, abundant land. The author describes it: “This Valley of Humiliation . . . is the best and most useful brave piece of ground in all those parts. It is fat ground, and . . . consisteth much in meadows. . . . Behold how green this Valley is, also how beautified with lilies (Song. 2:1). I have also known many labouring men that have got good estates in this Valley of Humiliation . . . for indeed it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls.”

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

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[Patriot]

Should a Christian have swag / swagger?​

ANSWER

To swagger is to walk, strut, or behave in an overly confident and usually aggressive manner. To have swagger is to have an air of arrogance or selfish pride. The Bible often speaks of arrogance, haughtiness, and pride and presents them as negative characteristics. Mark 7:20–23 lists pride right alongside adultery and murder. An arrogant attitude has no concern for the will of God because all actions and thoughts are self-focused (2 Timothy 3:2).

Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things that the Lord hates. The first one is “haughty eyes” or “a proud look” (KJV). Having a proud look is what we might call swaggering, and it is “detestable” to the Lord. Haughty eyes (or swagger) are said to be sin in Proverbs 21:4, along with a proud heart. To swagger is to scorn or “look down on” others, and God forbids it.

God’s Word promises that the arrogant will be punished (Proverbs 16:5; Isaiah 13:11). Indeed, one can imagine Lucifer swaggering before God in heaven, claiming his own greatness before his fall. Lucifer’s pride led to eternal punishment: the fall from his exalted heavenly position (Isaiah 14:12–15) and his consignment to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). The behavior of the evil one is not to be imitated by a believer in Christ (John 8:39–47).

Instead of displaying an arrogant swagger, believers should look to Jesus Christ’s humility as an example for their own lives (Hebrews 4:15). If anyone in history could rightfully have claimed personal importance, it was Jesus, yet Philippians 2:6–8 tells us that Jesus Christ, though “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” We are to “have the same mindset” (verse 5).

A follower of Christ does not swagger with prideful arrogance in his step or boast in self-worth based on his own accomplishments, heritage, or skills. Speaking of Gentiles being “grafted” into the church, Romans 11:18 says, “Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”

Rather than selfishly swaggering, Christians may boast in the One who grants us salvation (1 Corinthians ; 2 Corinthians 10:17; cf. Psalm 34:2; Jeremiah 9:24). It is the Lord who gives grace (James 4:6), the ability to accomplish God’s will (Philippians 4:13), placement in a spiritual family (John 1:12–13), and all good gifts (James 1:17). Christians may have pride and confidence that is rooted in God’s Word, His power, and His character—in the One who created us, saved us, and guides us daily.

The Christian life should not be characterized by acting superior to others or having an arrogant swagger. Instead, a Christian should be known for emulating Jesus Christ with a humble, compassionate, and merciful spirit. Believers are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), and after salvation (Acts 16:30–31) comes the process of sanctification (John 17), which involves the slow death of self (1 Corinthians 1:30). With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), we can choose humility over arrogance, selflessness over selfishness, and meekness over swagger.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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[Patriot]

How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)?​

ANSWER

First Timothy 3 gives the qualifications for overseers. “Elder” and “overseer” are two descriptions of the same office of church leader. One emphasizes activity (overseer), and one emphasizes maturity (elder). One of the requirements for an elder is that he is “not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6, KJV).

In the passage, novice (KJV) simply means “recent convert” (NIV, ESV). The idea seems to be that elevating a recent convert would make him more susceptible to pride, whereas someone who has been a believer for some time might be less susceptible to this sin. The word condemnation in the KJV makes it sound as though a church elder could do something that would cause him to wind up in the same place of final condemnation as the devil—the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

The word translated “condemnation” in the KJV is simply the word for “judgment,” which may, in some contexts, mean final condemnation, but the word does not require that meaning. There could be other forms of judgment in view.

There are two ways that 1 Timothy 3:6 is normally understood, and the differences turn on the meaning of the phrase of the devil. The first understanding is that the “condemnation of the devil” is a judgment that is in some way similar to what the devil will experience. The second understanding is that the “condemnation of the devil” is a judgment at the hand of the devil, perhaps similar to what Paul means when he says that he hands an unrepentant man “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:5).

The following outline seems to capture the various options for the meaning of 1 Timothy 3:6:

1. The elder commits the sin of pride in the same way as the devil, and he will be condemned to the lake of fire along with the devil. In this case either
a. The sin is so grievous that the elder loses his salvation OR
b. The elder was never a believer in the first place.

2. The elder sins in a way similar to the devil and will receive some sort of judgment for his pride, but it will fall short of the lake of fire, as the elder is a true believer and will ultimately be saved.

3. The elder will be “turned over to Satan” to receive the due consequences of his pride, but, since he is a true believer, he will ultimately be saved.

It is our firm conviction that Scripture promises that a true believer can never sin so grievously as to lose salvation; therefore, 1a is ruled out as contrary to the plain teaching of the Bible—Scripture will not contradict Scripture. If interpretation 1 is to be maintained, then 1b would be the only possible conclusion—the overweening pride of the elder would be a demonstration that he was not a true believer. However, interpretation 1b also seems suspect, as the passage describes him as a “new convert.” The thrust of the passage is that elevating a new believer too soon to a position of leadership makes him susceptible to pride. If he were an unbeliever, it is his unbelief that would condemn him along with the devil, whether he was proud or not. Thus, 1b, although possible, seems to be foreign to the context. If another interpretation fits well within the context, it is to be preferred.

Interpretation 2 rests on the fact that, since “judgment” can mean something less than final condemnation, it is possible for a true believer to come under judgment. Because of his pride, the devil was disqualified from his position as a messenger of God and his role of bringing glory to God. Certainly, a prideful elder would also be disqualified from those roles in the church. Therefore, interpretation 2 is a viable option that is not foreign to the context.

Interpretation 3 is also a viable option. The next verse mentions that the overseer must have a good reputation or else he may fall into the trap of the devil (1 Timothy 3:7). This seems to be clear that the devil is laying a trap for elders and would like to abuse them if at all possible. The emphasis in verse 7 might lend some contextual weight to interpretation 3—the context seems to be the devil’s interaction with the overseer. Scholars who disagree point out that in the New Testament it is God, not the devil, who metes out judgment.

In the final analysis, both interpretations 2 and 3 have exegetical merit, and, in some sense, both may be true—although perhaps interpretation 2 is the more likely. If a new believer is elevated to a position of leadership too quickly, he may become prideful and thus disqualify himself from that position, just as the devil was disqualified from his position.

In any case, the application of 1 Timothy 3:6 is the same. An overseer should be a mature believer, not a new convert, if for no other reason than it is not good for the new convert to face the temptations and/or spiritual attack that invariably come with being an elder.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

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[Patriot]

What does it mean that love is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)?​

ANSWER

First Corinthians 13 offers tremendous insight regarding the Christian perspective of love. As love is described, the stipulation that love “is not proud” is included (verse 4).

The very word translated “proud” offers valuable information. It comes from a Greek word meaning to “puff up” or “blow up.” The English idiom “having a big head” communicates the same idea. To be puffed up is to have an inflated opinion of oneself. But pride cannot coexist with godly love. Christian love is not proud or focused on self.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of selfless love. Philippians 2:6-8 says that Jesus, though He is “in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” Jesus did not focus on Himself. Instead, He became a servant and in humility died to save us. As John 15:13 teaches, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

In contrast to the humility of love, the Corinthian believers were known for their proud behavior at times. They argued over which apostle they followed (chapters 1-3), spoke poorly of Paul (chapter 4), boasted of their tolerance of sinful behavior (chapter 5), took fellow believers to court with lawsuits (chapter 6), dishonored God in their taking of the Lord’s Supper (chapter 11), and argued about which spiritual gifts were most important (chapter 12). Paul’s exhortation that “love is not proud” provided a proper corrective for their self-centered attitudes.

Pride is a sin. John taught that the pride of life “is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16). The Proverbs summarize God’s attitude regarding pride: “Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate” (Proverbs 8:13), and, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

William Penn, the founder of the Colony of Pennsylvania, wrote, “A proud man then is a kind of glutton upon himself; for he is never satisfied with loving and admiring himself; whilst nothing else, with him, is worthy either of love or care” (from No Cross, No Crown, chapter XII). This is exactly why love and pride are anathema to each other. In pride we become the objects of our own love; in humility we learn to love others. A person with godly love is not concerned with benefiting himself. The only thing love sees is the need.

When the Good Samaritan stopped to help the man in need on the Jericho road, he didn’t concern himself with how “Jews do not associate with Samaritans” (John 4:9). The Good Samaritan did not care how it looked to others. He was there to help (Luke 10:30-37). His humble focus on someone else’s need is the illustration Jesus used of loving our neighbor as ourselves.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Love Is: Meditations for Couples on 1 Corinthians 13 by Les & Leslie Parrott

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[Patriot]

What does it mean that love is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)?​

Got Questions Ministries





What does it mean that love is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)? What does "love is not proud" mean in terms of how I show love to others?

Source article: https://www.gotquestions.org/love-is-...

 

[Patriot]

What does the Bible mean when it speaks against haughty eyes?​

ANSWER

The word haughty is defined by Merriam-Webster as “blatantly and disdainfully proud.” The word is always used in the Bible in the evil sense of “arrogant, disdainful and setting oneself above others”; it is often set in contrast to being humble.

In Proverbs 6:16-19 is a list of “six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him.” The first one listed is “haughty eyes,” followed by such things as a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a false witness, and feet quick to run to evil. Haughty eyes are said to be sin in Proverbs 21:4, along with a proud heart. To have haughty eyes is to have an arrogant demeanor; it’s an overall attitude of one’s heart that causes one to scorn or “look down on” others. The haughty person sets himself above others, and ultimately above God.

When we are haughty, we become the center of our universe; everything revolves around us. There is little, if any, concern for what others think and no consideration of the will of God. Pride, haughtiness, is the trunk of the tree from which all other sins sprout. When we are at the center of our world, then nothing that we want is unlawful to us.

God is resistant to haughtiness. Over and over in Scripture, we read that God brings down the haughty and the proud (2 Samuel 2:28; Psalm 18:27; Isaiah 2:11, 5:15; Ezekiel 16:50). Twice in Proverbs, we read that haughtiness precedes destruction (16:18, 18:12). The New Testament is clear on the dangers of arrogance, warning repeatedly against it. Both James and Peter warn that God actively opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).

None of us are immune to pride. The Bible tells us of otherwise good people who were brought down in one way or another by pride. The godly king Uzziah was struck with leprosy because, in arrogance, he tried to take the place of the priest and burn incense before the Lord (2 Chronicles 26:16). Similarly, Hezekiah’s pride in his possessions eventually brought the discipline of God on him (2 Chronicles 32:25). Peter’s prideful statement that he would never forsake Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35) was found to be false when he denied Him (Matthew 26:69-75).

The danger of pride is the reason for the many exhortations to humility in Scripture. Meditation on some key passages can fight the tendency we all have toward pride. First Corinthians 4:7 tells us that all we have is a gift, for which we should be thankful. Both 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:6 encourage humility by saying that God gives grace to the humble. Isaiah 66:2 goes so far as to say that humility in the heart of a person actually draws God’s attention. Humility of heart gives us a proper perspective. A proud heart – haughty eyes, if you will – renders a person intractable. Such a person is resisted by God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY​

Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley

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