17th Nov 2019 - God's Warnings Against Pride - Zac Poonen
17th Nov 2019 - God's Warnings Against Pride - Zac Poonen For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that it is easy to forget humility after experiencing blessings, whether from God's favor, financial success, or public acclaim. He warns that the danger today is the approval of many people, which can lead to pride, contrasting this with the humble beginnings of the church. The core message is a call to remember that true service, as exemplified by Christ, requires remaining humble regardless of external success.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to worship with thanksgivingThe speaker invites the congregation to stand and sing a song of praise, focusing on a heart of thanksgiving.
Praising God's greatness through creationReflecting on the Psalms, the speaker notes that all of creation declares God's glory and that we were created to praise Him.
Reviewing memory verses and introducing the messageAfter a prayer for the sermon, the speaker reviews last week's verse from Hebrews and introduces today's command from Matthew regarding service.Hebrews 7:25
The danger of prosperity and successWhile financial prosperity and recognition are not inherently wrong, they become dangerous when they lead to pride. The true issue is the heart's attitude toward wealth or status rather than the possessions themselves.
The historical pattern of decline in the churchMany religious groups that start with great zeal for truth eventually decline because they become proud and believe they are uniquely chosen. This cycle of pride leading to decline is a recurring theme in church history.
Pride as the root of spiritual defeatFailing to overcome sin or losing one's temper is often a sign that pride has prevented God's grace from working. True victory comes from recognizing that any success or stability is solely due to God's mercy and not our own merit.
The need for a sober and alert spiritBelievers must remain alert against the dangers of pride, recognizing that God is our preserver rather than relying on our own past successes.
Using the Old Testament as a warningThe Old Testament provides examples of people who failed because they craved evil things, serving as warnings for believers today.1 Corinthians 10:6
The consequences of trying to help God through prideAbraham's decision to take matters into his own hands with Hagar led to generations of problems, demonstrating how one wrong step without consulting God causes lasting issues.
God's process of breaking prideGod transformed Jacob into Israel by breaking his deceitful and proud nature. This transformation allowed him to truly lean on God, which resulted in a deeper spiritual revelation.
Moses and the sin of self-importanceDespite being the humblest man on earth, Moses fell into pride when he took credit for God's work and struck the rock in anger instead of speaking to it.Numbers 12:3
The pattern of falling through prideFrom Samson's immorality to Samuel's failure with his sons and Saul's initial humility, the speaker shows how easily even the most used individuals can succumb to arrogance.
Saul's transition from humility to disobedienceThough Saul initially hid himself because he did not want to be king, he later committed a terrible sin by acting as a priest and offering sacrifices himself.
David's lapse into laziness and temptationDespite his history of writing inspired Psalms while fleeing from Saul, David eventually stayed behind from battle, leading to a period of spiritual negligence and the sin with Bathsheba.
The secret to remaining in humilityTo avoid pride, one must walk with Jesus every day, seeking His presence and brokenness before even getting out of bed.
