Summary
The central message is that pride is the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth, and the cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate antidote to pride. The speaker warns against comparing oneself to others, judging others' faith practices, or assuming one's own understanding of scripture is superior. True humility involves recognizing that God is the only judge and focusing on following Christ rather than merely admiring Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The wondrous cross and the sacrifice of GodPartaking in the bread and cup symbolizes the greatest sacrifice ever made by God Himself, demanding that we truly follow Jesus rather than merely admire Him.
The danger of pride in the Christian lifeEvery child of Adam faces a tremendous temptation to pride, whether through physical appearance, intelligence, Bible knowledge, or comparing families and spiritual standing.
God resists the proud and scrutinizes our obedienceGod is the enemy of the proud and resists them like the law of gravity, and pride often causes believers to selectively disobey or dissect God's smaller commandments.
Refraining from judging othersA life-liberating truth is recognizing that there is only one judge in the universe, meaning we must obey God's word ourselves without judging others who may not have the same light.
Pouring contempt on our supposed gainsWhen we survey the cross, we must count our accumulated intelligence, moral achievements, and perceived righteousness as loss compared to what Christ gave up.
Meditating on the sufferings of JesusMeditating on the deep sufferings of Jesus, including bearing hell and the break of fellowship with the Father, humbles us and exposes our stinking pride.
Refusing to boast in human achievementsLike Nebuchadnezzar looking at Babylon, we are prone to boast in what we have built or accomplished, but we must forbid any boasting save in the cross of Christ.
Unconcerned with His own agony, thinking only of othersWhile hanging on the cross in terrible agony, Jesus refused an anesthetic so He could remain fully conscious to forgive others, provide for His mother, and save the thief.
Love so amazing that it demands our allTrue sacrifice goes beyond token religious duties, bringing us to the point where God's amazing love demands our soul, our life, and our all.
Singing a new song of redemptionIn heaven and on earth, redeemed believers sing a new song because every time they remember the blood of Jesus shed for them, it feels as fresh as the first time.
Giving credit to God instead of touching His gloryWe must be careful never to touch the glory of God by taking credit for our victories, instead acknowledging that Jesus is the one who keeps us from falling.
Coming to the breaking of bread with a bowed headWe come to the Lord's table with our heads bowed in shame for our pride and deep gratitude for His mercy, examining ourselves and counting our proud gains as a minus.
