Stripped: Pride
Stripped: Lenten Series • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 18 views“Stripped” can symbolize being laid bare, confronted with our sin, frailty, and dependence on God’s grace. Christ’s own humiliation (stripped before the crucifixion) is the ultimate example leading us to the cross.
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“Stripped of Pride” – Week 1 of the Stripped Series
1. Introduction & Series Explanation
1. Introduction & Series Explanation
Hook
“During Lent, we often give up certain habits—maybe chocolate, social media, or a favorite treat. But what if this year we gave up something bigger, something buried in our hearts—like pride?”
Ways that pride shows up:
Standing out – fear – because of our pride we are afraid of standing out, being different.
Fear of not having the answers.
The size of our following – how many people know our name or knows us.
Who we know – name dropping
How much we do – prideful over the hours I put into work or church or a project
Attention seeking – making others feel guilty for not acknowledging us or paying attention to us.
I believe we can all find pride in our lives if we really look for it.
“So let’s talk about how Lent can help us confront these hidden prideful tendencies. That’s why our series is called ‘Stripped.’”
Cast the vision of “Stripped”: Lent as a season of laying bare our ego, sin, and fear, leading us toward resurrection hope on Easter.
Pride shows up as ego, sin,and fear. It isn’t always about being boastful, it can actually hide behind fear.
Our series, “Stripped,” is going to help us walk through pride and so much more, and I am pleased to excited to bring this series to life.
Why “Stripped”?
Lent calls for repentance, humility, and self-denial—mirroring Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Being “stripped” points to our dependence on God, revealed through Job’s trials and Christ’s self-emptying.
Transition to Week 1
“Today, we tackle pride. Pride can be the first barrier to honest relationship with God. Let’s look at Job and Jesus to see what it means to be stripped of pride.”
Engagement Question:
“What’s one thing you’ve previously ‘given up’ for Lent, and how might giving up pride be different?”
2. The Old Testament Picture: Job 1:20–21
2. The Old Testament Picture: Job 1:20–21
Context
Job, a wealthy, righteous man, whom Satan desires to test to see if he will remain faithful without such blessings.
God allows Satan to do just about anything to him outside of taking his life.
Loses servants, herds, children, possessions, and health.
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
His response: “Naked I came… naked I will leave.” (v. 21)
Stripped of Everything
Job literally loses all worldly measures of success.
Everything he lost, are things we consider Blessings, and can find ourselves taking pride in.
Instead of clinging to pride or blaming God, he falls on the ground and worships (v. 20).
How do you respond when things don’t go your way?
Pride or Worship?
Many of us might cry out to God about deserving better treatment than this.
I follow you, love you, worship you! Don’t I deserve better than this?
He could have said, “I deserve better,” but he acknowledges his smallness before God.
Pride says “I earned this;” humility says “It’s all God’s.”
Lesson
Lent invites us to hold status and possessions loosely, like Job, who recognized God’s sovereignty.
Anything we’ve been blessed with is by His will, and He can freely remove it if it serves His purposes.
Engagement Question:
“When something is taken from you unexpectedly, do you respond with frustration or worship? Why do you think that is?”
“Just as Job recognized ‘naked I came and naked I’ll go,’ Lent reminds us we own nothing—everything is God’s.”
Let’s move on from Job to the ultimate example of stripping one’s self for the purposes of God, Jesus.
3. The New Testament Fulfillment: Philippians 2:5–8
3. The New Testament Fulfillment: Philippians 2:5–8
Paul encourages us to be like Jesus saying:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Context
Paul writes this letter to the church of Philippi from a jail cell.
He had suffered being beaten and imprisoned for sharing the Gospel.
He, like Job could have asked about what he deserves, but instead speaks of being content in all circumstances and then...
Paul urges the believers to adopt Christ’s mindset: Jesus, though God, empties Himself (vv. 6–7).
Christ’s Self-Emptying
He strips Himself of heavenly privilege, taking the form of a servant.
The King of Kings, born to a humble family, in human likeness and uncleaness.
Contrasts with worldly pride that clings to status.
In His temptation, Satan tempts Him to circumvent the rejection, the beatings, the Cross, and His Father’s wrath in return for earthly success and clout.
Instead, He exemplified a life of obedience.
Humble Obedience
“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death…” (v. 8).
Pride resists obedience whether it is out of ego, fear, or some sin.
Humility embraces God’s will, stripping off any claim of self, even at great cost.
Connection to Job
Both Job and Jesus highlight letting go of “rights” to honor God’s plan.
They both lay down their lives in worship and obedience to the Father’s will, no matter the cost.
Engagement Question:
“What’s one ‘right’ or privilege you find hardest to surrender, and how does Jesus’ example challenge that?”
Neither Job, Paul, nor Jesus operated out of a prideful mindset. They let go, surrendered their rights, and humbled themselves before the Father.
Which leads us to ask: “Why must pride go first?”
4. Why Pride Must Go First
4. Why Pride Must Go First
We begin this “Stripped” series with the battle against pride because pride acts like a wall between us and the righteous life God calls us to. Let me explain how pride gets in the way:
As a Barrier
Pride is a major obstacle in obeying the Father.
It blinds us to our need for repentance or real change.
If we remain prideful, any transformation this Lent will be surface-level at best—going through the motions without genuine heart change.
Undermines Genuine Worship
True worship requires a humble heart.
It’s recognizing we need the Lord in and over our lives.
Pride distracts us, making it about us, not God.
Jesus as the Model
If even the Son of God lays aside divine prerogative, how much more should we let go of ego?
Engagement Question:
“How does pride show up in your daily life, and what makes it so hard to let go?”
“Until pride is addressed, every other ‘stripping away’ remains superficial.”
While you chat that in, let me offer some suggested practices during the Lenten season to help you strip away pride.
5. Lenten Applications: Stripping Away Pride
5. Lenten Applications: Stripping Away Pride
Reflect on Areas of Pride
Perform that inward investigation, and be honest: “Where am I refusing to let go of credit or control?”
Practice a Physical/Practical Symbol
Consider fasting from something that fuels ego or “self-promotion” to focus on humility.
Posting shorts and looking at the analytics can stroke my own ego.
I’ve fasted from YouTube because...
Focus on Servanthood
Adopting Christ’s mindset (Phil. 2) often means small acts of service that inconvenience us.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2, as a community, to be of the same mind and same love...
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Before we close in prayer let’s spend a quiet moment self reflection to consider:
“Which prideful habit do I sense God calling me to release?”
Prayer of Surrender
“Lord, I came into this world with nothing; I surrender my pride. Teach me humility.”
The Gospel - humble ourselves and accept Jesus.
6. Conclusion & Call to Response
6. Conclusion & Call to Response
Recap
Pride is the first layer that must go. Job, Paul, and Jesus show humility under hardship and in ultimate sacrifice.
Invite the Congregation
“Will you ask God this week to expose pride? Will you let Him strip it away so you can experience the joy of full surrender?”
Prayer
Thank God for examples like Job and Jesus.
Ask the Holy Spirit to replace pride with genuine humility.
Closing Song
Closing Song
Closing Encouragement
Closing Encouragement
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Pride must be stripped for us to fully embrace God’s grace and worship.
Job’s humility under loss and Jesus’ self-emptying both reveal the path to true surrender.
Practical Next Step: Identify a prideful habit or posture, replace it with a daily act of humility, and trust God to deepen your walk this Lent.
Engagement Question (Final Challenge):
“What one step will you take this week to dethrone pride in your life, and who can you ask to keep you accountable?”
Preview Next Week
“Join us for Week 2—‘Stripped for Purification’—where we see how repentance cleanses us and draws us closer to the cross.”
Post Service Discussion
Post Service Discussion
As we have our open discussion time, I want to ask you all to chat your opinions, ideas, on ways we can address pride in our lives.
Since many of us spend much of our lives online, maybe something like these will help:
1. Reducing Analytics Obsession
1. Reducing Analytics Obsession
What it Looks Like:
Stop frequently checking viewer counts, subscriber numbers, or social media “likes” – especially if it’s causing stress or feeding a sense of self-worth.
Why it Helps:
It can be easy to hinge your value on these metrics. Stepping back cultivates humility and shifts dependence from numbers to God’s acceptance.
2. Avoiding “Highlight Reels”
2. Avoiding “Highlight Reels”
What it Looks Like:
Take a break from posting only “perfect” snapshots of your life online.
Or limit time on platforms where everyone’s highlight reel tempts you to compete or compare.
Why it Helps:
This helps you embrace vulnerability (or at least honesty) instead of prideful curation. You remember you are enough even without social media “performance.”
3. Letting Go of Name-Dropping or “Credentials”
3. Letting Go of Name-Dropping or “Credentials”
What it Looks Like:
In group chats, social streams, or Zoom calls, intentionally resist mentioning accomplishments, connections, or degrees to impress others.
Why it Helps:
Fasting from self-aggrandizing phrases fosters genuine humility. It reorients conversations toward mutual encouragement rather than one-upmanship.
4. Turning Off Self-Focused Notifications
4. Turning Off Self-Focused Notifications
What it Looks Like:
Disable phone or browser notifications that specifically revolve around “you”—for instance, new subscribers, likes, or comments that might fuel pride or anxiety.
Why it Helps:
Eliminates the urge to constantly monitor digital praise or critique. Frees you to engage with others more authentically, rather than feeding your ego.
5. Daily “I’m Not the Center” Check
5. Daily “I’m Not the Center” Check
What it Looks Like:
Each morning or evening, do a short prayer or self-check: “Lord, remove my need for attention. Show me where I’ve sought validation over serving You.”
Why it Helps:
Emphasizes a spiritual realignment, reminding you that Christ is central, not your personal online brand or achievements.
6. Replace the Habit with Encouragement
6. Replace the Habit with Encouragement
What it Looks Like:
Every time you feel compelled to post about your successes, instead channel that energy into encouraging someone else in the chat or praying for them.
Why it Helps:
Moves focus from “me” to “others.” Builds a community of mutual support, vital for people who can’t attend in person.
7. Serving Where You Are
7. Serving Where You Are
What it Looks Like:
Find a small, meaningful way to volunteer digitally (e.g., prayer team, streaming team, admin help, or providing a listening ear).
Do it quietly—without making announcements about it.
Why it Helps:
Serving behind the scenes “strips” the desire for recognition, growing a humble heart of service in God’s kingdom right from home.
Post-Service Discussion Points & Questions
Post-Service Discussion Points & Questions
1. Identifying Pride in Everyday Life
1. Identifying Pride in Everyday Life
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
“In what subtle ways have you seen pride show up this week (e.g., frustration with others, refusing help, craving attention)?”
“How do we recognize those early warning signs before pride leads us to ‘a fall’?”
2. God’s Opposition vs. Favor
2. God’s Opposition vs. Favor
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
“What does it feel like to be in a place where you sense God’s ‘opposition’ due to pride?”
“Conversely, how have you experienced God’s ‘favor’ in moments of genuine humility?”
3. Relational Humility in a Digital Church
3. Relational Humility in a Digital Church
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
“Why is humility toward one another important, especially in an online-only community?”
“In what ways can we practice humility in group chats or digital interactions, where misunderstandings can easily arise?”
4. Checking Our Motives & Public Performance
4. Checking Our Motives & Public Performance
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
“What can we learn from the Pharisee’s need to be seen as righteous versus the tax collector’s quiet repentance?”
“How do we ensure our spiritual habits (like prayer or Bible reading) aren’t just performative or for show—particularly online?”
5. Fasting from Ego: Next Steps
5. Fasting from Ego: Next Steps
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
“Reflect on your own spiritual life: Is there an aspect—analytics, social media boasting, etc.—that you sense God calling you to ‘fast’ from?”
“What simple act of humble service can you do this week—privately, with no intention of recognition—to cultivate Christlike humility?”
