"NOW WHAT?"

What is something that you have done or accomplished that you are proud of?

Proposition - As we think about accomplishing things for our Lord and Savior it is essential that we remember three things: 1) the danger of pride, 2) the victory of pride, and 3) the model/response to pride.

Interrogative question - In what ways are you being prideful?

1. The Danger of Pride -

Proverbs 16:18–19 NASB95

18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Logos AI - You could explore how pride leads to downfall, as highlighted in the warning that pride precedes destruction. These verses suggest that teens should be mindful of pride's deceptive nature, which can blind them to the truth and lead to spiritual and relational damage. Encouraging teens to realize the preciousness of humility over pride moves them toward genuine relationships and spiritual maturity, in line with the example set by Jesus.

2. The Victory of Pride -

James 4:6–10 NASB95

6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Logos AI - Perhaps emphasize God's opposition to the proud but grace to the humble. This passage encourages teens to actively choose humility by submitting to God and resisting prideful tendencies. Through humility, they draw near to God, which is a source of strength and community. By following Jesus' example, teens can resist the isolation pride brings and embrace the peace that humility offers.

3. The Model/Response to Pride -

Philippians 2:5–11 NASB95

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Logos AI - Maybe draw attention to how Jesus exemplified ultimate humility by becoming a servant. Encouraging teens to adopt Jesus' attitude cultivates humility in relationships and their daily walk with God. Understanding Jesus' humility leads them to realize that true strength and community come not from asserting pride but from serving others and fulfilling God's purpose.

Discussion Questions -

When have you seen “godly excitement over doing a hard thing” lead not to pride but to humility—either in your life or in someone else’s life?

When you’ve come to the end of a big project, have you ever had a problem with selfish pride? If so, describe it.

Describe a time you fell back into a bad habit after doing something hard. Did you get out of it again? If so, how?

Andrew filled a bag with stuff from his room he wanted to get rid of. Kristin stopped sitting with her old crowd at lunch. Justin confessed to his boss about stealing books. Think about one way you want to move beyond your old ways of thinking and acting. What practical action could you take to make a permanent change in your life?

Think about the time when you finish the project you are currently working on. How are you going to celebrate? How are you going to rest up? Do you have an idea of what hard thing you’re going to do next?

Has doing hard things ever made you excited about tackling an even bigger challenge? Talk about it.

Harris, Alex; Harris, Brett. Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are (pp. 152-153). PRH Christian Publishing. Kindle Edition.

SO WHAT?

In what ways are you be prideful?