JS Message 7/8/26

Pride, or the loss of humility, is the root of every sin and evil.

Andrew Murray

Welcome everyone, smile, thank Xavier and Ashlyn, and if bonfire happens thank Doug, the student team, and the worship team for being flexible so tonight could happen!

Question: Who likes being around self-centered people? Raise of hands

Affirm them and notice how nobody likes being around prideful people.

Before jumping in, share the opening story. The Rebel and the Servant

Both were brilliant, and powerful, they had access to knowledge and authority that most of us can’t even imagine, that is the end of the similarities though.

The Rebel: viewed himself as the most beautiful thing that existed, smarter than everyone else and asked, “Why shouldn’t I be in charge?” his confidence became arrogance. His intelligence became a weapon. He started making declarations—bold ones. ‘I will ascend. I will raise my throne. I will make myself like the Most High.’ Notice the pattern: I will, I will, I will.

The Servant: He knew how much power and knowledge He has yet He didn’t use it to build Himself up, He actually did the opposite. He emptied Himself as a servant, He was referred to as gentle and lowly in heart, and He invited people to learn from Him.

Notice the clear distinction between the two. Elaborate on one pointing everything inward to build himself up, and one pointing everything outward lifting everyone else up by becoming a servant.

Tension Question: Does your life look like humility?

Tonight: We’ll be finishing our series on Get Wisdom and how godly wisdom and humility go hand in hand.

Pray into the message

Emphasize bringing a bible and having that culture, also with notetaking.

Explain the heart of bringing bibles and reading them: In JS we believe God’s word is the ultimate authority and is completely true without error. Because we believe that we open and study His word every week! Strongly encourage them to open their bibles or use their phones and go to James 3.

Before we get to James 3, we’ll look at the OT in the book of Proverbs which is often referred to as the wisdom book. Solomon who was the King of ancient Israel in his time 3000 years ago wrote the Proverbs. King Solomon is known as one of the wisest men to ever walk the planet, and we

The core verse for tonight: Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Another word for disgrace here is the word shame.

Who likes feeling shame? Nobody does yet all of us choose to be prideful at times.

Pride doesn’t just lead to embarrassment; it leads to destruction itself.

On the other hand, with humility, comes before honor

This verse reveals something crucial: the importance of being humble or proud.

James 4:6 says

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (pause)

Pride puts you against God. Humility opens you up to him.

Here’s a simplified version for complete beginners:

Pride puts you against God. Humility opens you up to him.

When you’re proud, you’re basically saying, “I’ve got this. I don’t need anyone.” God doesn’t like that attitude because it pushes him away. But when you’re humble, you’re saying, “I need help. I don’t have all the answers.” That’s the posture God works with.

Humility isn’t about hating yourself.It’s not walking around thinking you’re worthless. It’s actually the opposite—it’s recognizing that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It means valuing other people. It means listening instead of always talking. It means serving instead of always being served.

Think about social media.Everyone’s trying to prove they’re the best, right? The best-looking, the funniest, the most successful. That’s pride. But real wisdom—the kind that actually makes your life better—comes from a different place. It comes from being willing to learn from others. From admitting when you’re wrong.

Are you spending your energy building yourself up and trying to impress people? Because that path leads to falling flat on your face. Or are you willing to be humble, to listen, to serve? Because that path leads to actual honor and respect—the kind that lasts.

“So here’s the question: How do you actually know if you’re wise? Not just think you are—but actually are? James asks exactly that.”