sf1042 - The Mother Of All Sins (Proverbs 8 13)
Proverbs 8:13; 21:4
Introduction
Pride is often considered the sin that births all other evils. Adam and Eve refused to submit humbly to the Lord’s command not the eat the forbidden fruit. The prouder we are, the harder it is to repent, because we will not want others to see us as more sinful than we have let on. (Table Talk 9/30/08)
Pride can be defined as a conceited sense of one’s superiority.
Lets look at pride in the Scriptures:
1A. The Manifestation of Pride
1B. Seen first in Satan
Isaiah 14:13-15 You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.
2B. Permeates the world system
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
3B. Dominates man’s sin nature
Mark 7:21-22 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
4B. Demonstrated in man’s unbridled ambition and self-righteousness
Daniel 5:18-20 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. 19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.
Luke 18:11-12 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
2A. The Consequences of Pride
1B. Hardens the heart
Daniel 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.
2B. Robs man of hope
Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
3B. Leads to ruin
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
3A. The Cure for Pride
A clear vision of God’s glory (Isaiah 6)
A proper estimation of our significance and need for God.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
A Biblical understanding of our worth without Christ.
Genesis 18:27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.