Pride Without Joy

Introduction

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Pride)

A pastor, a Boy Scout, and a computer expert were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and said that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot added, “I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children.” So he took one and jumped. The computer whiz said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone needs me.” So he took one and jumped. The pastor turned to the Boy Scout and with a sad smile said, “You are young and I have lived a rich life, so you take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane.” The Boy Scout said, “Relax, Reverend, the smartest man in the world just picked up my knapsack and jumped out!”

1. Pride Makes Us Rebellious

English Standard Version Chapter 30

11  There are those who curse their fathers

and do not bless their mothers.

The Israelites challenged God’s authority on several occasions in the Sinai desert.

2. Pride Makes Us Blind

English Standard Version Chapter 30

12  There are those who are clean in their own eyes

but are not washed of their filth.

During the Battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War, Union general John Sedgwick was inspecting his troops. At one point he came to a parapet, over which he gazed out in the direction of the enemy. His officers suggested that this was unwise and perhaps he ought to duck while passing the parapet. "Nonsense," snapped the general. "They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist--." A moment later Sedgwick fell to the ground, fatally wounded.

3. Pride Makes Us Arrogant

English Standard Version Chapter 30

13  There are those—how lofty are their eyes,

how high their eyelids lift!

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Pride)

Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it.

A young woman asked for an appointment with her pastor to talk with him about a besetting sin about which she was worried. When she saw him, she said, "Pastor, I have become aware of a sin in my life which I cannot control. Every time I am at church I begin to look around at the other women, and I realize that I am the prettiest one in the whole congregation. None of the others can compare with my beauty. What can I do about this sin?"

The pastor replied, "Susan, that's not a sin, why that's just a mistake!"

4. Pride Makes Us Ruthless

English Standard Version Chapter 30

14  There are those whose teeth are swords,

whose fangs are knives,

to devour the poor from off the earth,

the needy from among mankind.

How does pride distort your relationships?

Christ exhibited the perfect example of humility. “I am not seeking glory for myself” (John 8:50).

BIG IDEA: Pride is Anti-God and it Makes Us Rebellious, Blind, Arrogant and Ruthless.

CLOSING PRAYER: Lord, I confess that I am too proud to admit how proud actually I am. It is only when I read of your great humility in the gospels that I begin to see my lack of it. Show me more of this painful truth so that I can be free from the poisonous effects of pride. Amen.