Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Pride and the Fruit of the Spirit Cannot Co-exist in the Same Body
Our worth is not tied to what others perceptions of us. We do not consider our own worth anything to be validated, it is only Christ Who is worthy, we are the recipient of His amazing grace, extended to us in our unworthiness.
Those who are proud of themselves because of how good they think they are walk in arrogance. They are in need of brokenness and humility.
Psalm 51:17
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Matthew 5:3 (ESV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
No one will be saved who loves their own reputation according to the perceptions of those around them, more than they love God.
James 4:6
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Jeremiah 9:23–24
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Humility is the key to trusting in Christ and walking in the wisdom of God. No one who is proud can walk in the wisdom of Christ.
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 10:27, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
Those who have been born-again and walk according to the Holy Spirit Who lives in them will have all the fruit of the Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Those who walk fleshly in pride will have none of the fruit of the Spirit no matter what they say or their pretense of goodness. The fruit are the character qualities of Christ that only born again believers possess.
Elevating Men is Our Downfall
Those who wish to think highly of themselves will often judge things about others that are not true. They desire to believe others are beneath them so they look for flaws that are not there and every action or word is twisted to sound foolish.
The Pharisees did this to Jesus Christ. They said He did His miracles by the power of the devil. And, the modern Pharisees will assign wicked intentions to the good things the believer does just to feel superior to us.
Matthew 23:5-7
"5 And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.
6 And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues,
7 and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.
8 But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters.
9 And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10 And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
11 But the greatest of you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
Nearly every church gathering today gives titles to their leaders to elevate them above others in the church. This ought never to be, God expressly forbid the elevating of one man over another.
All believers no matter what their calling are equal and able to correct, rebuke and admonish one another. We all have Christ living in us and He is the only Authority over His believers.
Luke 16:15 "15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God."
Proverbs 16:5
"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."
It is pride that motivates people to desire titles and elevate others. People who want titled leaders are those who follow men rather than Christ. They are lazy, expecting men to tell them what to believe instead of seeking Christ for themselves and depending on Him, they desire to be accepted by men. It is easier to allow others to do our thinking for us than to search the Scripture as we pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit. There is a problem of unbelief that we would trust in men we can see rather than in Holy Spirit we cannot see.
Proverbs 29:25
"25 The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Trust in Christ alone, be led by Him, He will never lie to you as men will do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)