Monday, March 6, 2017
Self Conceit Destroys
C. H. Spurgeon
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty."—Proverbs 18:12.
T is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10. See Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers. Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down., All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts. O Christian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing." Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences? Mark thee, reader, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy flaunting poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill. If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty."—Proverbs 18:12.
T is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10. See Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers. Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down., All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts. O Christian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing." Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences? Mark thee, reader, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy flaunting poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill. If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Jeremiah 5:22-24
"…22 'Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD. 'Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it.
23 But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed.
24 'They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest."…"
23 But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed.
24 'They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest."…"
Here is Where We Are in the World
2 Timothy 3:2-4
…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.…"
Shall we say "The Shack" and other books and movies!
…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.…"
Shall we say "The Shack" and other books and movies!
Narcissists Hate the Light of Truth
Want to weed out your friends list without even going to the list itself?
Just speak truth about movies and books that blaspheme God, proclaim the Bible as the truth alone, and watch the list dwindle.
Those who are dedicated to their pleasure, will hate our assertions that much of what is popular in the book and movie world is blasphemous.
One way to test someone who might be a narcissist, is to disagree with them and watch what comes out. With a narcissist, someone dedicated to their own image, there will be rage, mocking and demeaning in the form of name calling or false accusations.
Godly people who walk daily with our Lord, don't rage at a disagreement, they don't threaten or call names, they simple state the truth and move on to the next subject.
Proverbs 29:8-10 "…8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. 9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life.…"
One who is a narcissist will not return to apologize for their bad behavior, they will justify it and get worse.
One who loves the Lord will admit when they have been rude, but they rarely are, so there are few incidences of anger such as this.
Just speak truth about movies and books that blaspheme God, proclaim the Bible as the truth alone, and watch the list dwindle.
Those who are dedicated to their pleasure, will hate our assertions that much of what is popular in the book and movie world is blasphemous.
One way to test someone who might be a narcissist, is to disagree with them and watch what comes out. With a narcissist, someone dedicated to their own image, there will be rage, mocking and demeaning in the form of name calling or false accusations.
Godly people who walk daily with our Lord, don't rage at a disagreement, they don't threaten or call names, they simple state the truth and move on to the next subject.
Proverbs 29:8-10 "…8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. 9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life.…"
One who is a narcissist will not return to apologize for their bad behavior, they will justify it and get worse.
One who loves the Lord will admit when they have been rude, but they rarely are, so there are few incidences of anger such as this.
Blocking a Friend Over the "Shack"
I have just been blocked by someone who defends the book and movie "The Shack"
When someone defends heresy to such a degree that they would unfriend another believer over it, thisbmakes me wonder about the salvation of those people.
All the things of the Lord that we write about is hardly noticed and left alone by most, but as soon as I expose the evil of an heretical book or movie, I am erased as a friend. LOL
Is it any wonder that the book and movie will be one of the best sellers. Is it any wonder why it is difficult for so many dedicated believers to find a fellowship group to attend regularly?
Books and movies are very entertaining, this is why they have the potential to deceive those who are not reading their Bibles. Even worse they are not asking God when they are shown the evils of their favorite book or movie, they are simply reacting in pride to being challenged at all.
It would be difficult for me to be friends with someone who loves heresy and will not listen to truth. It's one thing to disagree on a book or movie, it's quite another to throw another believer under the bus over it, dissolving the friendship over a book and movie is childish at best. Perhaps these people are convicted and don't want to evaluate or give up their entertainment.
Proverbs 14:15-17 "15 Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.
16 Wise people are careful and avoid trouble; fools are too confident and careless.
17 A quick-tempered person does stupid things, but it is also true that people don’t like anyone who quietly plans evil."
When someone defends heresy to such a degree that they would unfriend another believer over it, thisbmakes me wonder about the salvation of those people.
All the things of the Lord that we write about is hardly noticed and left alone by most, but as soon as I expose the evil of an heretical book or movie, I am erased as a friend. LOL
Is it any wonder that the book and movie will be one of the best sellers. Is it any wonder why it is difficult for so many dedicated believers to find a fellowship group to attend regularly?
Books and movies are very entertaining, this is why they have the potential to deceive those who are not reading their Bibles. Even worse they are not asking God when they are shown the evils of their favorite book or movie, they are simply reacting in pride to being challenged at all.
It would be difficult for me to be friends with someone who loves heresy and will not listen to truth. It's one thing to disagree on a book or movie, it's quite another to throw another believer under the bus over it, dissolving the friendship over a book and movie is childish at best. Perhaps these people are convicted and don't want to evaluate or give up their entertainment.
Proverbs 14:15-17 "15 Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.
16 Wise people are careful and avoid trouble; fools are too confident and careless.
17 A quick-tempered person does stupid things, but it is also true that people don’t like anyone who quietly plans evil."
ABC Salvation
J. D. Farag lists those things that must happen for someone to become born again.
"A. Admit
B. Believe
C. Call Upon the Lord"
If someone does not first admit their sinfulness they cannot become born again. The last two things cannot happen, believe and calling on the Lord, when there is no confession of sin.
Many people who claim to be Christians act as though they think they are special, exuding an attitude of superiority while demeaning and mocking others who do not think as they do, demonstrates that they have never been broken over their sinfulness.
These same people tend to exact revenge upon those who might question their attitudes and behavior, to help them see the need for repentance. They are harder to reach than a non-believer because they have such an elevated view of their own importance and specialness.
I once heard a Bible school graduate proclaim that his sins were not as bad as the sins of others. I know his sins, they were worse in many ways than others before they became born again.
If someone cannot admit how sinful they were before they were a Christian, could never have been broken over their sinful nature, they merely decided to join the Christian church believing that joining this club that makes them appear better would be their salvation, or perhaps they felt they would live a better life if they made the decision to stop their sin. One who comes to the church in this way, cannot be born again. They remain living in their own flesh attributing their better deeds to their own effort, therefore they deserve praise for their life, as though it is all up to them.
Believing in Christ does not mean we know in our mind, it means we know He paid the price for our sin and want Him to save us from our sins and from hell. This is when Christ will come to dwell in us and do the work of cleansing throughout our lives.
There are many people who come to Christ believing they deserve praise from God rather than them praising God for His mercy. These people think they have done God a favor deciding to accept Him. I have witnessed the mentality in many that believe once they have allowed God in their life they now become His commander, He must do everything they want. They stick their thumbs in their suspenders and strut around as though God owes them something.
Sadly, these people have little reverence for God or others, they are superior to God as well as superior to everyone else too. How we treat others is an indicator of our view of God.
1 John 3:13-15 "…13 So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.…"
When we are humble, knowing how depraved we were when Christ saved us, there can be no sense of superiority toward anyone. To demonstrate superiority is a very strong clue that we have not become humbled toward God. Therefore it is also a clue that we never were born again.
Another clue that someone engaged in a superficial salvation based on their own decision to do better in life, is that they have no tolerance for instruction or correction from those who may know their violations of the Word, or those they perceive to be lesser than they.
We encounter this all the time, those who have been "ordained" by man, walk in a deep pride because of their level of education, as though education administered by man has greater weight than the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a humble believer.
A grandiose mentality of superiority is a sure sign of a deep spiritual problem. These people make rules and exude expectations that God never did, while claiming someone is less spiritual because they do not follow their rules.
Satan has infiltrated the church with his minions to bring arrogance, confusion and division among the brethren. There is no better way to frustrate and divide believers than to make them think they are better than others while others are not worthy of respect.
The truly born again believers will seek out scripture to find the truth when challenged. They will not see every challenge as hatred or an attempt to rule over them, but will receive the message gratefully and resolve it through prayer and scripture study.
A rebellious pretender will fight, argue and turn others against their target, the one who has challenged them. They will lie against anyone who will not allow them to control them, turning others who will listen against the one who brings truth.
If these pretenders cannot make you mind, they will attempt to convince your spouse or children to reject you, so that you are left without allies. When we discover this is happening, we must get those people away from us and our spouse, they have the potential to destroy the believer who desires only to walk closely with God.
Satan has his devils everywhere, in every gathering now, if he cannot control us, he will convince others to come against us, and for no reason at all except that we will not accept his lies.
The warning is clear, allow no one in your life or the life of your spouse, who is working to turn your spouse against you. It doesn't matter if they are successful or not, it only matters that they wish to cause turmoil and hate in your life. Get away from them.
2 Timothy 3
"A. Admit
B. Believe
C. Call Upon the Lord"
If someone does not first admit their sinfulness they cannot become born again. The last two things cannot happen, believe and calling on the Lord, when there is no confession of sin.
Many people who claim to be Christians act as though they think they are special, exuding an attitude of superiority while demeaning and mocking others who do not think as they do, demonstrates that they have never been broken over their sinfulness.
These same people tend to exact revenge upon those who might question their attitudes and behavior, to help them see the need for repentance. They are harder to reach than a non-believer because they have such an elevated view of their own importance and specialness.
I once heard a Bible school graduate proclaim that his sins were not as bad as the sins of others. I know his sins, they were worse in many ways than others before they became born again.
If someone cannot admit how sinful they were before they were a Christian, could never have been broken over their sinful nature, they merely decided to join the Christian church believing that joining this club that makes them appear better would be their salvation, or perhaps they felt they would live a better life if they made the decision to stop their sin. One who comes to the church in this way, cannot be born again. They remain living in their own flesh attributing their better deeds to their own effort, therefore they deserve praise for their life, as though it is all up to them.
Believing in Christ does not mean we know in our mind, it means we know He paid the price for our sin and want Him to save us from our sins and from hell. This is when Christ will come to dwell in us and do the work of cleansing throughout our lives.
There are many people who come to Christ believing they deserve praise from God rather than them praising God for His mercy. These people think they have done God a favor deciding to accept Him. I have witnessed the mentality in many that believe once they have allowed God in their life they now become His commander, He must do everything they want. They stick their thumbs in their suspenders and strut around as though God owes them something.
Sadly, these people have little reverence for God or others, they are superior to God as well as superior to everyone else too. How we treat others is an indicator of our view of God.
1 John 3:13-15 "…13 So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.…"
When we are humble, knowing how depraved we were when Christ saved us, there can be no sense of superiority toward anyone. To demonstrate superiority is a very strong clue that we have not become humbled toward God. Therefore it is also a clue that we never were born again.
Another clue that someone engaged in a superficial salvation based on their own decision to do better in life, is that they have no tolerance for instruction or correction from those who may know their violations of the Word, or those they perceive to be lesser than they.
We encounter this all the time, those who have been "ordained" by man, walk in a deep pride because of their level of education, as though education administered by man has greater weight than the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a humble believer.
A grandiose mentality of superiority is a sure sign of a deep spiritual problem. These people make rules and exude expectations that God never did, while claiming someone is less spiritual because they do not follow their rules.
Satan has infiltrated the church with his minions to bring arrogance, confusion and division among the brethren. There is no better way to frustrate and divide believers than to make them think they are better than others while others are not worthy of respect.
The truly born again believers will seek out scripture to find the truth when challenged. They will not see every challenge as hatred or an attempt to rule over them, but will receive the message gratefully and resolve it through prayer and scripture study.
A rebellious pretender will fight, argue and turn others against their target, the one who has challenged them. They will lie against anyone who will not allow them to control them, turning others who will listen against the one who brings truth.
If these pretenders cannot make you mind, they will attempt to convince your spouse or children to reject you, so that you are left without allies. When we discover this is happening, we must get those people away from us and our spouse, they have the potential to destroy the believer who desires only to walk closely with God.
Satan has his devils everywhere, in every gathering now, if he cannot control us, he will convince others to come against us, and for no reason at all except that we will not accept his lies.
The warning is clear, allow no one in your life or the life of your spouse, who is working to turn your spouse against you. It doesn't matter if they are successful or not, it only matters that they wish to cause turmoil and hate in your life. Get away from them.
2 Timothy 3
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