In
his
book
Mere
Christianity
,
C.S.
Lewis
referred
to
pride
as:
•
“The great sin.”
•
“The
essential
vice,
the
utmost
evil,
is
pride.
Unchastity,
anger,
greed,
drunkenness,
and
all
that,
are
mere
flea
bites
in
comparison:
it
was
through
pride
that
the
devil
became
the
devil:
pride
leads
to
every
other
vice:
it
is
the
complete
anti-God
state
of
mind.”
•
“Pride
is
a
spiritual
cancer:
it
eats
up
the
very
possibility
of
love,
or
contentment,
or
even
common
sense.”
Pride
is
a
component
of
our
sinful
flesh
and
is
common
to
all.
What’s
more,
pride
is
a
“slippery
slope”
in
that
it
provides
a
deceitful
feeling
of
pleasure
and/or
satisfaction
derived from:
•
One's own achievements, and/or
•
Personal attributes, and/or
•
Possessions
When
you
think
about
it
all
of
us
desire
to
be
recognized,
appreciated,
and
even
admired
for
our
capabilities
and
what
we’ve
accomplished.
For
example,
when
you
were
a
child
you
probably
said
to
your
parents
or
friends…“Hey,
look what I can do!”
This
desire
continues
in
adolescence,
and
may
greatly
increase
in
adulthood.
For
example,
football
athletes
that
score
a
touchdown
or
sack
a
quarterback
will
sometimes
separate
themselves
from
their
teammates
and
will
beat
their
chest
or
exhibit
a
behavior
that
says…“Look at what I’ve done.”
Pride
has
a
propensity
to
increase
as
we
become
more
successful,
more
prosperous,
and/or
are
recognized
by
others
for
our
accomplishments.
In
fact,
anything,
real
or
imagined
that
elevates
us
above
others
can
become
a
platform
for
pride—including
blessings
from
God.
In
addition,
these
trappings
can
cause
us
to
misdirect
our
hope, belief, faith, trust, and perception of God.
It
is
important
to
note
the
type
of
pride
that
is
discussed
in
this
lesson
is
self-pride.
We
can
also
experience
pride
in
someone/something
else,
such
as
our
children,
country,
company
we
work
for,
etc.
This
form
of
pride
can
be
a
good
thing
if
it
does
not
darken
our
spiritual
insight
and
relationship
with
God.
However,
self-pride
is
not
a
good
thing.
As
such,
all
following
references
to
pride
is
self-
pride.
Synonyms for pride include:
•
Arrogance
•
Conceit
•
Smugness
•
Self-importance
•
Self-righteousness
However, pride is more…it’s much more…in that it:
•
Can result in godless self-confidence.
•
Can
create
an
attitude
of
contempt
and
indifference
towards others.
•
May result in self-adulation, and worse self-worship.
•
Creates a barrier between the prideful and God.
•
Has
an
inverse
relationship
with
love
(as
one
increases the other decreases).
•
Is a delusional lie.
Test for Pride
All
of
us
have
some
degree
of
pride.
For
example,
the
apostles
demonstrated
pride
when
they
argued
amongst
themselves
about
who
was
the
greatest
(Luke
22:24-27).
In
addition,
Paul
stated
that
he
had
problems
with
pride—which
God
kept
in
check
by
allowing
a
“thorn
in
his
flesh.”
While
the
“thorn”
is
never
revealed…we
can
all
relate
to
a
weak
spot
in
our
spiritual
armor
that
often
results
in
us
falling
short—resulting
in
a
contrite
and
humble heart seeking forgiveness.
“And
lest
I
should
be
exalted
above
measure
by
the
abundance
of
the
revelations,
a
thorn
in
the
flesh
was
given
to
me,
a
messenger
of
Satan
to
buffet
me,
lest
I
be
exalted
above
measure.
Concerning
this
thing
I
pleaded
with
the
Lord
three
times
that
it
might
depart
from
me.
And
He
said
to
me,
‘My
grace
is
sufficient
for
you,
for
My
strength
is
made
perfect
in
weakness.’”
2
Corinthians
12:7-9
“For
I
say,
through
the
grace
given
to
me,
to
everyone
who
is
among
you,
not
to
think
of
himself
more
highly
than
he
ought
to
think,
but
to
think
soberly,
as
God
has
dealt
to
each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
Here
are
some
questions
that
are
designed
to
introspectively reveal pride.
How do you respond when:
•
Someone ignores you?
•
A driver “offends” you on the highway?
•
You are shown disrespect?
•
Someone “does your wrong?”
How
do
you
respond
when
someone
flaunts
their
attributes or possessions?
Do
you
perceive
yourself
as
being
sufficiently
humble?
(Think deeply about this surprisingly revealing question.)
Humble, Meek, and Lowly Spirit
Our pride will diminish (and dissolve over time) as we:
•
Seek God
•
Receive His:
o
Love
o
Unmerited grace
o
Complete
forgiveness
for
all
our
sin
in
His
Son
Jesus Christ
•
We
kneel
and
fall
on
our
face
in
humble
worship
of
our Savior and Lord.
•
Continually
grow
in
our
understanding
of
the
depths
of our depravity.
In
addition,
true
humility
and
humbleness
will
continue
to
grow
over
time
as
we
gain
full
appreciation
of
our
gifts—which
are
to
be
used
for
His
glory.
Remember,
when
God
is
recognized
and
lifted
up
for
what
He
has
given us, faith is increased.
Consider Jesus, who:
•
Left Heaven and took the form of man on earth.
•
Demonstrated Godly humility.
•
Came not to be served, but to serve.
•
Gave His life as a ransom for many.
“Let
this
mind
be
in
you
which
was
also
in
Christ
Jesus,
who,
being
in
the
form
of
God,
did
not
consider
it
robbery
to
be
equal
with
God,
but
made
Himself
of
no
reputation,
taking
the
form
of
a
bondservant,
and
coming
in
the
likeness
of
men.
And
being
found
in
appearance
as
a
man,
He
humbled
Himself
and
became
obedient
to
the
point
of
death,
even
the
death
of
the
cross.”
Philippians
2:5-8
Works vs. Grace
The
wisdom
of
God
is
revealed
when
you
consider
the
affects
upon
pride
when
you
compare
salvation
by
works
versus
unmerited
grace.
Works
is
a
term
used
to
describe
salvation
based
upon
meeting
all
of
the
requirements
defined
by
the
Ten
Commandments;
including
the
Biblical
laws
defined
in
the
Old
Testament.
Grace
is
salvation
based
upon
a
free
gift
paid
for
by
Jesus
Christ,
and
is
not
based
upon
works
but
upon
faith
in
what
Jesus
Christ
did
for us on the cross.
Any
form
of
“salvation”
(regardless
of
religion
type)
that
is
based
upon
works
will
increase
pride—which
hardens
the
heart
and
closes
the
eyes
to
the
truth.
This
is
one
of
the
key
reasons
why
the
Pharisees
failed
to
realize
Jesus
Christ
was
the
Messiah.
Their
focus
was
upon
the
law;
straining
to
fulfill
every
aspect—which
resulted
in
them
being
proud
of
their
perceived
“accomplishments”
and
“status.”
Jesus
Christ
healed
two
men
on
the
Sabbath:
a
blind
man
and
a
man
with
a
shriveled
hand.
These
miracles
were
considered
“illegal”
by
the
Pharisees
because
healing
comprised
a
form
of
work,
and
work
is
not
allowed
on
the
Sabbath.
Their
myopic
focus
on
fulfilling
the
Law
(combined
with
their
pride)
caused
them
to
miss
the
true
meaning,
intent,
and
purpose
of
the
Law
as
they
sought
to
kill
Jesus
because
he
healed
on
the
Sabbath.
(It
is
easy
to
understand
why
Jesus
looked
at
them
with
anger
and
was
distressed
with
their
stubborn
hearts.) Mark 3:2; Matthew 12:10; John 9:14-16
However,
God’s
agape
love,
His
grace,
and
His
forgiveness
(through
His
Son
Jesus
Christ)
will
create
a
humble
heart
as
we
step
forward
in
faith
every
day.
God’s
gift
in
Jesus
Christ
cannot
be
earned.
What’s
more,
because
of
our
sin
no
one
is
worthy
to
receive
God’s
gift
in
Jesus
Christ.
Even
after
we
are
saved,
no
one
can
boast
for
what
they
have
accomplished
because
we
continually
fall
short.
While
we
will
never
be
“perfect”
we
continue
to
press
on
to
become
more
like
Him.
Instead
of
“look
at
what
I
have
done”
it’s
“look
at
what
Jesus
has
done
for
me.”
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“For
you
see
your
calling,
brethren,
that
not
many
wise
according
to
the
flesh,
not
many
mighty,
not
many
noble,
are
called.
But
God
has
chosen
the
foolish
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
wise,
and
God
has
chosen
the
weak
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
things
which
are
mighty;
and
the
base
things
of
the
world
and
the
things
which
are
despised
God
has
chosen,
and
the
things
which
are
not,
to
bring
to
nothing
the
things
that
are,
that
no
flesh
should
glory
in
His
presence.
But
of
Him
you
are
in
Christ
Jesus,
who
became
for
us
wisdom
from
God—and
righteousness
and
sanctification
and
redemption—that,
as
it
is
written,
‘He
who
glories,
let
him
glory in the LORD.’” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Sources of Pride
Our pride may be
categorized based upon
perceived wisdom,
strengths (attributes),
and/or wealth
(possessions).
Perceived Wisdom
“Let
no
one
deceive
himself.
If
anyone
among
you
seems
to
be
wise
in
this
age,
let
him
become
a
fool
that
he
may
become
wise.
For
the
wisdom
of
this
world
is
foolishness
with
God.
For
it
is
written,
‘He
catches
the
wise
in
their
own
craftiness’;
and
again,
‘The
LORD
knows
the
thoughts
of
the
wise,
that
they
are
futile.’”
1
Corinthians
3:18-20
“Thus
says
the
Lord:
‘Let
not
the
wise
man
glory
in
his
wisdom,
let
not
the
mighty
man
glory
in
his
might,
nor
let
the
rich
man
glory
in
his
riches;
but
let
him
who
glories
glory
in
this,
that
he
understands
and
knows
Me,
that
I
am
the
Lord,
exercising
lovingkindness,
judgment,
and
righteousness
in
the
earth.
For
in
these
I
delight,’
says
the
Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Because,
although
they
knew
God,
they
did
not
glorify
Him
as
God,
nor
were
thankful,
but
became
futile
in
their
thoughts,
and
their
foolish
hearts
were
darkened.
Professing
to
be
wise,
they
became
fools,
and
changed
the
glory
of
the
incorruptible
God
into
an
image
made
like
corruptible
man—and
birds
and
four-footed
animals
and
creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23
Strengths (attributes)
For
if
any
person
thinks
himself
to
be
somebody
[too
important
to
condescend
to
shoulder
another’s
load]
when
he
is
nobody
[of
superiority
except
in
his
own
estimation],
he
deceives
and
deludes
and
cheats
himself.
Galatians
6:3 (Amplified Bible)
Do
nothing
from
factional
motives
[through
contentiousness,
strife,
selfishness,
or
for
unworthy
ends]
or
prompted
by
conceit
and
empty
arrogance.
Instead,
in
the
true
spirit
of
humility
(lowliness
of
mind)
let
each
regard
the
others
as
better
than
and
superior
to
himself
[thinking
more
highly
of
one
another
than
you
do
of
yourselves]. Philippians 2:3 (Amplified Bible)
Be
of
the
same
mind
toward
one
another.
Do
not
set
your
mind
on
high
things,
but
associate
with
the
humble.
Do
not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:16
Wealth and/or Possessions
Jesus
said,
“Do
not
lay
up
for
yourselves
treasures
on
earth,
where
moth
and
rust
destroy
and
where
thieves
break
in
and
steal;
but
lay
up
for
yourselves
treasures
in
heaven,
where
neither
moth
nor
rust
destroys
and
where
thieves
do
not
break
in
and
steal.
For
where
your
treasure
is, there your heart will be also.’” Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus
also
said,
“Because
you
say,
‘I
am
rich,
have
become
wealthy,
and
have
need
of
nothing’—and
do
not
know
that
you
are
wretched,
miserable,
poor,
blind,
and
naked—I
counsel
you
to
buy
from
Me
gold
refined
in
the
fire,
that
you
may
be
rich;
and
white
garments,
that
you
may
be
clothed,
that
the
shame
of
your
nakedness
may
not
be
revealed;
and
anoint
your
eyes
with
eye
salve,
that
you may see.” Revelation 3:17-18
“Command
those
who
are
rich
in
this
present
age
not
to
be
haughty,
nor
to
trust
in
uncertain
riches
but
in
the
living
God,
who
gives
us
richly
all
things
to
enjoy.
Let
them
do
good,
that
they
be
rich
in
good
works,
ready
to
give,
willing
to
share,
storing
up
for
themselves
a
good
foundation
for
the
time
to
come,
that
they
may
lay
hold
on
eternal
life.”
1
Timothy 6:17-19
The Pride of Satan
Wikipedia
defines
egomania
as
an
obsessive
preoccupation
with
one’s
self
and
applies
to
someone
who
follows
their
own
ungoverned
impulses;
and
is
possessed
by
delusions
of
personal
greatness;
and
feels
a
lack
of
appreciation.
Someone
suffering
from
this
extreme
egocentric focus is an egomaniac.
While
the
above
definition
may
provide
insight
into
Satan’s
pride, it lacks the following:
•
Willing
to
do
anything
/
everything
to
fulfill
his
vain
and delusional desire.
•
Driven by absolute unadulterated hatred.
This
same
spirit
(Satan)
has
been
revealed
in
multiple
egomaniacs
throughout
time.
These
tyrants
(oppressors,
dictators,
etc.)
did
whatever
it
took
to
grow
their
power
and
achieve
their
goals…regardless
of
the
consequences…including
destruction
of
life…which
was
(is
and
will
be)
justified
by
hatred
towards
the
“enemy”
and/or anyone that “stood in their way.”
•
Can you name a few?
•
Is this same spirit active today?
•
In
the
last
days
Satan
will
indwell
“The
abomination
that causes desolation.” (Matthew 24:15)
“Your
heart
was
lifted
up
because
of
your
beauty;
You
corrupted
your
wisdom
for
the
sake
of
your
splendor.”
Ezekiel 28:17
•
Which
do
you
think
occurred
first,
Satan’s
corrupted
wisdom or Satan’s pride?
•
Who
was
responsible
for
Satan’s
corrupted
wisdom?
•
Notice
in
the
following
scripture
how
“I
will”
precedes
each
vain
desire
to
be
like
God.
Not
“thy
will” but “I will.”
“How
you
are
fallen
from
heaven,
O
Lucifer,
son
of
the
morning!
How
you
are
cut
down
to
the
ground,
you
who
weakened
the
nations!
For
you
have
said
in
your
heart:
‘I
will
ascend
into
heaven,
I
will
exalt
my
throne
above
the
stars
of
God;
I
will
also
sit
on
the
mount
of
the
congregation
on
the
farthest
sides
of
the
north;
I
will
ascend
above
the
heights
of
the
clouds,
I
will
be
like
the
Most High.’” Isaiah 14:12-14
Satan’s
vain
pride
and
corrupted
wisdom
caused
him
to
live
in
total
darkness;
unable
to
comprehend
truth;
and
unable
to
cease
his
ungoverned
impulses
to
be
worshipped—evidenced
by
Satan’s
attempt
to
cause
Jesus to worship him.
“Again,
the
devil
took
Him
up
on
an
exceedingly
high
mountain,
and
showed
Him
all
the
kingdoms
of
the
world
and
their
glory.
And
he
said
to
Him,
‘All
these
things
I
will
give
You
if
You
will
fall
down
and
worship
me.’”
Matthew
4:8-9
The
pride
that
consumed
Satan—including
the
consequences—can
also
happen
to
us
if
we
do
not
humble
ourselves
and
yield
to
the
Holy
Spirit.
It
requires
a
prayerful
decision;
a
realistic
evaluation
of
who
we
are
(including
our
good
and
bad
points)
and
a
continual
action
to keep check on our thoughts and motivations.
As
an
absolute
and
perfect
contrast
to
Satan’s
pride,
self-
exaltation,
and
pure
hatred,
consider
Jesus…WHO
IS
GOD…and
how
He
humbled
himself,
took
on
the
form
of
man
and
gave
His
life
as
a
ransom
for
many,
because
of
His pure agape love.
“Let
this
mind
be
in
you
which
was
also
in
Christ
Jesus,
who,
being
in
the
form
of
God,
did
not
consider
it
robbery
to
be
equal
with
God,
but
made
Himself
of
no
reputation,
taking
the
form
of
a
bondservant,
and
coming
in
the
likeness
of
men.
And
being
found
in
appearance
as
a
man,
He
humbled
Himself
and
became
obedient
to
the
point
of
death,
even
the
death
of
the
cross.”
Philippians
2:5-8
Action
It
is
imperative
that
we
each
take
an
honest
look
at
our
unmerited
(undeserved,
unearned)
salvation
in
God’s
grace
through
Jesus
Christ—which
is
the
greatest
gift
any
person
can
receive—and
compare
it
against
our
insignificant
attributes,
accomplishments,
and/or
possessions.
Once
we
realize
all
we
“are”
and
all
we
“have”
is
because
of
Him,
is
when
we
will
lay
our
“crowns”
at
His
feet
in
worship
and
prayer,
and
give
humble
thanks
to
God
for
the
wondrous
things
He
has
done;
for
God
alone is worthy of honor and praise.
As
an
example,
consider
what
John
was
granted
to
see
in
Heaven, and what he wrote in Revelation chapter 4.
“After
these
things
I
looked,
and
behold,
a
door
standing
open
in
heaven.
And
the
first
voice
which
I
heard
was
like
a
trumpet
speaking
with
me,
saying,
‘Come
up
here,
and
I
will show you things which must take place after this.’”
“Immediately
I
was
in
the
Spirit;
and
behold,
a
throne
set
in
heaven,
and
One
sat
on
the
throne.
And
He
who
sat
there
was
like
a
jasper
and
a
sardius
stone
in
appearance;
and
there
was
a
rainbow
around
the
throne,
in
appearance
like
an
emerald.
Around
the
throne
were
twenty-four
thrones,
and
on
the
thrones
I
saw
twenty-four
elders
sitting,
clothed
in
white
robes;
and
they
had
crowns
of
gold
on
their
heads.
And
from
the
throne
proceeded
lightnings,
thunderings,
and
voices.
Seven
lamps
of
fire
were
burning
before
the
throne,
which
are
the
seven
Spirits of God.”
“Before
the
throne
there
was
a
sea
of
glass,
like
crystal.
And
in
the
midst
of
the
throne,
and
around
the
throne,
were
four
living
creatures
full
of
eyes
in
front
and
in
back.
The
first
living
creature
was
like
a
lion,
the
second
living
creature
like
a
calf,
the
third
living
creature
had
a
face
like
a
man,
and
the
fourth
living
creature
was
like
a
flying
eagle.
The
four
living
creatures,
each
having
six
wings,
were
full
of
eyes
around
and
within.
And
they
do
not
rest
day
or
night,
saying:
‘Holy,
holy,
holy,
Lord
God
Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!’”
“Whenever
the
living
creatures
give
glory
and
honor
and
thanks
to
Him
who
sits
on
the
throne,
who
lives
forever
and
ever,
the
twenty-four
elders
fall
down
before
Him
who
sits
on
the
throne
and
worship
Him
who
lives
forever
and
ever,
and
cast
their
crowns
before
the
throne,
saying:
‘You
are
worthy,
O
Lord,
to
receive
glory
and
honor
and
power;
for
You
created
all
things,
and
by
Your
will
they
exist
and
were created.’”
It's
safe
to
say
that
every
person
has
varying
degrees
of
pride—which
can
distort
and
diminish
our
ability
to
see
spiritual
truths.
Plus,
imagine
being
on
the
other
side
of
death
and
standing
before
God.
As
you
look
back
upon
your
life…what
will
you
say?
Will
you
boldly
declare
“Look
at
what
I
achieved!”
Or
will
you
humbly
acknowledge
your
complete
dependence
upon
Him
for
everything…with
a
thankful heart?
“
Thus
says
the
Lord:
‘Let
not
the
wise
man
glory
in
his
wisdom,
let
not
the
mighty
man
glory
in
his
might,
nor
let
the
rich
man
glory
in
his
riches;
but
let
him
who
glories
glory
in
this,
that
he
understands
and
knows
Me,
that
I
am
the
Lord,
exercising
lovingkindness,
judgment,
and
righteousness
in
the
earth.
For
in
these
I
delight,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24
I
pray
this
lesson
provides
you
with
greater
spiritual
insight
into
pride
and
how
it
can
create
a
“brick
wall”
between
each
of
us
and
God.
Take
time
to
consider
each
source
of
pride
below
and
ask
yourself
if
any
fosters
self-pride,
or
have
you
cast
each
crown
before
the
throne
with
heart-felt
thankfulness to the One who is worthy!
This
link
provides
additional
reading
on
pride:
h
t
t
p
:
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/
P
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i
d
e
_
a
n
d
_
H
u
m
i
l
i
t
y
_
S
i
n
g
l
e
Page
Here
is
a
great
music
video
by
Jeremy
Camp
called
“Lay
Down My Pride.”
h
t
t
p
s
:
/
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.
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Your Brother in Christ,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
regarding
self-pride
should be answered or discussed after reading “Pride.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
O)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
1.
Can you identify at least 3 consequences of pride?
O
Ephesians
2:8-9
says,
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
•
Why
would
God
base
salvation
on
faith
and
not
works?
•
What
effect
do
you
think
it
would
have
on
pride
if
salvation is based upon:
o
Faith
o
Works
•
Take
a
moment
and
imagine
what
Heaven
would
be
like if entrance was based upon works.
o
Would
some
feel
as
if
they
have
earned
more
rewards
and/or
preferential
treatment
because
they
perceive
their
works
were
more
important
than others?
o
Would
a
works-based
entrance
foster
division,
envy, and self-righteousness? Explain.
o
Would
the
focus
be
more
upon
self
(look
at
what
I accomplished to get here) rather than Jesus?
o
Instead
of
worship
and
praise
songs…can
you
imagine some singing “I did it my way!”
O
Will pride in exist in Heaven? Explain.
O
Which
form
of
pride
represents
your
greatest
challenge, and what should you do about it?
Answers
1.
Godless
self-confidence;
attitude
of
contempt
and
indifference
towards
others;
self-adulation
and/or
self-
worship;
barrier
to
God;
inverse
relationship
with
an
ability to love others; delusional lie.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF
file by clicking on this button.
Can
you
think
of
someone
who
could
benefit
from
reading
this lesson? If yes,
CLICK HERE
for more info.
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.