Pride- Defined A feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

The Problem With Pride Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 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. Proverbs 16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

The Power of Pride Daniel 4: All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king. 29 Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’

The Proof of Pride Daniel 4:31 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, 32 and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’

The Pain of Pride Daniel 4:33 33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

The Promises of Pride the worse path: disobedience Ephesians 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Proverbs 28:14 How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Mark 6: Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

The Promises of Pride the best path: obedience Proverbs 3:34 (GNT) He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble. James 4:6 but He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “G OD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 1 Peter 5:6(b)…and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for G OD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

Daniel 4:34 34 “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’

Daniel 4:36 36 At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

Focus on the failures of others A critical, fault-finding spirit; look at everyone else’s faults with a microscope, but their own with a telescope Claim rights; have a demanding spirit Self-protective of their time, their rights, and their reputation Desire to be served Desire self-advancement Have a drive to be recognized and appreciated Wounded when others are promoted and they are overlooked Have a subconscious feeling, “This ministry/ church is privileged to have me and my gifts”; think of what they can do for God Feel confident in how much they know

Quick to blame others Unapproachable or defensive when criticized Concerned with being respectable, with what others think; work to protect their own image and reputation Find it difficult to share their spiritual need with others Have a hard time saying, “I was wrong; will you please forgive me?” Tend to deal in generalities when confessing sin Wait for the other to come and ask forgiveness when there is a misunderstanding or conflict in a relationship Blind to their true heart condition Don’t think they have anything to repent of Don’t think they need revival, but are sure that everyone else does