How Do We handle Abundance? n n Deuteronomy 8:11-20 (NKJV) 11 “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them;

How Do We handle Abundance? n n 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

How Do We handle Abundance? n n 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—

How Do We handle Abundance? n n 17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ n n 18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

How Do We handle Abundance? n n 19 Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.

What is Pride? n Several words describe it. (Prov 25:14)

What is Pride? n Several words describe it. (Prov 25:14) n It is an unrealistic view of ones abilities. (Gal 6:3; Rom 12:3)

What is Pride? n n Romans 12:3 (NKJV) 3 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.

What is Pride? n n Galatians 6:3 (NKJV) 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

What is Pride? n Several words describe it. (Prov 25:14) n It is an unrealistic view of ones abilities. (Gal 6:3; Rom 12:3) n Pride often comes from that which is good within itself!

Knowledge is Good. n n 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

Being an Elder is Good n n 1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV) 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

Writing Much of the N.T. is Good n n 2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) 7 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.

The Horrors of Pride n Pride is a sin

How Does God View Pride? n n Proverbs 21:4 (NKJV) 4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. n n Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look…...

How Does God View Pride? n n Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV) 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. n n Proverbs 16:5 (NKJV) 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

The Horrors of Pride n Pride is a sin n Pride causes other sins (1 Jn 2:16-17; Gen 3:5)

The Horrors of Pride n Pride is a sin n Pride causes other sins (1 Jn 2:16-17; Gen 3:5) n Pride causes blindness (Rom 1:20-22)

Identifying Pride in Us n Pride is competitive

Identifying Pride in Us n Pride is competitive n Pride looks down on others (Lk 18:9)

Identifying Pride in Us n Pride is competitive n Pride looks down on others (Lk 18:9) n Pride produces Envy and Jealousy

Identifying Pride in Us n Pride is competitive n Pride looks down on others (Lk 18:9) n Pride produces Envy and Jealousy n Pride seeks the praises of men (Mt 23:5-12; 1 Tim 6:17)

Identifying Pride in Us n Pride is competitive n Pride looks down on others (Lk 18:9) n Pride produces Envy and Jealousy n Pride seeks the praises of men (Mt 23:5-12; 1 Tim 6:17) n Pride produces “self-sufficiency” (1 Tim 6:3-4; 3 Jn 9-10; 1 Sam 22:8)

A Test for Pride n n 1. Have we ever become envious when someone out-did us, or were commended and we were not?

A Test for Pride n n 1. Have we ever become envious when someone out-did us, or were commended and we were not? n n 2. Are we offended at constructive criticism?

A Test for Pride n n 1. Have we ever become envious when someone out-did us, or were commended and we were not? n n 2. Are we offended at constructive criticism? n n 3. Have we ever pushed ourselves to the breaking point because of pride?

A Test for Pride n n 4. Have we ever had difficulty appreciating what others have done, and expressing that appreciation, because of pride?

A Test for Pride n n 4. Have we ever had difficulty appreciating what others have done, and expressing that appreciation, because of pride? n n 5. Have we ever been controlled by pride to the extent that we would not admit that the position we held on a given matter was wrong?

A Test for Pride n n 6. Has pride ever hindered us in responding to the invitation when we really should have done so to make things right?

The End of the Proud n n Proverbs 15:25 (NKJV) 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud…. n n Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) 18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

The End of the Proud 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. James 4:6 (NKJV) 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Can You See Clearly? n n 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV) 6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

Can You See Clearly? n n 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?