Copyright © 2020 by Harold D.

Thomas
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This topical Bible study is for God’s glory

and the spiritual enlightenment of the reader.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 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
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“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.

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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.’”

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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:

http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Pride_and_Humility_SinglePage

Here is a great music video by Jeremy Camp called “Lay Down My Pride.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnF4sC0eqA&ab_channel=Charlesc28

Your Brother in Christ,

Harold D. Thomas

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