Pride: Precursor to Destruction.......Humility: Gateway to Grace

"Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."   Proverbs 16:18

"But he gives us more grace. That is  why  Scripture  says: "God  opposes  the  proud  but gives grace to the humble."  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come  near  to  God and he will come  near to   you.  Wash your hands,  you sinners,  and purify   your   hearts,    you double-minded.   Grieve,  mourn  and  wail. Change    your   laughter   to mourning   and   your  joy  to gloom. Humble  yourselves  before the Lord, and he will lift you up."  James 4:6-10

The Four Environments That Nurture Pride

1.  Ingratitude - Deuteronomy 8:3;10-14

2.  Independence - 1 Corinthians 12:14-25

3.  Infallibility - James 5:16;  Romans 3:23

4.  Insatiability - Isaiah 14:13-14

Which of these environments do you find most resident in your heart and mind? ___________ 

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What is your supporting belief for that attitude? __________________________________ 

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Who in my life does this attitude most negatively affect? ____________________________ 

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Which of the following most rings true for you?

• Ingratitude blocks Grace.  I am not living up to my potential because grace is not flowing well in my life.

• Independence blocks treasure of others.  I am unable to allow others to bless me, speak into my life or share their gifts because of independence.

• Infallibility blocks health and growth.  I am not growing or thriving personally because I am using my energies to support a perception that is not true.

• Insatiability blocks fulfillment.  I have a gnawing dissatisfaction with life, God or my relationships, because I am serving a set of expectations or desires that may not be realistic.   A place of contentment seems a long way off.

Three Steps Toward Humility - Ephesians 4:1-3

1. Accurate and honest self-evaluation  Romans 12:3

                Who am I?_____________________________________

                What gifts do I have?_____________________________

                What does God say of me?_________________________

2.  Authentic appreciation of others.  (An Attitude of Gratitude) - 1 Corinthians 4:7

                To whom do I have an unpaid debt of gratitude?

                                _______________________________________

                                _______________________________________

                                _______________________________________  

3.  Appropriate subordination

                To what authority do I owe an apology for my rebellion?

                                ______________________________________

                                ______________________________________

                                ______________________________________

What plan (s) of action is God leading me toward tonight? When will I do it?