Hot Seat Pt.4: The Pitfall of Pride | Nick Birmingham

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Series Overview: We've been in a series discussing the concept of the "hot seat" and the various topics that resonate deeply with our personal experiences. This week, we're addressing the pervasive and often overlooked issue of pride.

Main Theme: The Pitfall of Pride – how it subtly affects our lives and relationships, and the importance of humility in our walk with God.

Introduction:

• Personal anecdote about dealing with issues and the recurring nature of pride.
• Acknowledgment of how pride manifests in thoughts of superiority and knowledge.
• Recognition that everyone deals with pride at some level, even if unadmitted.

Key Points:

1. Self-Perception and Pride:

   • Instances where we consider ourselves smarter or better than others.
   • False humility and its connection to pride.
   • Personal anecdotes highlighting everyday pride in abilities or knowledge.

2. Comparison and Judgment:

   • The tendency to compare ourselves to others and feel superior.
   • Common areas where pride shows up: driving skills, sinfulness, opinions on various topics.
   • The danger of seeing ourselves as less sinful or more right.

3. Biblical Illustration:

   • Luke 18:9-14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
   • The Pharisee's self-righteous prayer versus the tax collector's humble plea for mercy.
   • Jesus' teaching that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

4. Pride in Spiritual Life:

   • How spiritual pride can creep into our theology, worship, and church activities.
   • The risk of becoming spiritually proud and forgetting our humble beginnings.
   • The story of a pastor's tweet reflecting spiritual pride and the need for humility.

5. Impact of Pride on Relationships:

   • Pride hinders our ability to love others well.
   • The contrast between correcting others out of pride and helping them in love.
   • Examples of how pride leads to judgmental attitudes and offenses.

6. Jesus' Example:

   • Jesus' interactions with sinners, tax collectors, and those considered outcasts.
   • His love and humility, despite being the only one without sin.
   • The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) as an example of Jesus' merciful and loving approach.

7. Application:

   • Encouragement to self-reflect on areas where pride might be present in our lives.
   • The importance of choosing humility over the desire to be right.
   • Loving others as Jesus did, with compassion and understanding.

Conclusion:

• A call to make a difference rather than just making a point.
• The challenge to let go of pride and embrace humility in all areas of life.
• Final thoughts on how humility allows us to love others better and live more like Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride?
2. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions?
3. How does pride impact your ability to love and serve others?

Prayer:

• A closing prayer asking for God's help in recognizing and overcoming pride, and for the strength to walk in humility and love.

By examining our own lives and aligning ourselves with the humility demonstrated by Jesus, we can avoid the pitfall of pride and become more effective in our Christian walk.