We are in week 2 of our sermon series, Here We Go Again. This week, we are looking at something that destroys everything in its path: Pride. Pride is deceptive. It masks itself well and convinces us that we are better than those around us or deserve special treatment. The truth is that pride will always lead us down a path that we never wanted to go. Pride will lead us toward destruction. If we want to let go of pride, we have to choose humility instead. After all, pride and humility cannot coexist.
In your own words, define pride.
1. Read Proverbs 16:18. What does this passage of Scripture teach about pride, and how have you seen this to be true in your own life?
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
2. Read Romans 12:3. Summarize the instruction in this passage of Scripture. How would obeying this instruction impact pride in your life?
Romans 12:3
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
3. Read John 3:23-30. What was John’s mindset, according to this passage of Scripture?
John 3:23-30
23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
4. Read Philippians 2:3-8. According to Paul in this passage of Scripture, how did Jesus model humility?
Philippians 2:3-8
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
1. What are the signs that pride has taken over in someone’s life?
2. What keeps people from choosing humility instead of pride?
3. Name some practical ways that Christ followers can live humbly today.
What is one specific, measurable, and attainable way that you can practice humility this week? Share that with your group and commit to taking the step this week. After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to give each one of you a spirit of humility so that you can follow Christ’s example and point people straight to Him.
The opposite of pride is humility. If we want to fight pride in our lives, we have to choose humility. Humility is an internal attribute that reveals itself through our actions. Let’s take a few minutes to look at how Scripture says we can demonstrate humility and let go of pride in our lives.
If we want to let go of pride in our lives, we have to be willing to forgive. Humility leads us to offer forgiveness, knowing that we, too, have needed forgiveness in the past (and will need forgiveness in the future). Turn to Scripture to read about how we can practice humility by extending forgiveness.
1. Read Ephesians 4:31-32.
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
2. What is the basis for the forgiveness we are called to show others?
3. How does extending forgiveness impact pride?
4. Is there anything keeping you from forgiving someone today? What would it look like for you to show forgiveness today?
If we want to be humble, we must serve the people around us. Pride seeks to be served, while humility seeks to serve. Let’s take a look at the example Jesus set of humility by serving those around Him.
1. Read John 13:1-15.
John 13:1-15
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
2. How did Jesus serve His disciples in this passage of Scripture?
3. How does serving others impact pride?
4. What does it look like today to serve people in the same way that Jesus did?
One marker of a humble person is gratitude. Prideful people expect things to be given to them, often without a "thank you." Humble people are quick to express gratitude, recognizing every gift they have been given and thanking the gift-giver.
1. Read Psalm 100:4-5.
Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
2. What does this passage of Scripture teach about gratitude?
3. How does gratitude impact pride?
4. What is one thing you are grateful for today?
Of the three things that we talked about, offering forgiveness, serving others, and showing gratitude, which area would you like to grow in? Share that area with your group, along with one way you can begin growing in that area. After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to help each one of you as you seek to live humbly, extending forgiveness, serving others, and showing gratitude.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
