"The Pitfall of Pride"

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT) 

3 Types of PRIDE We Battle:

“I LIVE FOR MYSELF” (selfish desires)

Philippians 2:3 (NLT) ³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 

“I’ll DO IT MYSELF” (own strength)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. ⁶ Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

“I DECIDE FOR MYSELF” (set my own rules)

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Pride

1. Understand your identity.

Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

2. Choose to respond with humility.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) ² Always be humble and gentle.

3. Live with others Patiently.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 

4. Strive for Unity.

Ephesians 4:3 (NLT) ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 

Galatians 6:4 (NLT) ⁴ Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.