1. This morning we examined passages relating to "meekness," the 8th of 9 characteristics that make up the fruit of the Spirit. 2. This evening we are studying passages that relate to the opposite characteristic: "pride." 3. In our lesson we are making some observations from: a. the book of Proverbs b. 2 kings of Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar.
Discussion:
I. OBSERVATIONS FROM PROVERBS
A. Proverbs shows us how God feels about "pride." 1. (6:16-17) "A proud look" is first on a list of 6 things that God hates and 7 things that are an abomination to Him. 2. (8:13) God hates "pride." 3. (16:5a) "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord." B. Proverbs shows us that certain things are associated with "pride." 1. (11:2a) "When pride cometh, then cometh shame." 2. (13:10a) "Only by pride cometh contention." 3. (28:25a) "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife." C. Proverbs shows us what will happen to the proud. 1. (29:23a) "A man's pride shall bring him low." 2. (15:25a) "The Lord will destroy the house of the proud." 3. (16:18) A proud person will fall and be destroyed. D. These passages from Proverbs indicate that pride is a serious matter. E. Let us see these principles illustrated as we make some . . .
II. OBSERVATIONS FROM NEBUCHADNEZZAR AND BELSHAZZAR
A. We read about Nebuchadnezzar's pride in Daniel 4. 1. The king had a dream about a tree that grew very tall, but it was later cut down. 2. Daniel interpreted the dream (vs.24-27). 3. Nebuchadnezzar did not listen to Daniel, and about a year later his pride got him into trouble (vs.28-33). 4. The king finally learned an important lesson (vs.34-37). B. We read about Belshazzar's pride in Daniel 5. 1. While he hosted a drunken feast, a message was written on the wall. 2. Daniel was asked to interpret the message. a. Daniel first showed Belshazzar that he should have learned a lesson from Nebuchadnezzar (vs.18-24). b. Daniel interpreted the message (vs.25-28). 3. Belshazzar lost his life that night, and his kingdom was taken (vs.30-31).
Conclusion:
1. These 2 kings of Babylon illustrate the principles we touched on earlier in the book of Proverbs. a. God certainly hates "pride" -- it is an abomination to Him. b. Certain things are associated with "pride" -- shame, contention, and strife. c. What will happen to the proud -- they will be brought low, their houses will be destroyed, and they will fall. 2. On the basis of this information we have covered from the Old Testament, let us consider 2 admonitions given in the New Testament. a. (James 4:6-7) "Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God." b. (1 Peter 5:5-6) "Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." 3. Let us remember the blessing that Jesus pronounced in Matthew 5:5.
