Keeping Ourselves Unspotted from the World (Lesson 11)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is an important part of "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. One key to keeping ourselves unspotted from the world is controlling the subject mentioned in Proverbs 16:18 -- "pride." 3. In our lesson we are: a. covering a number of passages in Proverbs that show why we must control "pride" b. looking at 2 men who show why we must control "pride." 4. Let us first examine . . . Discussion: I. PASSAGES IN PROVERBS THAT SHOW WHY WE MUST CONTROL "PRIDE"
A. We must control "pride" because of how God feels about it. 1. God hates "pride" (8:13). 2. "A proud look" is first on a list of 6 things that God hates and 7 things that are an abomination to Him (6:16-17). 3. "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord" (16:5a). B. We must control "pride" because of the things associated with it, including: 1. shame (11:2a) 2. contention (13:10a) 3. strife (28:25a). C. We must control "pride" because of what will happen if we do not control it, including: 1. being brought low (29:23a) 2. one's house being destroyed (15:25a) 3. falling and being destroyed (16:18). D. On the basis of the information given in these passages, let us turn our attention to . . . II. TWO MEN WHO SHOW WHY WE MUST CONTROL "PRIDE"
A. First, we read about Nebuchadnezzar's pride in Daniel 4. 1. The king dreamed 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. Second, 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). c. 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 considered earlier. 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. In closing, let us consider 2 admonitions given in the New Testament. a. James 4:6-7a b. 1 Peter 5:5b-6
