The Winning Approach

You've probably heard it said, "It's in the hands of God whether we will be winners or losers."

Do you believe that?

I don't!

Man was created to be a winner. The Bible tells us so! We read in Genesis, for example, that man was originally put on this earth to have dominion over the work of God's hands. God gave him dominion over the earth and everything that crept, flew, crawled and breathed there. In fact, man didn't even know what losing was until he separated himself from God through disobedience in the Garden of Eden. When that happened, man plunged into the defeat realm. He had not choice but to accept failure as his lot in life, as a result of the disobedience. This demoted man to a subordinate position—a position he was never meant to occupy.
It's a sad story. But if you're a born-again child of God, I have good news for you. Your story has a happy ending. Through faith in Christ Jesus

You've been transformed from the inside out. You've been made a winner once again!
You cannot know this by feeling nor thinking. You can only know this from God's Word alone. You might be thinking, I don't feel like a winner! I feel like a loser—and I have plenty of failures in my life to prove it! If that's the case, don't worry. You just need a new attitude. And you can get it from the Word of God.

In the book of Romans, Apostle Paul told the Church not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their mind that they may prove the perfect, good and acceptable will of God.
   
Rom 12:2 - KJV
 And be not conformed to this world [FAILURE]: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind [WITH GOD'S WORD], that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I am reminded here of a king who wanted to fight a battle but his soldiers were so filled with the fear of loosing the battle. On the contrary, the king wanted to persuade them to fight the battle for he knew they will win if only they fought with enthusiasm. he then told his disciples that he has a 'MAJIC COIN' and if he will win a battle the side of the coin that will face up when it is tossed will be the eagle and if they will lose the battle the part of the coin that will face up will be the bear i.e the coin has two sides (eagle and bear side). He then called all his soldiers together and tossed the coin three times in their presence, in which the eagle side of the coin showed up those three times. The 'majic coin' indicated  that they would win the battle. This really encouraged the soldiers and they went with the King to fight the battle and WON.

After the battle the King revealed to them that it was not a  'majic coin' and as a matter of fact the two sides of the coin are both "eagle'. There is no bear side of the coin.

This is the POWER OF A WINNING MINDSET.

Jesus said all things are possible for him that BELIEVETH (Mark 9:22). There are about 365 places in the scriptures that tells us to 'FEAR NOT'.
   

Brethren, if a man is in Christ He is a new creature (2 Cor 5:17), failure, negativity is passed away. All things have become new.

How to become a new Creature - Sinners Prayer

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12 habits every Christian should develop

1. Study the Word of God (Bible) Everyday of Your Life

In order to be an effective Christian, I will advise to Study His Word (the Bible). In the day of adversity (trials and temptations) it is the depth of the word of God in you that will save you. Paul advised timothy to study the Word (2 Tim 2:15)

2. Pray without season

Prayer is communicating with God. Have a habit of communicating with your Father always. Develop the habit of praying at all times. (Eph 6:18)

3. Fast At Least Once a Week

Fasting is very good both spiritually and physically. Fasting (Matt 6:16) makes one spiritually sensitive. Physically, doctors say fasting is of help to the body.

4. Be filled with the spirit constantly - singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph 5:19).

Never allow worldly music to be played in your presence, even if it is coming from the radio. This habit will make you create a Holy Spirit friendly environment around you all the time. The Holy Spirit will come to you because God inhabits praise and worship. You will also unconsciously drive away evil spirits without intending to do so. (1 Samuel 16:23).

 5. Develop the habits of reading Christian books constantly

Somebody said the day a man stops learning is the day he starts dying. Gain knowledge continually As soon as you finish one book, begin reading another. This is a very good habit that will unconsciously increase your knowledge and learning (Col 3:16).

6. Have Long term and Short term goals

Short term goals are goals you can achieve within a short period of time while long term goals are goals you achieve within a larger frame of time. As it is commonly said, if you fail to plan, you have planned to fail. Plan you year, month, week and day properly. Set aside time for work and have time for rest.

7. Develop the habit of committing your ways unto the Lord.

Yes, commit you ways unto the Lord, and you will succeed. Do not be wise in your own sight (Prov 3:5, Prov 3:7, Prov 16:3). No matter how good your plan should be commit your ways unto the Lord. God sees better than you do

8. Have a habit of sharing the gospel to people

You have seen the light of God also help others by helping them to see this light. God will reward every labour of Love. Sharing the gospel as a Christian is a command by God (Mark 16:15). Let us be fruitful like Jesus

9. Cut down excessive leisure.

Nowadays what people want is leisure. They watch Television, play games, go to beaches etc. leisure is good but too much of leisure is bad.

Much Leisure takes up the time that would have been used reading, praying, having a quiet time, talking with God, chatting with your wife or children.

10. Do things instantly and Don’t procrastinate

It is a much known principle in being led by the Spirit to do things the spirit says you should do instantly, if not they might slip away without you doing them. Procrastination is postponing things that could be done now to a latter time. People that procrastinate end up doing nothing.

11. Be Optimistic

Being optimistic is being positive. While others say, it is over; you are saying there is hope, while other say it is impossible you say it is possible. This is the attitude that will keep you going. Be optimistic in whatever you do. Always confess positive, do not be negative. What you say is what you get. Have a habit of confessing positive into your destiny and into the life of others.

12. Pay Your Tithes Every Month

Let the first ten percent of your income be assigned to God (Mal 3:10).



Do you consider yourself to be a leader? Develop a life filled with many good habits.

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The God who is more than enough

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

—Genesis 17:1

When God appeared to Abram, what He actually said in Hebrew was, "...I am El-shaddai, walk before me and be thou perfect".

"El" is the name of God that speaks of power; but what does "Shaddai" mean? Theologians say it comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to be strong while others prefer a word meaning "mountain". Figuratively, a mountain is a symbol of strength. Conclusively, "El Shaddai" means "the all-powerful and all-sufficient God who can do anything and meet any need."
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The translators of the King James Version translated El Shaddai as "Almighty God”. This is correct but the Hebrew meaning for El-shaddai means the "the All-Sufficient One," or "the God who is more than enough."

People say God is enough i.e (He is sufficient) but God is not just enough, he is more than enough (all sufficient).

The following are some of the instances where God showed himself to be all sufficient (more than enough).

•     The Creation of the world in 7 days (Genesis 1)
•     The Great flood (Genesis 7)
•     The confusion of languages at tower of babel (Gen 11:1-9)
•     The fire on Abraham's sacrifice (Gen 15:17)
•     The conception of Isaac (Gen 21:2)
•     The destruction of Sodom (Gen 19)
•     The closing of the wombs of Abimelech's household (Gen 20:17-18)
•     The opening of Hagar's eyes (Gen 21:19)
•     The opening of Rachel's womb (Gen 30:22)
•     The flaming bush that was not consumed (Ex 3:2)
•     The transformation of Moses' rod into a serpent (Ex 4, Ex 7)
•     The pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:21-22)
•     Passage through the Red Sea (Ex 14:22)
•     The destruction of Pharaoh and his army (Ex 14:23-30)
•     Sweetening the bitter waters of Marah (Ex 15:25)
•     Provision of Manna (Ex 16:4-31)
•     Abundant Provision of meat – Quails (Ex 16:13)
•     The defeat of Amalek (Ex 17:9-13)
•     The transfiguration of Moses face  (Ex 34:29)
•     Water from the rock (Ex 17:5)
•     Thunderings and lightnings on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16-20)
•     Water from the rock in Kadesh (Num 20:8-11)
•     Balaam rebuked by his donkey (donkey speaking) -Num 22:23-30
•     The Jordan River divided (Joshua 3:14-17; 4:16-18)
•     The fall of Jericho (Jos 6:20)
•     The sun and the moon stand still (Joshua 10:12-14)
•     Samson's great strength (Judg 14:6; Judg 16:3 )
•     Samson supplied with water (1 Sam 5:1-4)
•     Imagine Nursing cows return the ark of the covenant (by walking away from their calves) –    1 Sam 6:7-14
•     Jeroboam's hand withered (1 Kings 13:3-6)
•     Elijah is fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:6)
•     Elijah is fed by an angel (1 Kings 19:1-8)
•     Elijah increases the widow's meal and oil (1 Kings 17:9-16)
•     Elijah raises the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
•     Rain in answer to Elijah's prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45)
•     Elijah divides the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8)
•     Elijah is transported to heaven (2 Kings 2:11)
•     Elisha Divides the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14)
•     Elisha increases a widow's supply of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7)
•     Elisha raises the Shunammite woman's child (2 Kings 4:18-37)
•     Elisha Feeds one-hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44)
•     Elisha cures Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-9)
•     Elisha causes the ax head to float (2 Kings 6:6)
•     Elisha reveals the counsel of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:12)
•     Elisha causes the eyes of his servant to be opened (2 Kings 6:17)
•     The dead man was restored to life (2 Kings 13:21)
•     Hezekiah's healing (Isa 38:21)
•     The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Dan 3:23-27)
•     The deliverance of Daniel (Daniel 6:22)
•     The sea was calmed when Jonah was thrown into it (Jonah 1:15)
•     Jonah in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17)
•     The conception by Elizabeth (Luke 1:24-25)
•     The incarnation of Jesus (Matt 1:18-25)
•     Jesus converted water into wine (John 2:1-11)
•     Jesus Heals the nobleman's son (John 4:46-54)
•     The surprising catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11)
•     Jesus heals the demoniac (Mark 1:23-26)
•     Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law (Matt 8:14-17)
•     Jesus cleanses the leper (Matt 8:1-4)
•     Jesus heals the paralyzed man (Matt 9:1-8)
•     Jesus raises the widow's son to life at the village of Nain (Luke 7:11-16)
•     Jesus stills the storm (Matt 8:23-27)
•     Jesus cures the woman with the issue of blood (Matt 9:20-22, Luke 8:43-48)
•     Jesus walks upon Lake of Galilee (Matt 14:22-23)
•     Jesus feeds over four-thousand persons (Matt 14:22-23)
•     The temple tax money obtained from a fish's mouth (Matt 17:24-27)
•     Jesus restores ten lepers to wholeness (Luke 17:11-19)
•     Jesus opens the eyes of a man born blind (John 9)
•     Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after 4 days (John 11:1-46)
•     Jesus cures a man with dropsy (Luke 14:1-6)
•     Jesus restores sight to two blind men near Jericho (Luke 18:35-43)
•     Jesus heals the ear of Malchus (Luke 22:49-51)
•     Peter cures the sick (Acts 5:15-16)
•     Peter heals Aeneas (Acts 9:34)
•     Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:40)
•     Peter and John cure a lame man (Acts 3:2-11)
•     Peter and other apostles were delivered from prison (Acts 5:19-23, Acts 12:6-11, Acts 16:23)
•     Philip carried away by the Spirit (Acts 8:39)
•     Paul cured of blindness (Acts 9:17-18)
•     Paul commanded Elymas (Bar-Jesus) to be blind for a season (Acts 13:11)
•     Paul heals a cripple (Acts 14:10)
•     Paul casts evil spirits, and cures sick people (Acts 16:18, Acts 19:11-12)
•     Paul raises Eutychus to life (Acts 20:9-12)
•     Paul shakes a viper off his hand and is unhurt (Acts 28:5)

How to change from serving other gods to serving the all sufficient God - Sinners Prayer

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Nine things God wants to do for you

Below are nine things God wants to do for you as written in Psalm 91.

Ps 91:14 - 16 KJV
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble;  I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 91:14-16 - MSG
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

Ps 91:14-16 - NET
The LORD says, “Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;  I will protect him because he is loyal to me.  When he calls out to me, I will answer him.  I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor. I will satisfy him with long life, and will let him see my salvation.
 
Ps 91:14-16 - TLB
For the Lord says, "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name.  When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.
  
Ps 91:14-16 - GNT
God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.
 When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.
I will rescue them and honor them.  I will reward them with long life; I will save them."

•    Number 1: He wants to protect you - Ps 91:4

God wants to protect you. He is the Great Protector. There is no security in man, money nor in horses (Psalm 20:7), armour cars, bodyguards, dogs etc. God is the ultimate protector. All who trust in other gods will be put to shame – Psalm 16:4. God wants to be your protector

Zech 2:4-5 - NIV

and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. And I myself will be A WALL OF FIRE (PROTECTION) around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'

Ps 55:22 - NIV

 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; HE WILL NEVER LET THE RIGHTEOUS FALL.

•    Number 2: He wants to keep you free from sickness - Ps 91:10

The will of God for us is to be in health. Regardless of our backgrounds, age, statuses etc, God wants us to be whole. John 3:2 further buttresses this point. Sickness is as a result of disobedience to God. He wants us to be in perfect health spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Ps 107:19-20- NIV

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Ps 103:2-5 - NIV

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits —  who forgives all your sins and HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES,   who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,  who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Also Related:  101 things God said about healing.

•    Number 3: He wants to set you on high (Psalm 91:14 KJV), i.e. give you the best of care (Psalm 91:14 MSG).

 God want the best for us and to set us on High -Jer 29:11. He was the one that raised David from a shepherd to a King, turned Moses from a murderer to a prophet, turned Rahab from a prosptitue to a faith hero, turned Abraham from the father of none to father of many nations. God is the Great promoter (Psalm 75:6).

•    Number 4: He wants to make you a wonder - Ps 91:7

God made Joseph a wonder to his brothers, he made David a wonder, made Solomon a wonder, He is still in the business of making people “a wonder”. He said we are the light of the world, the whole creation is waiting for our (Sons of God) manifestation.

•    Number 5: He wants to answer you when you call upon Him - Ps 91:15.

Yes, God wants to answer us when we call upon him. Below are scriptural examples and promises concerning this.

2 Kings 20:5-6 - NIV

 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.

John 13:14 -

'whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,

Jeremiah 33:3 -,

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Matthew 7:7,8

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

•    Number 6: He wants to be with you in trouble - Ps 91:15;

I [will be] with him in trouble. God has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. He has promised to be with us in trouble he said whenever we pass through water, fire etc. He will be with us . God does not forsake the righteous. He is a PRESENT help in times of trouble.

•    Number 7: He wants to deliver and honour you - Ps 91:15.

PSALM 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

JAMES 5:13, 14

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders...

Ps 107:19-20- NIV

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

   

2 Chron 1:12 - NIV

 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and HONOR, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

•    Number 8: He want to satisfy you with long life - Ps 91:16

Here God promised solomon long life(1 Kings 3:14).

1 Kings 3:14- NIV

And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you A LONG LIFE.

   

Deut 25:15 - NIV

15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may LIVE LONG in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

    Ps 21:4 - NIV

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days, for ever and ever.

   

Ps 128:6 - NIV

and may you live to see your children's children.

•    Number 9: He wants to show you his salvation (saving power) - Ps 91:16

1 Tim 2:4-5 – NIV

 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5

   

   1 Thess 5:9-10 - NIV

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ps 37:39-40 - NIV

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Jer 3:22-23 - NIV

 "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.  23 Surely the [idolatrous] commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

These blessings are conditional, only for those that LOVE GOD and put their trust on him.

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5 Steps to getting your prayers answered

Learning to pray effectively is very important as a Christian.  A believer cannot be a success in fulfilling God's purpose in his life if he does not know how to pray effectively according to biblical principles. You will not be able to do exploits as the scripture says if you do not know how to Contact your God.

Step1: Stand on God's Word (His Promises)

A lot of believers pray but only a few pray the right prayers. Only a few make their prayer in line with God's word. A good number of prayers are unscriptural that is why they remain unanswered. For God cannot negate his written word (Bible).
James says people pray so that they can consume it on their lust. This type of prayer cannot get answered.
       
James 4:3- KJV
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ASK AMISS, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
   
James 4:3 - AMP

 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.

Step 2: Ask whatever you want from God in Jesus Name

Ask
MATTHEW 7:7,8
7 ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Ask in Jesus Name
This is a great key to answered prayer. we should ask whatever we want in Jesus Name. I often read some people pray but not in Jesus Name, some people pray for Jesus Sake. No! this should not be. check the scriptures and we will discover there is no place in the New Testament Jesus said we should pray in his sake, but in His Name.

The prayer is for our sake. you ask God for bread, car, water, house etc. this is for your sake and not for Jesus Sake. You are the beneficiary.

JOHN 16:23,24
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Step 3: Be specific

When you ask a few people after their prayers, what is it they prayed for they are not specific, some prayed a  general prayer, some grumbled in prayer, some complained to God while still some do not know what they want.

Step 4: Believe God has heard and answered your prayer

MARK 11:23,24
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the
sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

The emphasis is on both verses
In verse 23, it says if you believe that those things that you said have come to pass (even without seeing it). You shall as a result of that have it.
In verse 24, the emphasis is where BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM. It did not say when you see answers to prayer believe them. but to believe your prayers are answered immediately you pray without seing the answers to prayer.
For example praying for car, job e.t.c Believe that God has answered your prayer and you have it even without you getting any car or job (in the physical/earthly realm) and you shall later get it. This is FAITH PRINCIPLE (BELIEVE THEN RECEIVE, NOT RECEIVE THEN BELIEVE).

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

A lot of thoughts, imaginations pass through people's mind and prevent them from believing that God can hear their prayer not to talk of answering their prayers. Our thinking/imagination accumulates to form our belief. If we always think/imagine doubt we will eventually become a doubtful person. Let us bring down every imagination, every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 advises us to always think on Good things. let us always keep our minds on the positive.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever  things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; if there be ANY VIRTUE, and if there be ANY PRAISE, think on these things.

Step 5: Give thanks continually for answered prayers even without seeing what you prayed for (the results)

   
Phil 4:6 - KJV
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.
   
Phil 4:6 -AMP
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
   
Phil 4:6 - TLB

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers.

I recommend having an attitude of praise everyday of our life and in everything we do. Let us put on DAVID'S ATTITUDE (PRAISEFUL ATTITUDE)

Ephesians 5:20
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us also NOTE that: Separation from all known sin cannot be overlooked in order to get answers to prayer. As Christians we have the nature of Jesus and should not make Sin a practice.  If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin. (Ps. 66:18.)


   

Jer 29:11-12 - NLT

11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

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God's Word Concerning Pride - Part 3

Today we will conclude on the topic (God's Word concerning Pride) we started 3 days back.

We will look at reasons why we should not be Proud, different kinds of pride, categories of proud persons and how to recover from Pride (The deadly disease, The Sin of all Sins).

SOME INSTANCES OF PRIDE IN THE SCRIPTURES

⦁    Kings of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2)
⦁    Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-34, 5:20)
⦁    Belshazzar (Dan 4:5)
⦁    Herod(Acts 12:23.)
⦁    Haman (Esther 5:11, Esther 6:6)
⦁    Ahithophel (2 Sam 17:23)
⦁    Uzziah (2 Chron 26:16-19)
⦁    Naaman, refusing to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:11-13)
⦁    Amaziah Pride (14:8-14; 25:17-24)
⦁    Hezekiah, in displaying his resources (2 Chron 32)
⦁    Among others

PROMOTION COMES FROM GOD ALONE, DO NOT PROMOTE YOURSELF   

  

SCRIPTURAL WARNINGS AGAINST PRIDE

Some children in the Ephesian church were not respecting and obeying their parents, and Paul reminded them that the Fifth Commandment still applied (Eph 6:1-3).

The apostle John warned the saints to whom he sent his first epistle that the world was passing away, with all of its illusions, and that they had better keep themselves from idols (1 John 2:15-17; 5:21).
Jesus warned His disciples, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness" (Luke 12:15); Paul wrote to the Colossian believers that covetousness was idolatry (Col 3:5).
Paul cautioned the churches not to appoint young Christians to places of spiritual leadership, "lest being lifted up with pride [they] fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Tim 3:6). And John had to deal with proud Diotrephes who was running the church and wouldn't submit to the authority of God's apostle (3 John 9-11).
Alas, these sins are found in the church!
James was right: "My brethren [and sisters], these things ought not to be so" (James 3:10).

DON’T BE PROUD BECAUSE, IT IS

1.    Very offensive to God.
2.    unlike Christ.
3.    a source of misery to ourselves (it is ruinous).
4.    prevents people from hearing God’s voice
5.    a cause of serious evil both in the Church and the world.
       Among others


       

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRIDE.

1. Race pride -- pride in ancestors.
2. Face pride -- pride in outward appearance.
3. Place pride -- pride in social position.
4. Grace pride -- pride in godliness.

We have 3 Categories of Proud Persons (according to J. Bolton)

(1)    Those that are very proud.
(2)    Those that are occasionally proud.
(3)    Those that are struggling against pride.

   

FURTHER FORMS OF PRIDE

1.    One form of pride is shame. Many kept from Christ because ashamed to come and give themselves up to Him. For fear of the paltry scorn, the momentary ridicule, the soul will risk eternity!
2.    There is the pride that conceals a wound. God's Word has stricken the heart; healing and joy could be had if we humbly go to God, yet hide the grief and unrest within, from man and Heaven.
3.    There is the pride of self-righteousness. What say when before the Throne that you were too good to accept the Gospel?


Man's fallen nature encourages pride. Carnal nature is completely opposite of Jesus’s Nature (our Lord who willingly emptied Himself to become a servant, and then died as a sacrifice for our sins Phil 2).

HOW TO RECOVER FROM PRIDE

i)    Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (being born again)
For Believers
ii)    Counsel
iii)    Prayer
iv)    Deliverance from the Spirit of Pride
v)    Study of the word of God
vi)    Walking with the humble (avoid keeping proud friends)
        John 13:1-17 and Phil 2:1-18.

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God's Word Concerinng Pride - Part 2

Yesterday we listed the various portions of scripture that referred to pride, Today we are going to  look at some definitions of pride and examine Hezekiah’s pride.

PRIDE (THE MASTER SIN - SIN OF ALL SINS)

Many theologians believe that pride is the "sin of all sins," for it was pride that changed an angel into the devil (Isa 14:12-15). Lucifer's, "I will be like the Most High" (v. 14) challenged the very throne of God; in the Garden of Eden, it became, "You will be like God" (Gen 3:5). Eve believed it, and you know the rest of the story

  

THE THIRD DEVICE THE WORLD SYSTEM USES

The third device the world system uses to trap Christians (1 John 2:16) is the "boastful pride of life" (NASB). The Greek word for "pride" means a braggart who was trying to impress people with his importance. People have always tried to outdo others in their spending and their getting. The boastful pride of life motivates much of what such people do.
Why is it that so many folks buy houses, cars, appliances, or wardrobes that they really cannot afford?
But it is amazing what stupid things people do just to make an impression. They even sacrifice honesty and, integrity in return for notoriety and a feeling of importance.

PRIDE WORSE THAN SICKNESS

There is something worse than sickness, and that is sin, and the worst sin of all is pride. The healthy person who is rebelling against God is in worse shape than the suffering person who is submitting to God and enjoying God's grace. It is a paradox - and an evidence of the sovereignty of God - that God used Satan, the proudest of all beings, to help keep Paul humble.

THE FIRST PROUD PERSON

Pride started with Lucifer (Satan), the reason why his name changed from lucifer (morning star) to Satan (accuser, enemy). He was the first person to rebel against God (Isa 14:12-15; Ezek 28:11-18).


   

SOME DEFINITIONS OF PRIDE

    Bible commentator William Barclay said, "Pride is the ground in which all the other sins grow, and the parent from which all the other sins come.
    Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes." Napoleon declared, "Pride never listens to the voice of reason, nature, or religion." "God resisteth the proud." "Those that walk in pride He is able to abase." Charles V. was so sure of victory when he invaded France, that he ordered his historians to prepare plenty of paper to record his exploits. But he lost his army by famine and disease, and returned crest-fallen. A South-American farmer had such large herds of horses, that he boasted, "I'll never want horses, not even if God wished it." Soon after, an epidemic destroyed them every one. "He that exalteth himself shall be abased." (H. R. Burton.)
        Pride consists in an immoderate self-esteem, and places its happiness in esteem and honour from others. No sin is more foolish than this, it springs from ignorance of God, of ourselves and other men, and by the very means which it uses for the accomplishments of its ends, ensures disappointment. In seeking glory it finds disgrace. Pride made Nebuchadnezzar a brute. It destroyed Herod with worms. It turned Lucifer into Beelzebub. (G. Lawson.)
        James Denney said, "No man can bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time. No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save."
    The late radio comedian Fred Allen defined celebrities as "people who work hard to be famous so they have to wear dark glasses so as not to be recognized."
  

HEZEKIAH'S PRIDE (2 CHRONICLES 20:12-13; 32:27-30; 39:1-2).

Hezekiah was a man that walked in God’s ways but he had a problem with pride. His near-fatal sickness did humble him, but the visit of the Babylonian envoys made it clear that the old sin was still very much alive. The envoys came to Judah with two purposes in mind:
(1) To find out how strong the kingdom was, and
(2) To try to influence Hezekiah to unite with Babylon in opposing Assyria.

Because he didn't fully grasp their true purpose, Hezekiah assumed that it was a great honor to be visited by officials from the king of Babylon. At that time in history, Assyria was the strongest empire and Babylon was an empire on the rise. The envoys brought expensive gifts from the king of Babylon as well as personal letters expressing his pleasure that Hezekiah had recovered from his dangerous illness. (See 2 Chron 32:27-30.) Foolishly, Hezekiah gave them the grand tour and showed them his treasures and weapons. It appears that Hezekiah was better at managing his scribes and writing his psalms than he was at overseeing the politics of the kingdom. All that Hezekiah possessed came from the hand of God and belonged to God, so why should Hezekiah boast about it? He may have made a good impression on the envoys but he grieved the Lord and endangered the kingdom and the city.

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