The Stronghold of Pride

Mar 23, 2025    Ron Barnard

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-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Stronghold - A perspective, thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that is set above God and His truth.


Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground. Ezekiel 28:17 ESV


Pride is the original stronghold and a consistent high-minded perspective the enemy exploits for attack.

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”. Genesis 3:4 ESV


Self-Righteousness


If you think you’re more humble than someone else, you’re probably prideful!


Self-righteous pride by it’s nature is hard to see in yourself and easy to see in others.


Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLT


Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 ESV


The more pride we have in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. C.S. Lewis


Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV


For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV


Self-Centeredness


None are as empty as those who are full of themselves. - Benjamin Whichcote 


Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.

1 Peter 5:6 ESV


Pride manifests itself in selfish presumption and entitlement.


Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 ESV


For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Romans 12:2 NLT


Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less!


Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:16-31 NLT


The right and lite way to live is to put God and others first!


Self-Reliance


Self-Reliance = The idea that we did or can do anything on our own, without God!?



What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT


I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT


Self-Determined


Pride says I can decide better than God! -


The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4 NKJV


Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke 22:42 CSB


Pride must die in us for Christ to live and be strong through us.


Humility is hidden strength, while pride is hidden weakness.


Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV


Humble submission to God is the only weapon that will win the fight against the stronghold of pride!


As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:5-8 NLT

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