7 Things God Hates - Message 1: Haughty Eyes (Pride)
The discourse presented elucidates the profound dichotomy between the unconditional love of God and the vehement disdain He harbors towards certain behaviors that are deemed detestable in His sight. Foremost among these is the concept of 'haughty eyes,' which serves as a metaphorical representation of pride. This pride is characterized not merely by an inflated sense of self-importance, but rather by a fundamental denial of one’s dependence on God. The speaker cogently argues that pride is not merely a character flaw; it is a spiritual malady that has the potential to wreak havoc on one’s soul, interpersonal relationships, and ultimately, one's standing before God. I am compelled to reflect on the implications of such pride, recognizing that it is indeed the precursor to a myriad of sins, including rebellion and dishonesty. As the speaker articulates, humility stands as the antidote to pride, serving as a necessary virtue to counteract the self-aggrandizing tendencies that pride engenders.
Delving deeper into the text of Proverbs 6:16-19, the speaker delineates seven specific behaviors that provoke the wrath of God, with pride occupying the top position on this list. The speaker emphasizes that these behaviors should not be dismissed as mere moral failings; rather, they are spiritual landmines that can lead to devastating consequences if left unchecked. The discussion extends beyond mere identification of pride as a sin; it invites listeners to engage in self-examination and to consider the areas of their lives where pride may manifest, ultimately challenging us to confront our own tendencies to elevate ourselves above others and even above God. Through scriptural references and personal anecdotes, the speaker provides a framework for recognizing and combating pride, thereby inviting us to cultivate humility in our lives.
Furthermore, the speaker posits that the eradication of pride is not merely a personal endeavor but requires communal accountability. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who can offer constructive criticism and support in the pursuit of humility. The speaker articulates that pride flourishes in isolation, and thus, engaging with a community of believers can serve to reinforce humility and encourage spiritual growth. The reflection culminates in a series of introspective questions designed to prompt self-assessment and facilitate practical applications of humility in various facets of life, from familial relationships to community interactions. The overarching message is clear: in recognizing our need for God and embracing humility, we can effectively counteract the destructive force of pride, thereby aligning ourselves more closely with God’s will and purpose in our lives.
Takeaways:
- God's love for us is unconditional, yet there are behaviors He unequivocally detests.
- Pride, identified as the first thing God hates, can lead to spiritual destruction and broken relationships.
- Haughty eyes symbolize a dangerous pride that shifts focus from God to oneself.
- The antidote to pride is humility, which requires recognition of God's greatness and our own limitations.
- Practicing humility involves serving others and being accountable to community members around us.
- Understanding the consequences of pride can help us strive for a more humble and God-honoring life.
Transcript
Brothers and sisters, let me start by saying this.
Speaker A:God loves us unconditionally.
Speaker A:But there are some things he downright hates.
Speaker A:Yes, you heard me right.
Speaker A:Hates.
Speaker A:And he's not shy about letting us know what they are.
Speaker A:These aren't suggestions or things he mildly dislikes.
Speaker A:These are behaviours that stir up his holy wrath.
Speaker A:Proverbs 6, 16, 19 lays it out.
Speaker A:There are six things the Lord hates.
Speaker A:Seven that are detestable to Haughty Eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Speaker A:These are not just bad habits or character flaws.
Speaker A:These are spiritual landmines that can destroy your soul, break your relationships and dishonor God.
Speaker A:Each one of these behaviors has a name and, let's be honest, a face.
Speaker A:In Today's series, the Seven Things God Hates, we will start with the first on his list.
Speaker A:Haughty Eyes.
Speaker A:Pride.
Speaker A: Proverbs: Speaker A:A haughty spread before a fool.
Speaker A:Now, I don't know about you, but when I hear the word pride, I think about someone strutting around like a peacock, head held high, held so high they could look down on a giraffe.
Speaker A:Pride isn't just thinking you're better than others.
Speaker A:It's forgetting that God is better than you.
Speaker A:Pride says, I don't need God.
Speaker A:I've got this.
Speaker A:And God says, oh, really?
Speaker A:Let's see how that works out for you.
Speaker A:Now, what are haughty eyes?
Speaker A:Haughty eyes are the outward expression of inward pride.
Speaker A:It's the look that says I'm better than you.
Speaker A:You know that look, the one people give when they think their shoes are worth more than your car?
Speaker A:Yeah, that look.
Speaker A:God hates pride because it shifts, shifts the focus from him to you.
Speaker A:Pride dethrones God and puts your ego on the throne instead.
Speaker A:And let's be real, your ego is a terrible king.
Speaker A:Now, Lucifer was the original Haughty eyes culprit.
Speaker A: Isaiah: Speaker A:You said, in your heart, I will ascend to the heavens.
Speaker A:I.
Speaker A:I will raise my throne above the stars of God.
Speaker A:Lucifer's pride turned him from an angel of light into the devil himself.
Speaker A:Pride doesn't just make you look ridiculous, it makes you dangerous to yourself and others.
Speaker A:Why does God hate pride?
Speaker A:Pride is the root of many other sins.
Speaker A:It leads to rebellion, dishonesty, jealousy and even violence.
Speaker A:Pride is like mold.
Speaker A:It spreads everywhere.
Speaker A:If you don't deal with it.
Speaker A:Pride destroys relationships.
Speaker A:Have you ever tried to talk to someone who's always right?
Speaker A:It's exhausting.
Speaker A:Pride ruins friendships, marriages, and even church communities.
Speaker A:Pride blocks God's blessings.
Speaker A:James 4:6 says, God opposes the proud but shows favor for the humble.
Speaker A:If you're wondering why your prayers aren't being answered, maybe it's because your pride is louder than your petitions.
Speaker A:How do we overcome pride?
Speaker A:The antidote to pride is humility.
Speaker A:And humility starts by recognizing who God is and who you are not.
Speaker A:Here's how to fight pride.
Speaker A:Admit that you need help.
Speaker A:The proud person says, I'm self made.
Speaker A:The humble person says, God made me.
Speaker A:You didn't wake up yourself this morning.
Speaker A:You didn't create the air you're breathing.
Speaker A:Everything comes from God.
Speaker A:You can also learn to serve others.
Speaker A:Pride loves the spotlight.
Speaker A:Humility works behind the scenes.
Speaker A: iples feet as we read in John: Speaker A:Now if the Son of God can serve, what's your excuse?
Speaker A:We can stay accountable.
Speaker A:Surround yourself with people who can call you out.
Speaker A:Pride thrives in isolation.
Speaker A: Proverbs: Speaker A:Let me tell you a quick story.
Speaker A:There was a man who prayed, lord, make me humble.
Speaker A:But could you do it in a way where everyone still knows how great I really am?
Speaker A:Now that's pride in a nutshell.
Speaker A:Trying to look humble while secretly wanting applause.
Speaker A:Brothers and sisters, God isn't fooled.
Speaker A:He doesn't bless.
Speaker A:He doesn't bless Fake humanity Here are some questions we can reflect on.
Speaker A:1.
Speaker A:In what areas of your life are you tempted to elevate yourself above others or even God?
Speaker A:2.
Speaker A:How can you practice humility in your family, workspace, workplace or community?
Speaker A:This week, let us pray.
Speaker A:Lord, forgive me for the times I've allowed pride to rule my heart.
Speaker A:Help me to remember that you are God and I am not.
Speaker A:Teach me to walk in humility, to serve others, and to honor you in all that I do.
Speaker A:In Jesus name.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Brothers and sisters, this isn't just the beginning of our journey through the seven things God hates.
Speaker A:Pride is the first on the list and for a good reason.
Speaker A:It opens the door to all the rest.
Speaker A:Let's shut that door today by humbling ourselves before God.
Speaker A:Then the next message we'll tackle a lying tongue Spoiler alert.
Speaker A:It's about more than than just fibbing.
Speaker A:Stay tuned.
