PRIDE DESTROYS MANY! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
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Introduction:
This teaching focuses on the urgent need to pay heed to God’s warnings and embrace humility and repentance. Pride is a destructive force that blinds individuals to their potential for sin and leads them into spiritual traps. By ignoring divine warnings, many fall into the snares of the enemy. In contrast, those who humbly accept God’s guidance and correction are kept in His way and experience the joy and peace of His presence. Let us delve deeper into God’s message, as He calls us to forsake pride and walk in the path of repentance and humility.
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God’s Warnings Are for Our Good
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 3:18)
God’s warnings are not meant to condemn us but to guide us back to Him. They are a manifestation of His love, calling us to abandon pride, sin, and arrogance. When we take heed of these warnings, we are preserved from falling into the traps of the enemy.
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The Destructive Power of Pride
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13)
Pride blinds people to their sin, leading them to reject repentance and ignore God’s instructions. It fosters a false sense of self-righteousness and superiority, which results in spiritual downfall. Pride prevents individuals from recognizing their dependency on God and pushes them further away from His truth.
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Repentance: The Path to Restoration
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Repentance is not a one-time act but a way of life. When we acknowledge our sins and turn back to God, we are restored to a place of right standing with Him. This humility keeps us aligned with His will and protects us from the snares of the enemy.
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Rejecting God’s Warnings Leads to Destruction
"But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy." (2 Chronicles 36:16)
Ignoring God’s warnings is a sign of rebellion and pride. Those who scoff at His messages often find themselves trapped in sin, leading to their eventual destruction. God’s call to repentance is a lifeline, and rejecting it results in spiritual death.
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Embracing Humility Before God
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)
Humility is essential for a relationship with God. It allows us to recognize His sovereignty and our dependence on Him. When we humble ourselves, we open the door for His grace and guidance in our lives.
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Summary:
God’s warnings are acts of divine mercy, calling us to forsake pride and embrace repentance. Pride is a destructive force that blinds us to our sin and leads to spiritual ruin. In contrast, humility and repentance open the door to restoration and protection in God’s way.
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Conclusion:
In a world filled with pride and rebellion, God’s call to repentance and humility stands as a beacon of hope. Let us heed His warnings, embrace a life of repentance, and walk humbly before Him. In doing so, we will be kept in His light and avoid the pitfalls of pride and arrogance.
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Call to Action:
Examine your heart today. Are there areas where pride has blinded you to God’s warnings? Turn to Him in repentance and allow His Spirit to guide you into truth and humility. Choose the path of life and restoration over the way of destruction.
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Final Word of Encouragement:
Be thankful for God’s love and the privilege of walking in His way. Embrace His warnings as opportunities for growth and restoration. Remember, humility and repentance lead to life, while pride and rebellion lead to destruction. Walk in God’s light and remain steadfast in His truth. God bless you!
