IN THIS PROUD AGE, MEN THINK THEY HAVE NO NEED OF GOD By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
________________________________________
Introduction
We live in a time when mankind has grown increasingly self-sufficient and independent of God. Instead of recognizing our need for Him, many have turned away, believing they can chart their own paths without divine guidance. This prideful attitude has led to rebellion, sin, and destruction. God never intended for man to live apart from Him. From the beginning, He desired a relationship with His creation, guiding them in righteousness, truth, and obedience. However, as history has shown, nations and individuals who reject God ultimately face His judgment.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of pride and self-reliance. When people believe they have no need for God, they fall into the trap of deception, leading to destruction. This sermon seeks to remind us of our dependence on God and the dangers of pride, while also encouraging us to walk in humility and submission to Him.
________________________________________
Men Have Turned Away from God Through Pride
Isaiah 2:11
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day."
Throughout history, nations and individuals have fallen because of their pride. When men turn away from God, thinking they no longer need Him, they become rebellious and blind to the truth. Pride makes them believe they can establish their own way, rejecting the divine path set by God. As a result, their lives are filled with sin, wickedness, and abomination. The further they stray from God, the deeper they sink into destruction.
________________________________________
God Brings Down the Proud
Daniel 4:37
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase."
God has repeatedly demonstrated His power by humbling the proud. When men and nations become arrogant, assuming they can stand without God, He brings them low. Babylon, once a mighty kingdom, was humbled because of its arrogance. The same fate awaits all who exalt themselves above God. He alone is sovereign, and He will not allow pride to flourish unchecked.
________________________________________
The Nations That Forget God Will Perish
Psalms 9:17
"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
God’s judgment is not only upon individuals but also upon nations that reject Him. History records countless empires that once flourished but are now forgotten because they refused to honor God. When a nation turns away from righteousness and embraces wickedness, it invites the wrath of God. If nations today do not repent and return to God, they too will face ruin.
________________________________________
God Delights in Those Who Acknowledge Their Need for Him
James 4:6
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’"
While God opposes the proud, He extends grace to those who humble themselves before Him. He desires people who seek His counsel, trust in His ways, and walk in obedience. Those who acknowledge their need for God will find peace, protection, and eternal blessings. True strength is found not in self-sufficiency but in complete dependence on God.
________________________________________
Summary
Pride leads men and nations away from God, resulting in destruction. Many have become independent of God, thinking they can thrive without Him. However, history and scripture clearly show that God brings down the proud. Nations that forget Him will perish, but those who humble themselves and seek Him will find grace and favor.
________________________________________
Conclusion
God desires a relationship with us, and He calls us to humility. We must recognize our constant need for Him and walk in obedience to His Word. If we reject Him and follow our own paths, we risk facing His judgment. But if we humble ourselves, He will lift us up and bless us. Let us turn away from pride and return to our Creator, who alone is the source of life and righteousness.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Reflect on your own life. Have you been relying on your own strength instead of depending on God? Have you ignored His guidance and chosen your own way? It is time to repent and seek His face. Humble yourself before Him, and He will restore and bless you. If you are a leader, guide your people toward God. If you are a parent, teach your children to fear the Lord. Let us all return to God before it is too late.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
No matter how far we have drifted from God, His mercy is still available to those who seek Him. He is willing to forgive, restore, and guide us back to the right path. Let us embrace humility and acknowledge our need for Him daily. As we do so, He will lead us in His righteousness and protect us from the destruction that befalls the proud.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, or if you need to recommit your life to Him, pray this prayer from your heart:
Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I have sinned and strayed from Your ways. I confess that I need You in my life. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, who died for my sins and rose again. I ask for Your forgiveness and invite Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Help me to walk in humility, obedience, and dependence on You. Thank You for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
