THE CURSE OF CONCEIT By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:18 – "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
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INTRODUCTION
Pride is one of the most destructive forces in human nature, leading many into a state of rebellion against God. The spirit of conceit blinds people to the reality that all glory and honor belong to God alone. Those who fall into the trap of pride begin to think of themselves as superior, forgetting that they are mere vessels through whom God works.
Throughout history, God has resisted the proud and brought down those who exalted themselves above His authority. Lucifer, once a glorious angel, fell from heaven because of his pride. Likewise, many men and women, once blessed and anointed by God, have been brought low because they took for themselves the glory that belongs to God. This lesson will explore the dangers of conceit, the consequences of pride, and the necessity of humility before God.
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PRIDE AS AN ABOMINATION BEFORE GOD
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
God detests pride because it directly opposes His nature. Those who walk in arrogance and self-exaltation put themselves on a path to destruction. Many people who were once close to God have fallen away because they allowed pride to take root in their hearts. They imagined themselves to be greater than they were and thus placed themselves under a curse rather than a blessing.
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PRIDE SEPARATES US FROM GOD
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6
Conceit is dangerous because it creates a barrier between man and God. The moment someone begins to take credit for what God has done, they sever their close relationship with Him. God will not share His glory with anyone, and those who attempt to steal His honor will find themselves outside of His favor.
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THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF PRIDE
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
Pride leads to shame, destruction, and separation from God. Those who operate in conceit often lose their spiritual sensitivity, becoming blinded by their own self-importance. Many leaders and influential figures have fallen because they allowed pride to take control of their hearts, forgetting that all they had was a gift from God.
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THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST AS OUR EXAMPLE
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7
Jesus Christ, though fully God, walked in humility. He never sought to exalt Himself but always pointed people to the Father. He remained obedient to God’s will and never allowed pride to influence His mission. His life serves as the ultimate example of how we should walk in humility and submission to God’s authority.
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GOD’S JUDGMENT AGAINST THE PROUD
The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things. Psalm 12:3
God does not overlook the arrogance of the proud. Those who refuse to repent of their conceit will face His righteous judgment. The Bible is filled with examples of kings, rulers, and individuals who were brought low because of their pride. From Pharaoh to Nebuchadnezzar, history shows that no one is too powerful to escape the judgment of God.
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SUMMARY
Pride is a spiritual disease that leads to destruction. Those who exalt themselves above God will inevitably fall. Conceit creates separation from God, making individuals spiritually blind and vulnerable to demonic deception. On the other hand, humility keeps us in God’s favor and aligns us with His purpose. As believers, we must continually examine our hearts and ensure that we give all glory to God, recognizing that without Him, we are nothing.
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CONCLUSION
God calls us to humility and warns us against the dangers of pride. Those who choose to walk in conceit place themselves under a curse and remove themselves from God's presence. However, those who walk in humility will find grace and favor before the Lord. The choice is ours: to walk in pride and face destruction or to walk in humility and receive God’s blessings.
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CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Have you allowed pride to creep into your life? Have you taken credit for what God has done? Repent and turn back to Him, for He is merciful and will restore those who humble themselves before Him. Make a commitment to walk in humility and acknowledge that all glory belongs to God alone.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
No matter how far you have fallen into the trap of pride, God’s grace is still available to you. Choose today to humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up. Stay close to God, remain in obedience to His Word, and seek to glorify Him in all that you do. Humility is the key to true greatness in God’s kingdom.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, or if you have strayed away from Him, now is the time to return. Say this prayer with sincerity:
Lord Jesus, I come before You today acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I repent of my pride and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my life to You. Be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to walk in humility and obedience to Your Word. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
