Truths About The Living God - 2 Kings 19:4, 16

2 Kings 19:4, 16


"It may be that the LORD  your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left....Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God."


This passage is very similar to the previous passage we looked at in 1 Samuel. The same word reproach is used in both passages. What does it mean?

First of all, let's look at the word as a verb, since that is the way it is used here. There are a few definitions:

1. To charge with a fault in a severe language.
2. To upbraid; to suggest blame for any thing.
3. To treat with scorn or contempt.

Reproach as a noun is defined as:

1. Censure mingled with contempt or derision; contumelious or opprobrious language towards any person; abusive reflections; as foul-mouthed reproach.
2. Shame; infamy; disgrace.
3. Object of contempt, scorn or derision.
4. That which is the cause of shame or disgrace.

If you read the context of these verses, you'll see the whole story. The king of Assyria and his minions were boasting against Israel and against God, mocking them, and reproaching the living God. The Assyrians did not realize who they were dealing with. This is the living God they're speaking so disrespectfully about. They classified Jehovah with all the false gods of the day. Little did they know, they were extremely wrong, and they would soon receive their just reward. Look at what happens to these wicked people:

"And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses--all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place." - 2 Kings 19:35-37

What do we learn about the living God?


As we have previously seen, the living God is to be taken seriously. He is the one and only living God. He is infinitely holy, set apart from all other things. It is a serious thing to mock Jehovah, and to treat Him with scorn, or to speak wrongfully about Him. It is a fearful thing to be contrary to the living God. Those who blaspheme Him will ultimately pay the price, as Sennacherib got what he deserved. But those of us who are saved by Jesus Christ must every day acknowledge God's holiness. He deserves all we can give Him. Some have tried to display God as our "buddy," but God is not our buddy. He is the living, almighty God. We must display reverence to Him. It is true, God loves us and desires a close relationship with Him, but He must be honored, as a child should honor his father.

When we have a correct view of God, which is a high one, we will have a correct view of ourselves, which will be a humble one. We also will see sin for what it is: an attack on God. So having a correct view of God will lead to a life of holiness, which is what we should all be striving for. As we strive to be holy, we must not do it on our own strength, because we will surely fail. We must always depend on the Holy Spirit to enable us to live a holy life. Do you have a correct view of God? If you do, you will not tolerate sin in your own life.

Nebuchadnezzar's Personal Testimony...and Mine

"Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me." -Daniel 4:1-2

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Daniel 4. In this chapter, we have the personal testimony of one of the most powerful men of history--Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar was king of the Babylonians, the most powerful and feared empire at its height. He conquered Assyria, Egypt, Israel, Judah, and many more empires. Let's take a look at his story starting in verse 10:

"These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it. "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze, In the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him. 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'" -Daniel 4:10-17

In Nebuchadnezzar's day, God often revealed things to people in dreams. They didn't have the luxury of opening a Bible and reading God's message to mankind. So here, we find Nebuchadnezzar's dream. It is important to note that this is his second dream. His first dream was in Daniel 2 and Daniel had interpreted that dream for Nebuchadnezzar. So he knew that this new dream probably meant something. It was a troubling dream. 

Look at the details of the dream: the king saw a great tree on the earth. The tree grew strong, tall, beautiful, and fruitful. It provided food and shelter for all. The king also saw an angel coming down from heaven with a message. The angel's decree was to chop down the tree, strip it of its branches, leaves and fruit. But they were to leave the stump and roots in the ground, bind it with iron, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven. 

Okay, nothing out of the ordinary so far. But at the end of verse 15, the angel's message takes a turn. He says, "Let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth." So its clear now that the dream is speaking of someone. It goes on to say that the man's heart would be changed with a beast's heart and seven years would pass by like this.

This angel's message, and all it entailed, had a purpose. In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men. That is Nebuchadnezzar's second dream. He was so disturbed by it that he asked all the wise men of Babylon to interpret the dream for him. None of them succeeded. At last, Daniel came forward to interpret the dream.

"Now you, [Daniel], declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you."

The King knew that Daniel was different. Daniel had proved himself to the king on a couple of occasions. He proved that he would not defile himself with food offered to idols in Daniel 1. He proved that God could help him interpret dreams in Daniel 2. It is clear that Nebuchadnezzar knew that Daniel would be able to interpret the dream because the Spirit of the Holy God was in him.

The dream upset Daniel. Bad sign for the king. Then Daniel proclaims, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies." Another bad sign for the king. Listen to Daniel's interpretation of the dream:

"The tree that you saw—it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth. And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven...this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses...your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules."

Bad news for Nebuchadnezzar. The dream was about him. Even though his kingdom and dominion had reached such great heights, he would lose it all. Nebuchadnezzar would be driven from society and he would live with the beasts of the field for seven years, until he learned that God was the true ruler of the earth.

Daniel gave the king a clear warning. "Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and you iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity." (v. 27) But the proud king didn't listen. I can just imagine what is going through the king's head right now: "Who could possibly take this kingdom from me. I'm the greatest king the world has ever known. I've conquered all the nations." Nebuchadnezzar should have listened.

"All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws. 

A year went by. Maybe Nebuchadnezzar forgot the dream. Maybe he thought that he had avoided the consequences laid out for him. Whatever the case, the king was lifted up in pride and self exaltation. While he was still speaking, a voice from heaven pronounced the sentence on Nebuchadnezzar. And it came to pass. The word was fulfilled. The king was driven from his kingdom and he lived like a beast for seven years.

One of the reasons I like this account of history so much is because it doesn't end badly for Nebuchadnezzar.

"And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down."

This story ends on a triumphant note. It ends with the king being restored to his former glory. But Nebuchadnezzar has a whole new outlook on life. He came to the understanding that God's dominion is an everlasting dominion. He learned that God's kingdom lasts forever. He learned that no one on earth can stand before God and question what He has done. Most importantly, Nebuchadnezzar learned to worship God for who He is. This king learned to worship the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

I can identify with Nebuchadnezzar. No, I've never been the king of an empire or conquered foreign powers. I've never commanded fierce armies or even lost my mind and lived like a beast. But I have taken part in Nebuchadnezzar's sin. You see, this king was a self-worshiper. He lived for himself. He built his kingdom for himself. He praised and worshiped himself for all the great things that he had done. I've been there and I've done that. 

When I was in high-school, I loved to play basketball. I practiced any chance I could get. I would even go in the school gym unsupervised so I could practice. My junior year, I played on the team, but mostly just sat on the bench. To put it in perspective: we had twelve guys on the team, and I was the twelfth man off the bench. You guessed it, I wasn't that good. But I had potential.

So I determined to practice as hard as I could in order to be a more successful player during my senior year. I worked hard and focused entirely on that one sport. I really improved quite a bit. But all this time, as I was improving my game and gaining more skills, I was becoming more and more prideful. It was all about me. I had visions of being in the starting five and dominating the scoreboard. I worshiped basketball and I worshiped myself. I had plans to become great, but God had other plans.

Tryouts came went. I thought I did pretty well. The only problem was the coaches didn't think so. When they posted the final roster, my name was not on the list. I had been cut from the team my senior year.While there were many factors that led up to that decision, I know now that God just had a different plan. I didn't come to know Christ at that point in my life, but God used that humbling experience to point me in the right direction. After high-school, I attended New Brunswick Bible Institute, where God revealed to me my need for a Savior. God brought me to my knees in order to show me my need for Him.

Self-worship is not a problem that is unique to me and King Nebuchadnezzar. It is a universal problem. Everyone is a self-worshiper. Everyone lives their lives to serve self. There is not a person on the earth that has not worshiped themselves. God has another name for this: sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Sin takes God off the throne of our lives and puts us in His place. Sin destroys fellowship with God.

That creates a problem for us because God is holy. He cannot tolerate sin. Sin violates His holiness and it must be punished. Our sin, in effect, places us in debt with God--an infinite debt, one we could never pay on our own. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death..." The penalty for our sin is eternal separation from God. But. There is a but. "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."

The good news is that God has provided a way for our sin-debt to be paid. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Think about that for a moment. Now, there's a chance that someone would lay down their life for a good person, but for someone who is evil? Christ died for us while we were sinners--enemies of God. James 4:6 tells us that God resists the proud. That means He sets Himself against the proud like opposing armies would set themselves up against each other. Do you see the depths of God's love? His love for sinners is so great that He sent His Son to pay their sin-debt.

So if we've sinned and offended God; and if God loved us so much that He provided a way for our debt to be paid, then how I get my debt paid? Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" God's grace, unmerited favor, makes salvation possible. And faith, having the conviction that something is true, applies salvation to to your life. Faith changes your life. It changes the direction of your life. It moves you from being a self-worshiper to being a God-worshiper.

When I arrived at NBBI I was a self-worshiper. I lived for myself and cared only for myself. But three days into my tenure there, God revealed to me my need for salvation. By faith, I trusted in Christ alone to pay my debt. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Peace with God. That is what faith in Christ did for me.

Nebuchadnezzar, a proud man, a self-worshiper, learned who the King of heaven was. He learned that those who walk in pride, God is able to bring low. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nebuchadnezzar in heaven someday. I believe that God worked in that king's heart what so many need for salvation. We each need to trust in Christ alone for salvation.

From Pride to Humility: 31 Manifestations of Pride

Manifestations of Pride: We all have them! Which ones can you ‘check off’? 

1. Self-pity - false humility,This attitude of pride says, “I deserve better” 
2. Complaining against or passing judgment on God - Numbers 14:1-4, 9, 11; Romans 9:20. This attitude of pride says, “God, your plan is not good enough for me” 
3. A lack of gratitude in general - 2 Chronicles 32:25; Romans 1:21. This attitude of pride fails to acknowledge where everything we have or are comes from 
4. Anger  - Matthew 20:1-16. Outbursts, withdrawing, pouting, frustration. “Rights” or expectations are not being met. Goals are blocked.This attitude of pride says, “I’m not getting what I want or deserve” 
5. Seeing yourself as better than others - Luke 7:36-50. This attitude of pride says, “I’m glad I’m not like that sinner” or “They don’t deserve to be in my presence” 
6. Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts and abilities - 1 Corinthians 4:7. “What do you have that God didn’t give you?” This attitude of pride says, “I’ve made myself the way I am” 
7. Being focused on the lack of your gifts and abilities - 1 Corinthians 12:14-25. This attitude of pride says, “I wish I were more like him, he’s so gifted” 
8. Perfectionism - Matthew 23:24-28. This attitude of pride majors on the minors 
9. Talking too much - Proverbs 10:19. This attitude of pride says, “People need to hear me” 
10. Talking too much about yourself - Proverbs 27:2; Galatians 6:3. This attitude of pride says, “Look at me” no matter if it is a positive or negative 
11. Seeking independence or control - 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 5:21. Rigid, stubborn, headstrong, intimidating. This attitude of pride says, “My way or the highway” 
12. Being consumed with what others think - Galatians 1:10. This attitude of pride says, “I wonder who will like this” 
13. Being devastated or angered by criticism - Proverbs 13:1. This attitude of pride says, “I can’t believe they would criticize me! Who are they anyway?” 
14. Being unteachable - Proverbs 19:20; John 9:13-34. This attitude of pride says, “I already know that” or “I already know enough” 
15. Being sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading - Proverbs 12:18, 23; 26:18-19. This attitude of pride says, “You’re so dumb—just kidding!” 
16. A lack of service - Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:10. This attitude of pride says, “You should be serving me” 
17. A lack of compassion - Matthew 5:7; 18:23-35. This attitude of pride demands, “Pay me what you owe!” 
18. Being defensive or blame-shifting - Genesis 3:12-13; Proverbs 12:1. This attitude of pride says, “It’s his fault” 
19. A lack of admitting when you are wrong - Proverbs 10:17. This attitude of pride says, “No I’m not stopping to ask directions!” 
20. A lack of asking forgiveness - Matthew 5:23-24. This attitude of pride says, “He ought to come to me if he wants me to apologize” 
21. A lack of biblical prayer - Luke 18:10-14. This attitude of pride says, “I don’t need God” 
22. Resisting authority or being disrespectful - 1 Peter 2:13-27. This attitude of pride says, “Why should I submit to him, I don’t like him and I didn’t vote for him” 
23. Voicing preferences or opinions when not asked - Philippians 2:1-4. This attitude of pride says, “They need my input on this project” 
24. Minimizing your own sin and shortcomings - Matthew 7:3-5. This attitude of pride says, “Look at that speck in his eye” 
25. Maximizing others’ sin and shortcomings - Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 18:9-14. This attitude of pride says, “Look how horrible you are” 
26. Being impatient or irritable with others - Ephesians 4:31-32. This attitude of pride says, “I’m going to punish you.” 
27. Being jealous or envious - 1 Corinthians 13:4. This attitude of pride says, “I deserve better than he does” 
28. Using others - Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3-4. This attitude of pride says, “How can you serve my purposes?” 
29. Being deceitful by covering up sins, faults, and mistakes - Proverbs 11:3; 28:13. This attitude of pride says, “If I can just keep this quiet” 
30. Using attention-getting tactics - 1 Peter 3:3-4. This attitude of pride says, “What can I do to get people to see me” 
31. Not having close relationships - Proverbs 18:1-2. Too much trouble, not enough benefits; Self sufficiency. This attitude of pride says, “I don’t need anybody” 

What is an appropriate view of self? Our society tells us that we must have a 'high self-esteem' and avoid having 'low self-esteem'. We need to realize that the idea of 'self-esteem' is NOT biblical. Low self-esteem comes from an elevated pride. We must see ourselves as God sees us.

God sees us first of all as sinners. Then, if we've trusted Christ as our Savior, God sees us as sinners who have been saved by grace through faith who are now in a process of becoming more like Christ in our daily practice.

Pride is a wicked sin. The first step to true repentance is seeing pride for what it really is. The second step is to put on humility.

From Pride to Humility - Pride Defined

This outline is adapted from a booklet by Stuart Scott entitled From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective. As we begin this short series "From Pride to Humility" the following commentary by Albert Barnes is worth reading:

“The proud are those who have an inordinate self-esteem; who have a high and unreasonable conceit of their own excellence or importance. This may extend to anything; to beauty, or strength, or attainments, or family, or country, or equipage, or rank, or even religion. A man may be proud of anything that belongs to him, or which can in any way be construed as a part of himself, or as pertaining to him. This does not, of course, apply to a correct estimate of ourselves, or to the mere knowledge that we may excel others. One may know that he has more strength, or higher attainments in learning or in the mechanic arts, or greater wealth than others, and yet have properly no pride in the case. He has only a correct estimate of himself, and he attaches no undue importance to himself on account of it. His heart is not lifted up; he claims no undue deference to himself; he concedes to all others what is their due; and he is humble before God, feeling that all that he has, and is, is nothing in his sight. He is willing to occupy his appropriate place in the sight of God and men, and to be esteemed just as he is. Pride goes beyond this, and gives to a man a degree of self-estimation which is not warranted by anything that he possesses. God looks at things as they are; and hence he abhors and humbles this arrogant claim. This resistance of pride he shows not only in the explicit declarations of his word, but in the arrangements of his providence and grace:

(1) In his providence, in the reverses and disappointments which occur; in the necessity of abandoning the splendid mansion which we had built, or in disappointing us in some favorite plan by which our pride was to be nurtured and gratified.

(2) in sickness, taking away the beauty and strength on which we had so much valued ourselves, and bring us to the sad condition of a sick bed.

(3) in the grave, bringing us down to corruption and worms. Why should one be proud who will soon become so offensive to his best friends that they will gladly hide him in the grave?

(4) in the plan of salvation he opposes our pride. Not a feature of that plan is fitted to foster pride, but all is adapted to make us humble.

   (a) The necessity for the plan - that we are guilty and helpless sinners;

   (b) the selection of a Saviour - one who was so poor, and who was so much despised by the world, and who was put to death on a cross;

   (c) our entire dependence on him for salvation, with the assurance that we have no merit of our own, and that salvation is all of grace;

   (d) the fact that we are brought to embrace it only by the agency of the Holy Spirit, and that if we were left to ourselves we should never have one right thought or holy desire - all this is fitted to humble us, and to bring us low before God. God has done nothing to foster the self-estimation of the human heart; but how much has he done to “stain the pride of all glory?”

-Albert Barnes 

Who are the proud? 

We are. Every person on the planet. Our hearts are bent towards self-exaltation (Colossians 2:18-19). The passion of our flesh is to puff itself up, to sit itself on the throne of our hearts—the place that rightfully belongs to our Maker, the God of heaven.

As believers, that have had to humble ourselves in order to be saved by God, God desires us to live and walk in humility. In order to do this, we must turn from pride and embrace humility. Let’s define what we mean by pride.

I. Pride: The Enemy of Humility

Pride cannot coexist with humility. They are opposed to one another. This is demonstrated in God’s reaction to pride and humility. Psalms 18:27; Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6 - God resists (battle-array against them) the proud (Isaiah 23:9 – The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Isaiah 28:1-2), but gives grace (not just grace…more grace) to the humble. Why? Because the humble see their need of it, pray for it, and are thankful for it.

You might notice that this parallels the battle between the Spirit and the flesh. Indeed, to walk in the Spirit is to walk in humility, and to walk in the flesh is to walk in pride. Galatians 4:16-26. Notice how many of the works of the flesh have to do with pride. And note how many of the fruit of the Spirit have to do with humility.

God detests pride - Proverbs 16:5 “abomination” – a disgusting thing in a ritual sense (idolatry), and in an ethical sense (wickedness)

“…let him know that though he admires himself, and others caress him, yet he is an abomination to the Lord. The great God despises him; the holy God detest him.” –Matthew Henry

The question for us is not, Do I have it? but Where is it? and How much do I have?

Amy Carmichael – “Those who think too much of themselves, don’t think enough.”

Charles Swindoll – “The world’s smallest package is a man wrapped up in himself.”

God – “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12)

There are different kinds of pride. 

Pride of:

1. Position – “Look at who I am” “Don’t you know who I am?” 
2. Ability – “Look at what I can do” 
3. Achievement – “Look at what I’ve done” 
4. Wealth – “Look at the money I’ve earned/created” 
5. Possessions – “Look at all my stuff” 
6. Knowledge – “Listen to what I know” 
7. Learning – “Look at my nametag” 
8. Spiritual attainment – “Do you hear my prayers?” “I’ve read the Bible through 96 times” 
9. Self-righteousness – “I’m glad I’m not a sinner like him” 
10. Being esteemed or liked – “Look at all my friends” 
11. Spiritual experiences – “I’ve had a vision…what have you had?” 

Puritan Thomas Watson says this about pride – “It is a spiritual drunkenness; it flies up like wine into the brain and intoxicates it. It is idolatry; a proud man is a self-worshiper.”

II. Biblical Terms for Pride

6 Hebrew Words all meaning: Lifting up; Highness; Magnification; Presumptuousness; Rebelliousness of self

2 Greek categories

First meaning: Straining/stretching one’s neck; To magnify; To be haughty
Second meaning: Blindness; Enveloped with smoke

Biblical synonyms “translations of these words”:

1. Vainglory 
2. Conceit 
3. Boasting 
4. Arrogance 
5. Loftiness 
6. Presumption
7. Haughtiness 
8. Being puffed up 
9. High-mindedness 
10. Scoffing 
11. Self-seeking 

III. Biblical Examples - Nowhere does the Bible tell us to think higher of ourselves, or to consider ourselves more. 

1. Satan’s deception of Eve – Genesis 3:1-5 
2. Satan – Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14:12-15 
3. Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4:29-30, 37 
4. King Saul – 1 Samuel 18:7-9 
5. King Herod – Acts 12:20-23 

God warns us against pride over and over. Proverbs 16:18; Philippians 2:3-4. I believe it is talked about so much because it is a problem that each of us must address daily.

IV. Pride Defined

1. The mindset of self (the master’s mindset): a focus on self and the service of self, a pursuit of self-recognition and self-exaltation, and a desire to control and use all things for self. 
2. The Anthropocentric (Man-centered) Mindset – High and Blinded. All things should be: From me; Through me; To me; For me. I should be the: Source of good; Accomplisher of anything worthwhile; Benefactor of all things.

Thomas Watson – “Pride seeks to ungod God.”

The Paradox of Pride

“For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” –Isaiah 57:15

Pride gives us a false view of reality. Pride is like wearing a pair of glasses with magnifying lenses. It distorts how we view the world and how we view ourselves. Let me show you: The proud man lifts himself up. He has an elevated view of himself. He considers himself more important and more prestigious then his peers. In fact, the proud man is higher, in his own mind, than anyone else on the earth. He needs no one’s help. He desires to have no equal, and definitely desires no superior. But the reality is this throne of pride that he has put himself upon is lower than any position on earth. The reality is that pride has drained the very life from him.

If pride is the pair of glasses that distorts our vision, then humility is the pair of glasses with the correct prescription. Humility sharpens our view of reality. Humility helps us to see ourselves in the light of who God is. Isaiah proves this to us. Just look at his description of the Lord—look at this glimpse of reality: God is the High and Lofty one. God inhabits eternity. His name is Holy. He dwells in a high and holy place. Indeed, our God is great than any other. He is what we could never be. He does what we could never do. He dwells where, in our pride we can never dwell.

The amazing thing about this verse is that “God…dwells with him who has a contrite and humble spirit.” Humility brings us close to God. James 4:10 puts it in a concise statement: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” When you get a good glimpse at the reality of who God is, you will realize that you are nothing. That very moment when you see yourself as nothing, God lifts you up.

God intended human life to be connected with Him. He desired that relationship right from the beginning. Pride destroyed that fellowship when Adam and Eve desired to be like God knowing good and evil. Humility before God also restores your life to be the way God intended it to be. “to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the spirit of the contrite ones.” God restores your life. God gives you back what pride took away.

Pride brings us low, distorts our view of reality, and separates us from God. But humility lifts us up, restores life to the way God intended, and allows us to dwell with God in that high and holy place. What grace! What love! We can dwell with the High and Lofty One!