Sermon Central
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The Pride Of Thine Heart Will Bring Thee Down
Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 4, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Edom was proud of its accomplishments, but in the long run, God would bring her down. Whether they are a nation, a business, a church, or a family, those in positions of authority should not be overly self-assured.
Obadiah is the shortest book of the Bible. It is titled The Vision of Obadiah as it prophesies the judgment to fall on the nation of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau which made them related to the children of Israel (Genesis 25:19-27:45). Because of Edom's defiance of God, their pride, and how they treated Judah, disaster would come unto them.
In verse 3:
Edom was the southern neighbor of Judah, and its capital was Petra, which was a city cut into the cliff of a solid rock. It was considered impenetrable due to the only way in was through a narrow canyon. The Edomites were proud of how secure they felt in their city, their self-sufficiency, their wealth, their allies, and their wisdom, but this would cause them to be brought down. They only fooled themselves.
Those that have a favorable opinion of themselves are adept to think that others appreciate them as well; but they will be mistaken. God can make low those that have amplified and lifted up themselves. What Edom says in the pride of their heart, talks with their very own certainty quality, and a hatred of God's decisions, as though the intensity of the Almighty could not overwhelm them.
Pride of heart is the disposition of an existence that announces its capacity to live without God. Pride is and will always destroy Christians which will make them of no use for the service of God. They are all in it for the show. Remember the Pharisee and the Publican. The Pharisee was showing off, look at what I am not, look at what I do, and look at what I have (Luke 18:11). Satan was proud and it was his downfall (Isaiah 14:13-15). Nebuchadnezzar was proud and look at what happened to him (Daniel 4:30-32).
In verse 4:
The Bible declares the route to self-destruction is pride (Proverbs 16:18). The judgment on Edom was to bring about justice. To anyone that believes “who shall bring me down?” God’s reply is, “I will.” Just like the way the nation of Edom and the city of Petra fell, people with pride in their hearts will fall. Humility is more secure than pride.
In Proverbs 6:16-19, These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What is the first one? Pride!
Many Christians have pride in their race, pride of face (social standing), and pride of grace (proud of being saved). Salvation should not make us proud. It is a free gift offered to everyone. Grace is given to those who are humble.
• Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
• Matthew 11:29, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Other Scripture regarding pride:
• Proverbs 8:13, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
• Proverbs 11:2, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
• Proverbs 16:5, Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
• Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
• Proverbs 26:12, Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
• Proverbs 27:2, Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
• Proverbs 29:23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
• Jeremiah 9:23, Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
• Romans 12: I6, Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
• Galatians 6:3, For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
• Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
• James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
• 1 John 2:16, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
