i. to understand the concept of spiritual pride,
ii. to discuss the causes and its effects and
iii. how to be freed from Spiritual pride.
Spiritual pride is a feeling of seeing oneself as spiritually superior to others or a feeling that one has spiritual maturity or immunity to specific temptations and sin. Spiritual pride makes one to underestimate the power of sin and overestimate one’s strength. In our Bible passage today, we can see the Pharisee seeing himself as more righteous than the tax collector. He lost the blessings of God and his time in God’s presence became a waste. Christians should desist from such act and embrace spiritual humility that is needed to run the race ahead of us.
1. What is your understanding of spiritual pride? Luke 16:15; 18:9.
2. With references to Judg 14:3; Luke 18:11-12, identify some causes of spiritual pride.
3. What are the effects of spiritual pride in our Christian race? Prov. 29:23; Isa. 14:13-15; James 4:6.
4. What are the biblical solutions to overcoming spiritual pride? Rom 12:3; 1Corinthians 10:12.
Spiritual pride is a sin that must be avoided at all cost on our race to the kingdom of God. Whenever you are tempted to exercise spiritual pride, remember how the Pharisee lost his blessings in God’s presence.
Lower your spirit to avoid falling.
Prov. 29:23 "A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honour".