https://youtu.be/RLwFbUhmDbI

1 Sam 14:24-46 Don’t kill your son

I really identify with this story- Both with the relationship I’ve had with my father, and the relationship I’ve had with my son. I wont dishonor my father by over speaking it- but it hasn’t been what I hoped it to beThere have been times when I have had to apologize to my son for my conduct and the battle within has always been the pride of admitting that I was wrong and I need his forgivenessThis is the sin of pride that we see within Saul today and his son Jonathan- it goes far.v44 Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”What led up to this: Saul making an oath to fast and forcing everyone else to do it- it wasn’t of God- he’s not a priest. His son didn’t hear the oath- just wanted strength- Sauls pride wont let him admit fault- so he decides that he’s going to kill his own son rather than admit his faulty fast.

The Contributing factors to a life of Pride

Lack of Wisdom– Saul wanted to protect his kingship and his influence and to get vengeanceProverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.Self reliance– Saul wanted to be seen as the victor- not GodHaughty Spirit- Saul refused to go back on what he said- didn’t want to lose faceHe should have just humbled himself and admit he was wrong! But it was PRIDEAs we progress through 1 SAM we will see Sauls fall and destruction. We’re not even into yet

Signs of Pride in a persons life- 1 Being a know it all- you have nothing to learn 2. Thinking you’re above performing a task 3. Unwilling to ask for help 4. Constantly teaching people in conversation 5. Always talking about yourself 6. Thinking you’re better than others 7. Not listening to others sound advice. 8. Always critical 9. Constant need for attention and affirmation 10. Cant take criticism 11 Worried about appearance 12. Unwilling to submit to authority 13. Justification of Sin instead of repentance 14. Name dropping 15. Harsh spiritHow many of those just touched your heart? How much pride do you have your heart that needs to be removed and brought before the Lord?

The biggest problem with Pride is that it is the root of the sins of Gal 5:20 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresiesThis isn’t Pride as in “I’ve worked hard to have a nice lawn- look at it” it’s the pride of “I don’t have anything wrong with me and I’m better than others and you better not confront me”Pride takes credit for what you didn’t do (it was God), looks down on others, ignores reality, creates relational problems, minimizes sin, elevates the self, gives God no glory, and is sourPride is killing your relationships with others. Your pride is keeping you from seeking forgiveness from sins. Some of you know God is real and your PRIDE keeps you from repenting

How To not Kill your Son (and kill your pride)

Be Honest with yourself

The sin of Pride was evident with Saul because he refused to be honest with himself and others. He wouldn’t have to have killed his son if he didn’t make the false oath and even after he did repent (like me with my son and the admitting of fault)READ V 37-39 God Doesn’t even answer Saul when he asked, and instead of looking for the sin in his own life, he starts looking at the sin of OTHERSThis is a sign of dishonesty within yourself- when you look at the sin of others instead of yourself- Pride always looks for the problems everywhere except within themselvesProverbs 16:5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.Why couldn’t Saul look inside himself and just be h...