Pride on SermonAudio

~~~~~~~ No 31 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 2:20-22** For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. *1/ The danger of backsliding. 2/ Ways and steps to backsliding to old sins. 3/ Hope for a backslider.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon addresses the spiritual danger of backsliding, defined as a return to former sinful ways or doctrinal errors after initial conversion. It distinguishes between the irreversible fall of false professors and the recoverable condition of true believers who may drift from their first love. The message identifies specific indicators of spiritual decline, such as neglecting private devotion, isolation from the church, pride, and susceptibility to novel teachings. It concludes with a pastoral assurance of hope, emphasizing that God is merciful and willing to restore those who genuinely repent and return to Him, citing examples like Peter and Solomon to demonstrate the power of divine grace in healing backslidings.

The sermon centers on the profound danger of a hardened heart, emphasizing that devotion to self and worldly pursuits leads inevitably to destruction, while only surrendering loved ones to God's sovereign work can bring true transformation. Drawing from Joshua's declaration of faithful obedience and the reality of spiritual brokenness, it calls believers to release their loved ones into God's hands, trusting that only divine intervention can break the pride of the heart and bring lasting change. The message warns against enabling behaviors that delay God's corrective discipline and encourages persistent prayer, personal repentance, and reliance on God's provision rather than worldly solutions. It concludes with a call to live with integrity, love unconditionally, and strive to finish life with the assurance of having followed the Lord as fully as possible.

A verse-by-verse study through the book of James. Pastor Brian continues expounding on the differences between Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. In this sermon he focuses on partiality and hypocrisy as well as righteousness and peace.

This sermon addresses four common excuses Christians give for avoiding personal evangelism, grounding the discussion in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28. The speaker argues that evangelism is a command rather than a specific spiritual gift, emphasizing that all believers are called to share the gospel despite fears of rejection or a lack of theological knowledge. By citing examples of apostolic perseverance and the power of simple testimony, the message encourages believers to bear the reproach of Christ and trust in God's power rather than their own ability. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging the audience to overcome pride and fear by recognizing that the gospel is the sole power for salvation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a persistent, humble approach to soul-winning, where the believer acts as a conduit for God's grace regardless of the immediate response.

This sermon examines the first chapter of the book of Esther, focusing on the character of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti to illustrate the theme of divine providence. The speaker highlights the king's pride and extravagant display of wealth, contrasting it with Vashti's refusal to comply with his drunken command to appear before his courtiers. While the text does not explicitly name God, the sermon argues that His hand is visible in the removal of Vashti, which sets the stage for Esther's rise to the throne and the eventual salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The discussion connects this historical event to New Testament principles of marital respect and submission, citing passages from Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Peter. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that God works through the affairs of men and historical events to fulfill His will, even when His name is not mentioned in the narrative.

This sermon examines the tension between legalistic adherence to the Sabbath and the deeper intent of God's law, using the accounts of Jesus and the man with the withered hand in Mark. The central argument posits that the law is a summary of God's goodness rather than a rigid code, illustrated by the precedent of David eating the showbread. The teaching emphasizes that doing good transcends technical lawfulness and that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden. By contrasting the Pharisees' pride with David's desire to please God, the message encourages believers to meditate on Scripture to understand the heart of the law. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a relationship with God that serves a person rather than a code, finding joy in obedience as an expression of love.

Pastor Seely examines the nature of the spirit of antichrist as described in 1 John 4, distinguishing it from the true Spirit of God by its inability to produce genuine holiness. The bible shows that while false teachings may mimic Christ's appearance, they lack the inward transformation that results from God's work, contrasting religious form with the new nature created in believers. The message critiques humanism and the prosperity gospel for prioritizing human happiness over Christ, identifying these as manifestations of worldly lusts and pride. It emphasizes the necessity of testing spirits against the Word of God, which serves as the ultimate standard for truth and discernment. Finally, the bible affirms that true love is a fruit of being born of God, distinguishing authentic Christian affection from mere human emotion.

Pastor Paul Takach taught from Philippians 2:1–11, the "Christ hymn," showing that Paul's purpose is not merely doctrinal but practical: believers must have the mind of Christ—unity and lowliness of mind, esteeming others above themselves. "Being in the form of God" (morphe) means Christ's very essence: He is fully God who, unlike Adam, did not selfishly grasp at equality with God but willingly surrendered His rightful divine privileges. Christ "emptied Himself" not of deity but by veiling His glory in human flesh, taking the form of a bondservant—two whole, perfect natures in one person (Colossians 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Nicene Creed; 1689 Confession)—because redemption required a sacrifice both human and divine, whose perfect obedience is credited to believers. His humility extended to full obedience, even the shameful death of the cross, the most disgraceful execution in the Roman world. Borrowing Al Martin's pictures of an artist studying a landscape and a seamstress following a pattern, he urged believers to constantly look to Christ and give up their rights and preferences—in the church, in marriage, and in Christian liberty (1 Cor. 8:13; 9:12)—for pride is a "relationship destroyer." Unbelievers need more than a humility lesson—they need Christ Himself, for God-pleasing humility is impossible without faith in Him and the Spirit's power.

Jesus rescues you from death to life and wrath to forgiven by His grace. The grace of God sustains you and seats you with Christ, leaving no room for pride or boasting. God made you to be His masterpiece and prepares a path of good works for you by His grace.