Pride on SermonAudio

As Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth, we find that the people who knew Him best were the ones least able to receive him. The people of Nazareth were astonished by Jesus's words and aware of his reported mighty works, yet they were scandalized by him rather than drawn to him, blinded by familiarity, pride, and corrupt hearts. Christ's power was never hindered by unbelief, but His mission-driven purpose meant He had no interest in performing mighty works for obstinate hearts. We should learn from the people of Nazareth. Let us guard against spiritual apathy, proclaim the gospel faithfully, and rightly answer the defining question every person must face: Who is this man, Jesus?

The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of accepting Jesus Christ for eternal salvation, warning that rejecting His message results in severe divine judgment. It highlights how knowledge increases personal responsibility, citing cities like Chorazin and Capernaum as examples where witnessing miracles did not lead to repentance due to pride. The preacher contrasts the false joy of religious achievements with the true victory of having one's name written in heaven. He critiques the modern church for being enamored with programs and self-promotion rather than focusing on the lost. Ultimately, the message calls believers to abandon pride and develop a genuine burden for sharing the gospel to save others from eternal condemnation.

In order to regain territory that the Syrians possessed, Ahab enters into a confederacy with Judah, completely ignoring Elijah's condemning prophesy. This is the Forty Fourth Sermon in the series The Kingdom Divided; an exposition on First Book of the Kings.

This sermon explores Isaiah 25 as a song of praise for God's favor, highlighting the contrast between divine judgment on pride and the ultimate encouragement found in God's redemptive plans. The preacher emphasizes that while God destroys fortified cities and tramples down the proud, such as Moab, He simultaneously serves as a stronghold and refuge for the helpless. Central to the message is the promise that God will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples and swallow up death forever, wiping away all tears and disgrace. By weaving in complementary passages from Psalms, Ephesians, and other prophetic books, the exposition illustrates that evil is temporary and justice is certain. The overall tone is one of deep encouragement, urging believers to rejoice in God's salvation and trust in His perfect timing and faithfulness.

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist wrestles with doubt, and Jesus points him back to the evidence of who He is and what He has done. Throughout the chapter, we see both the danger of pride and unbelief and the gracious invitation of Jesus to those who know their need for Him. Matthew 11 gives us three simple responses: when in doubt, look to Jesus; when blinded by sin and pride, repent before Jesus; and when weary and heavy laden, humbly rest in Jesus. We cannot save ourselves or carry the weight of life on our own. Jesus invites us to come to Him and find true rest for our souls.

Habakkuk, puzzled by God's use of the Babylonians to punish Judah for its sins, had declared "we shall live." In His response to Habakkuk, the LORD agrees with the prophet but narrows the "we" to the "righteous by faith." This core statement - the righteous shall live by faith - is the core of the Gospel from Abraham to the Day of Judgment!

This sermon explores the Apostle Paul's call for sober judgment and humility within the diverse body of Christ, drawing primarily from Romans 12. It challenges believers to reject prideful self-comparison and instead evaluate themselves according to the measure of faith God has assigned. The message emphasizes that spiritual gifts are not personal possessions but resources given by grace for the mutual benefit of the church community. By recognizing their interdependence as members of one body, Christians are urged to exercise their unique callings with humility and to receive others' gifts with gratitude. Ultimately, true unity and effective service flow from a renewed mind focused on Christ's selfless example rather than individual ambition.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is the pattern of sin. It was the pattern for the temptation of Eve; the pattern of Christ's temptation and the pattern of sin in our own lives.

The sermon explores the Apostle Paul's experience of a heavenly revelation and his subsequent thorn in the flesh to illustrate that God's grace is sufficient for all believers. It contrasts human pride with divine humility, explaining that suffering serves to keep Christians dependent on God rather than their own strength. The central message emphasizes that God's power is perfected in human weakness, transforming trials into opportunities for Christ's glory. By trusting in God's sovereign providence, believers find comfort and strength even when their prayers for relief are unanswered. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to boast only in their weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in them.

The sermon contrasts earthly reservations with the eternal destination of every soul, emphasizing that Jesus Christ has prepared a place in heaven for believers. It warns that rejecting this offer results in a permanent reservation in hell, urging listeners to overcome pride and fear to accept salvation immediately. The message highlights that redemption is a free gift available to all who call upon the Lord, rather than something earned by works or delayed until later. Through personal anecdotes and biblical exposition, the preacher illustrates the certainty of judgment and the urgency of responding to God's invitation today. The central appeal is for individuals to decide now where their eternal reservation will be made.