Pride on SermonAudio

Woe unto those that are self-righteous.

Romans 1:27 "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." King James Version (

The sermon examines the tension between theological knowledge and Christian love, using Paul's discussion of food offered to idols in 1 Corinthians 8 as a framework. It argues that while believers possess the truth that idols are nothing and have liberty in Christ, this knowledge often leads to pride and arrogance rather than humility. The central message is that true knowledge of God should produce a desire to build up others, not to elevate oneself or disregard the conscience of weaker believers. The preacher emphasizes that Christian freedom must be governed by love, urging the congregation to exercise their rights in a way that reflects Christ's grace and serves the spiritual well-being of the church community. This pastoral instruction calls for a balance where sound doctrine is held firmly, but always expressed through kindness and consideration for others.

Psalm 45 is a Maskil—an instructive song of love. The sons of Korah look at the King and the words pour out with no writer's block. He is fairer than the sons of men, grace is on His lips, and He rides for truth, meekness, and righteousness. Because He loved righteousness and hated wickedness, the Father anointed Him with the oil of joy. The call to the bride is total: forget your people and your father's house and bow. Faithfulness, not titles, is the title-giver in the kingdom. Mephibosheth called himself a dead dog and was seated at the table. The Syrophoenician woman accepted the title "dog." The captive slave girl wished her master's healing. Joy comes from stooping that low and submitting right away, all the way, and cheerfully. Test God. Kill your pride at your bedside and see what He does with a dead dog who submits.

Modernized text, "In Part 3 of A Treatise on the Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards sets out to identify the distinguishing marks of truly spiritual, divine grace versus counterfeit religious emotions. In his introductory remarks, he establishes crucial boundaries for these signs: they are not meant to enable Christians to definitively judge the salvation of others (a prerogative reserved for God alone), nor will they give assurance to backslidden or spiritually lukewarm believers, who must regain clarity through active obedience and repenting of sin rather than mere self-scrutiny. Finally, while acknowledging that self-deception and spiritual pride often make hardened hypocrites impervious to conviction, Edwards presents these biblical criteria to refine the faith of genuine believers, strip away mixed motives, and guide growing Christians toward true assurance through active, vibrant holy living."

This sermon examines Isaiah 22, contrasting the misplaced joy and self-sufficiency of Judah with the prophetic vision of their impending destruction. The text identifies the core issue as a failure to look to God as the ultimate defender, leading to reliance on human defenses and prideful autonomy, exemplified by the steward Shebna. In response to this spiritual blindness, God replaces the self-serving leader with Eliakim, who serves as a faithful steward, key-bearer, and secure peg for the household. The exposition culminates in Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of the sufficient man, offering true salvation and security that no human effort can provide. The sermon calls the church to abandon self-reliance and find their vision, defense, and joy solely in Jesus, the new and better Eliakim.

This sermon examines the narrative of Jonah fleeing from God's commission to Nineveh, using the prophet's disobedience as a lens to explore the human tendency to reject divine calls. The central argument posits that running from God is driven by a lack of compassion for the lost and a spirit of self-righteousness, contrasting Jonah's hatred for the wicked with God's sovereign mercy. By referencing Romans and Psalm 139, the message emphasizes that there is no escape from God's presence and that disobedience leads to a downward spiral of spiritual misery and wasted life. The tone is both convicting and pastoral, urging listeners to examine their own hearts for pride and to respond to God's call with obedience and compassion. Ultimately, the sermon presents the Gospel as the only path to salvation, calling both believers and non-believers to repent and trust in Jesus Christ rather than fleeing from the consequences of sin.

This sermon explores the path to finding peace and contentment amidst a chaotic and noisy world, drawing primarily from Psalm 131. It highlights David's deliberate choice to calm his soul by rejecting pride, praise, and pomp. The message emphasizes that true contentment is not a natural state but a learned discipline, akin to a weaned child resting contentedly in its mother's presence. The preacher urges the audience to shift their focus from worldly distractions to placing their hope in the Lord, specifically through trusting God's Word, relying on Christ's atoning work, and looking forward to the eternal hope of heaven. This approach offers a pastoral invitation to find rest not in external circumstances, but in the unchanging character and promises of God.

We saw last time that the kingdom belongs to the lowliest of men. In this chapter, Belshazzar lifts himself up like the little horn, blaspheming the God of gods by profaning the vessels of His temple — but he is cast down to destruction, warned by the hand of God and slain hours later by the hand of Cyrus, the Lord's Anointed. In the previous chapter, Nebuchadnezzar was brought low, but learned the truth that the Most High rules the kingdom of Men. In the next chapter, Daniel is brought low, cast into a pit, but is safe there because he remembers that the Most High rules the kingdom of men. Pride goes before destruction, but in the fear of the LORD there is safety. In the chapter before us, Belshazzar is humbled to destruction even while Daniel is exalted for his humility.