Pride on SermonAudio

The sermon explores the marvelous wisdom of Jesus Christ as demonstrated in Mark 12, where He answers a trap question from the Pharisees and Herodians. The preacher warns against the dangers of pride and flattery, urging believers to reject self-reliance and instead depend entirely on Christ for guidance. By examining Jesus as a tested and proven Savior who understands human infirmity, the message encourages trust in His infinite wisdom over worldly or religious opinions. The central call is to seek divine direction through prayer and Scripture rather than leaning on one's own understanding. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that true wisdom is found only in submitting to the perfect authority of Jesus.

1. A Question to Humble Pride 2. A Question to Teach Love 3. A Question to Motivate Serving

The sermon examines Hosea chapter 7 to illustrate how pride and drunkenness fuel a sinful heart that plots against God's will. Using the metaphor of an oven, the preacher describes how wicked desires burn uncontrollably until they consume righteous judgment and lead to spiritual inconsistency. The text highlights King Jeroboam's vulnerability to manipulation through alcohol, resulting in his alliance with those who mock the Lord. This lack of spiritual discernment mirrors the nation's failure to call upon God, leaving them hardened in their rebellion. Ultimately, the message warns that such hypocrisy renders believers useless like an unchurned cake, urging a return to sincere reliance on divine wisdom for true stability.

The heresy of asceticism was a key component of Marcion's rejection of God's physical creation. Forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from foods are demonic teachings that impugn God's goodness and promote pride. All of God's creation is good and intended to be received with thanksgiving. True spirituality comes from a pure heart aligned with Scripture, not from man-made rules or self-imposed denials. Believers are called to enjoy God's gifts while remaining grounded in the Word and prayer.

Preached at Duncan Road Church in Park Gate, UK.

I. Humiliation is part of the Christian life. A. To humble pride in self. B. To increase perseverance, in the faith. II. Exhilaration is part of the Christian life. A. In the Word of grace. B. In the Worship of God. III. Both appear in a life of Sanctification. A. In humility. B. In truth.

Repentance was a grace of God given an individual at the time of their salvation. It is a gift that remains open to the believer daily inviting them to walk with God. Consider here the gracious way of repentance.

The sermon explores the distinction between instantaneous salvation and the gradual process of spiritual sanctification, emphasizing that believers grow at different paces. It addresses the dynamic between strong and weak believers regarding conscience and liberty, urging the mature to exercise patience and mentorship rather than judgment. The central message asserts that personal preferences must never be elevated to biblical commands, as acceptance before God rests solely on Christ's finished work. By distinguishing between divine mandates and individual convictions, the preacher calls for humility and love within the church community. Ultimately, spiritual maturity is portrayed as a lifelong journey requiring grace, where the strong support the weak in their development.