Forsaking Pride – 8-Mar-2021

Holy Spirit’s Moods

by Pastor Marie

Forsaking Pride

by Pastor Roy

  • God saves us in order to transform us!
  • Transformation requires change = UNCOMFORTABLE.
  • Growing in God = becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable
  • Faith, Trust, and HUMILITY needed to move forward.
  • James 4:8 – As we acknowledge our sin, ask for forgiveness and turn from self-focus, we will “draw near to God.”
  • Only God has the power for transformation and holds our destiny in His hands.
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Humility is the key to enhanced SEEING.
  • God is not looking for talented or intellectual people – but for people who are YIELDED.
  • Matthew 11:25  “Learn of Me…”
  • We learn by LISTENING.  Stop TALKING, yield, “wake up!”
  • 1 Peter 5:5 “God gives grace to the HUMBLE…”
  • It is actually the proud who RESIST God’s grace because they do not ask for it. 
  • SIN is not overcome by Church rules of behavior nor through purging the sinner.
  • 1 Peter 4:8 – “Love COVERS a multitude of sin.”
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love’s” method  – “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in TRUTH – it always trusts, always hopes.”
  • Love considers UNTRUTH – Evil.
  • Remember: Jesus did not condemn sinners – he condemned HYPOCRITES.
  • Hypocrite – one who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of others
  • Many times, a hypocrite does not discern his hypocrisy – he is not AWAKE enough to do so, and the corruption in his own heart is never confronted.
  • Not seeking mercy or grace, he receives NONE and therefore has none to offer others.
  • Since he is always under God’s judgment – judging is all he can offer others.
  • Confronting personal sin takes HUMILITY.
  • James 4:6 – God’s grace is drawn to the humble
  • Humility is the sub-structure of transformation.  It is the essence of ALL virtues.
  • All people at some point in life will be confronted with the impurities of their hearts.
  • Our response will determine our direction forward.
  • It is at these crossroads of life that both holy men and hypocrites are bred.
  • Mattew 24:14 – “Many are called…”
  • Sanctification starts not with rules but with forsaking PRIDE.
  • Purity begins with a determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts.