NARCISSISM

(SELF-LOVE / PRIDE)

Question: "What does the Bible say about pride?"

Answer:

1.     Difference in pride that God hates and pride in a job well done

2.     Proverbs 8:13

3.     Psalm 10:4

4.     Matthew 5:3 – poor in spirit

5.     Proverbs 16:18-19 pride goes before destruction

6.     Pride is essentially self-worship

7.     1 Corinthians 4:7

Sin Of Pride - The Sin of Sins

1.     Satan fell from heaven because of pride Isaiah 14:12-15, 22

2.     Eve ate forbidden fruit because of pride

3.     Our temptations are pride 1 John 2:15-17

4.     Pride is the commencement of all sin.

 

Sin Of Pride - Preoccupation With Self

1.     Middle letter in Pride is “I”

2.     Fall of the rich farmer – I will

3.     Game at party – avoid the use of “I”

4.     We are preoccupied with ourselves

5.     Song – I want to talk about ME

6.     Meet a stranger – ask about THEM

Sin Of Pride - An Outline

1.     Proverbs 6:16-19

2.     Two examples from history

a.     Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4

b.     Belshazzar – Daniel 5

 

Sin Of Pride - How Pride Works

1.     Neuchadnezzar denied God

2.     Belshazzar was arrogant and foolish

3.     Pride distorts reality

4.     King Sennacherib made the same mistake

Sin Of Pride - A Dangerous Enemy

1.     Pride pits you against God

2.     Amos 4:12 – prepare to meet thy God (in battle)

Sin Of Pride - How It Manifests Itself In Our Lives

1.     Over estimate your ability, value, importance

2.     Over estimate your righteousness

3.     Pharisee and publican prayers

Sin Of Pride - Looking Down On Others

1.     When we over estimate ourselves – we look down on others

2.     We devalue their ability, skill, knowledge

Sin Of Pride - Love One Another

1.     Pride is totally contrary to the spirit of Christ

2.     Love one another

3.     Wash feet, humble self

Sin Of Pride - How To Fight It

1.     Recognize the problem

2.     Learn true humility

3.     Pray for others – avoid prayer for self

4.     Fight it when it arises

5.     Admit the struggle in your life

Sin Of Pride - In Summary

In closing here are a few passages of Scripture dealing specifically with pride:

"The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts." (Psalms 10:4)

"Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6)

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate." (Proverbs 8:13)

"When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)

"By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10)

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

"Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5)

"A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29:23)