FISHERS OF MEN
Pride (Part 3): Pride is not just an Old Testament subject. The inspired writers of the New Testament also had much to say about the subject. In 1 Timothy 6:3-6, Paul wrote: If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to Godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and depraved of the truth, who suppose that Godliness is a means of gain." The word translated "conceited" NASV is translated”proud" in the KJV and has an alternate reading of "fool". Pride and self-conceit make a fool of a man. This man is characterized by the following;
-
1. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions.
-
2. He likes to dispute about words.
-
3. He is filled with envy.
-
4. He causes strife.
-
5. He uses abusive language.
- 6. He has caused or does cause evil suspicious.
-
7. He causes constant friction.
Are any of these things found in your life? Are you a fool? As we look at the various things that spring from pride we can readily see why God would have a hatred for it. There is no doubt that most of the difficulty found in the church today and has existed in the past came as a result of the pride of men. Many preachers so filled with pride that their whole preaching life is taken up with a constant challenge to debate controversial questions. It is these disputes that often produce m abusive language and provoke much friction. Many are more interested in winning a victory and making a name for themselves than they are is searching for the truth. Their pride would hardly allow it. Face must be saved at all costs. However, not all the pride in the world has been reserved for preachers. Members of the church have come in for their share as well. Many a person has caused untold damage to a congregation because they felt they could run things better than anyone else. Pride is necessarily by its own nature competitive. Pride always makes a man feel superior to that of another. He cannot under any circumstances bring himself to submit to others. Let’s all remember the words of James, 4:6, " Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Think on These Things Robert Swain
2316 East Hundred Road
Chester, Virginia 23836
(804) 530-1764
Building located 1.6 miles west of Hopewell, VA on route 10 (2316 East Hundred Road)