𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 “𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘”

OVERCOMING THE “PRIDE OF LIFE”

INTRODUCTION

The “pride of life” (1 John 2:16) is one of Satan’s greatest tools against mankind. It is the sin that dethroned Lucifer, deceived Eve, destroyed nations, and divided churches. Pride is the root sin in every dispensation—whether in Eden, under conscience, under law, or in the present age of grace.

But God has provided a way for believers in the Body of Christ to overcome pride through the grace, humility, and mind of Christ (Phil. 2:3–5).

This outline shows how to defeat the “pride of life” God’s way.

THE ROOT OF PRIDE — Its Origin

(1 John 2:16; Isaiah 14:12–15)

A. A Heaven-Originated Rebellion — Lucifer lifted himself up (Isa. 14:13).
B. A Humanity-Originated Resistance — Adam desired independence from God (Gen. 3:5).
C. A Heart-Originated Reality — Pride flows from the fallen nature (Mark 7:21–22).

THE REACH OF PRIDE — Its Operation

(Proverbs 16:18)

A. It Corrupts Decisions — Pride blinds discernment.
B. It Controls Desires — Pride fuels self-exaltation.
C. It Cripples Devotion — Pride hinders surrender to God.

THE RECORD OF PRIDE — Its History in Dispensations

(Romans 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11)

**A. Pride in the Patriarchal Age — Abraham lied, Jacob deceived (Gen. 12; 27).
**B. Pride in the Prophetic Age — Israel rebelled repeatedly (Isa. 1:2–4).
**C. Pride in the Present Age of Grace — Men become “lovers of themselves” (2 Tim. 3:2).

THE REBELLION OF PRIDE — Its Opposition

(James 4:6)

A. It Rejects God’s Authority — Pride competes with God.
B. It Resists God’s Word — Pride refuses correction.
C. It Rebels Against God’s Will — Pride seeks independence.

THE REVELATION AGAINST PRIDE — God's Warning

(Proverbs 11:2)

**A. A Clear Statement — “With pride comes shame.”
**B. A Consistent Standard — God hates a proud heart (Prov. 6:16–17).
**C. A Certain Sowing — Pride always produces destruction.

THE REMEDY FOR PRIDE — God's Provision

(Philippians 2:5–8)

A. A Mind to Emulate — The mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5).
B. A Model to Examine — Christ humbled Himself (Phil. 2:8).
C. A Motive to Embrace — Christ’s humility leads to exaltation.

THE REQUIREMENT AGAINST PRIDE — God's Command

(1 Peter 5:5–6)

A. Submit Under God — Humble yourselves (v. 6).
B. Subordinate Self-Will — Make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14).
C. Surrender to Grace — Allow God to lift you up.

THE RENEWING AGAINST PRIDE — Mind Transformation

(Romans 12:2–3)

A. A Changed Mind — Renewed thinking destroys pride.
B. A Corrected Measure — Think soberly (Rom. 12:3).
C. A Christlike Meditation — Focus on His grace, not your greatness.

THE REFLECTION AGAINST PRIDE — Honest Self-Examination

(Psalm 139:23–24)

A. Search Me — Invite God to examine motives.
B. Show Me — Allow conviction to reveal pride.
C. Shape Me — Let God lead us into humility.

THE RELATIONSHIPS AGAINST PRIDE — Serving Others

(Philippians 2:3–4)

A. A Lowly Attitude — Esteem others better (v. 3).
B. A Loving Action — Look to the needs of others (v. 4).
C. A Lifted Awareness — Serve in the Spirit of Christ.

THE RECALLING AGAINST PRIDE — Remembering the Cross

(Galatians 6:14)

A. A Crucified Self — “I am crucified with Christ.”
B. A Cross-Centered Life — Glory only in the cross.
C. A Christ-Dependent Walk — Pride dies when Christ is exalted.

THE REWARD FOR HUMILITY — God’s Exaltation

(James 4:10)

A. A Promised Lifting — God exalts the humble.
B. A Peaceful Living — Humility brings rest.
C. A Powerful Leading — God guides the humble into grace.

CONCLUSION

Pride is the sin that destroys nations, families, churches, and Christians.
But humility is the gateway to grace, the doorway to blessing, and the mindset of Christ.
God resists the proud—but gives more grace to the humble.

CALL TO ACTION

1. CONFESS any hidden pride.

Bring every high thing low before God.

2. CONSIDER others above yourself.

Serve intentionally and sacrificially.

3. CLING to the cross of Christ.

Let the cross crucify your ego and elevate your Savior.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pride destroys.
Humility delivers.
Pride blinds.
Humility blesses.
Pride divides.
Humility draws grace.
Pride elevates self.
Humility exalts Christ.
Pride is satanic.
Humility is Christlike.
Pride grows in the flesh.
Humility grows in grace.