𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬?

PRIDE OR HUMILITY?

Protecting Self vs Preserving Relationships — Rightly Divided
Key Text: Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
Foundational Text: Ephesians 4:1–3 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Relationships are not destroyed by lack of love alone—but by unchecked pride.
Pauline doctrine teaches that humility is not natural, but supernatural, produced by grace operating in the believer.
Pride protects self.
Humility protects unity.

Only rightly divided grace truth shows us how humility works in the Body of Christ, not as law, but as Spirit-led living.

POSITION — Self-Exaltation vs Christ-Exaltation
Philippians 2:3 | Galatians 2:20

A. Pride Elevates Self — “I must be right”
B. Humility Exalts Christ — “Not I, but Christ”
C. Pauline Position — Crucified with Christ
Truth:
Grace dethrones self and enthrones Christ.

PERSPECTIVE — Winning Arguments vs Winning People
Romans 12:10 | 1 Corinthians 13:5

A. Pride Demands Victory
B. Humility Desires Understanding
C. Love Values Others
Dispensational Insight:
Grace seeks edification, not domination.

POSTURE — Defensive Flesh vs Dependent Faith
Romans 8:8 | 2 Corinthians 12:9

A. Pride Trusts Flesh
B. Humility Depends on Grace
C. Weakness Invites Power
Pauline Principle:
God’s strength flows where pride steps aside.

PRACTICE — Accusation vs Reconciliation

Romans 14:13 | Ephesians 4:32

A. Pride Blames Others
B. Humility Forgives Freely
C. Grace Restores Relationships
Right Division:
Forgiveness today flows from grace, not law.

PRIORITY — Control vs Christlikeness
Colossians 3:12–13 | Philippians 2:5

A. Pride Seeks Control
B. Humility Reflects Christ
C. Mind of Christ Governs Actions
Clarity:
We imitate Christ because we are in Christ.

POWER — Fleshly Effort vs Spiritual Enablement
Galatians 5:26 | Galatians 5:22–23

A. Pride Provokes Conflict
B. Humility Bears Fruit
C. Spirit Produces Peace
Pauline Truth:
Humility is fruit, not force.

PROTECTION — Self-Preservation vs Unity Preservation
Proverbs 16:18 | Ephesians 4:3

A. Pride Destroys Unity
B. Humility Guards Peace
C. Bond of Peace Maintained
Dispensational Focus:
Unity in the Body is preserved by humility.

PROOF — Strife vs Sanctified Living
1 Corinthians 3:3 | Colossians 3:15

A. Pride Reveals Carnality
B. Humility Reflects Maturity
C. Peace Rules the Heart
Pauline Mark:
Spiritual growth is measured by humility.

PURPOSE — Self-Glory vs God’s Glory
Romans 12:1 | 1 Corinthians 10:31

A. Pride Seeks Recognition
B. Humility Seeks God’s Glory
C. Grace Produces God-Honoring Lives
Conclusion:
Grace-taught humility glorifies God in relationships.

CONCLUSION

Pride:
Destroys unity
Damages relationships
Defends self

Humility:
Reflects Christ
Preserves peace
Displays grace
The cross ended our right to self-exaltation.

CALL TO ACTION

Yield to grace daily
Choose peace over pride
Forgive as Christ forgave
Walk worthy of your calling
Let Christ be seen in your relationships
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 2:5

FINAL THOUGHTS

Position in Christ
Perspective of love
Posture of faith
Practice of forgiveness
Priority of Christlikeness
Power of the Spirit
Protection of unity
Proof of maturity
Purpose for God’s glory

PRIDE PROTECTS SELF — HUMILITY PROTECTS RELATIONSHIPS.
GRACE MAKES HUMILITY POSSIBLE.