7 Pride Romans 12 3 16 p 1047

7. Pride Romans 12: 3 -16 p. 1047

Desire for Recognition Seventh Sin: Pride We all want to be “somebody” Pride: the desire for status, power, reward

1. Roots of the Problem The sins that we struggle with the most We see that one sin leads to another, e. g. wrath -> unforgiveness -> animosity -> vindictiveness Trees with branches track sins to source

Tree of Sins

1. Roots of the Problem … Separating – “Pride” and “Vainglory”

2. Pride – Personal Achievment The sin of Lucifer (Satan): Wanted to be God The Heart of all sin: We do not need God We are masters of our own destiny We are answerable only to ourselves Define for ourselves what is right and wrong We take the credit – we get the glory

2. Pride – Personal Achievement … Take the credit for a gift from God (Dt 8: 18) The glory belongs to him. (Ps 29: 1 -2) We understand the desire for recognition We should desire it from God, not others Love him above all (Matt 23: 37)

2. Pride – Personal Achievement … Imagine you only want to please God How might that change the way you live? How you spend time, money, effort, attention Now you understand why pride is the root of all sin

3 Vainglory: Recognition from Others Replaced by “vanity” in modern usage Prideful: Recognized for achievements Vainglorious: Happy with appearance of achievement Prideful: achievement matters Vainglorious: recognition matters

3 Vainglory: Recognition from Others … Pride is deeper, more insidious Achievement is good – but who gets the glory? A matter of our own hearts Vainglory – very common: Peer pressure, being liked, being part of a group E. g. St Augustine stealing pears

3 Vainglory: Recognition from Others … How often do we do things to be included? Exaggerations, little”white” lies Gossip, misrepresent, to be funny Dress, speak, spend according to the group/s Disappointed when no-one notices

3 Vainglory: Recognition from Others … Can be spiritualized: Seen as “prayer warrior”, Bible expert Pastors want big churches, bestselling books People go where the action and buzz is May motivate our planning & choices Summer: lose weight, get a tan Design garden, choose outfit, set table for others

– Living It – Imagine our vanity is focused on God’s glory “boast in the Lord”. (2 Cor 10: 17 -18) “Give glory to your Father” (Matt 5: 16) “not before others” (Matt 6: 1) Difficult to think with “sober judgment” (v 3) Hard to have lesser gift, smaller ministry Our attention: what pleases God, brings him glory

– Living It – Desire to live by the Spirit All our sins are forgiven in Christ’s work To walk in the Spirit – know how to live differently After Easter: Seven Heavenly Virtues