Matthew: The Road in (and out of) Pride

Listen in as we look at Matthew 15 as see how Jesus addresses our hearts.

Notes/Quotes:

Matthew 15:1-20

“In short, the Pharisees wanted to sanctify the entirety of life, to make common life as holy as the temple, filled with the presence of God. To this end they agreed to handle, sell, and eat food in virtually the same state of purity as that which the Bible prescribes for the priests who serve in the temple. The washing was simply one of many ways by which serious believers could say by their actions, “We love Scripture,” and “We don’t even want accidentally to break the holy commands of God.” Apparently the Serious, to be completely safe, even took full-immersion baptismal baths every morning and on every return from public life. These people longed to be clean before God.” - Dale Bruner

“actor”—hypocrite—is simply a person who pretends to be someone else. When perfectly honorable “acting” is transferred from stage to life we have “hypocrisy” or “phoniness.” - Dale Bruner

“We must begin by admitting that people and situations do not cause us to speak as we do. Our hearts control our words. People and situations simply provide the occasion for the heart to express itself.”  Paul Tripp

Instead of trusting God’s word as a sign and a mirror, 
we see it as a microscope, a mask, or mothballs.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to grasp how dangerous pride is. We know that we shouldn’t look down on others, but we tend to see it as a small sin. It’s not the kind of thing you go to prison for; it falls somewhere between failing to floss and driving too fast. It’s something to work on. But no big deal. Even if we admit to periodic bouts with pride, what most of us mean is, “It’s tough staying humble when I’m so much better than everyone else.” There’s something strange about this sin that God hates most. It’s usually found among people who think they love God most.”- Larry Osborne

“Part of the reason that self-righteousness, pride, and sins like envy and a lack of gratitude are so deadly is because they are prevalent within us but often not readily evident to us or to others. They lurk and strike when we are unaware and cause real-world harm and destruction to our own souls, to others, and in the world. Satan, the beautiful angel, was hurled out of heaven because of such sins. No wonder C.S. Lewis is right in saying that “a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute.” Marlena Graves 

1 Timothy 1:12-16

There is no such thing as a noncommunal sin, and there is no such thing as a noncommunal obedience. Personal sin always results in collateral damage. Personal obedience always results in collateral benefit. - Jen Wilkin

Where have you added?
Where have you ignored?
Where is there superiority?
What is flowing from your heart to your life?
How does Christ lead you out of pride?

Brave question:
Where do you see pride in me?