When Pride Falls

Encounter: Find a quiet place to spend a few minutes with God and to meditate on his Word. There are several places in this week's scriptures in our 730 Challenge that demonstrate a pride that is destructive. As you move through this week's readings, take time to read through Ezekiel 28:1-19 & Acts 10:24-26. Can you sense the contrast?

He was the most beautiful of all angels. He was referred to as the Day Star, and the son of Dawn. His name, itself, spoke of his brightness—Lucifer, angel of light. He dreamt of ascending the heavens and raising his throne above that of God’s. But he was sent crashing down to the dark recesses of the pit for committing the greatest sin of all: Vanity — or Pride.

That is what pride, described by theologians as the father of all sins, does to us. We end up going down even as we try to go up. It is also the most common of all sins, though strangely enough, most of us don’t even realize that we are proud. So how do we recognize it in us? 

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Contemporary English Version simply says: Too much pride will destroy you.

We don’t have to look far to see this truth at work.

In Ezekiel 28, the king of Tyre declared, “I am a god.” But God replied, “You are but a man.” Tyre’s wealth and pride couldn’t save it from destruction. In Acts 12, King Herod received praise as if he were divine. He took the glory—and God struck him down.

But we also see the opposite: humility opening the way for God’s blessing. In Acts 10, Peter refused to be worshiped and pointed Cornelius to Christ. In Acts 13, the church in Antioch humbled itself through prayer and fasting, and God launched a global mission.

Pride closes the door to God’s presence. Humility opens it wide.

Where in your life might pride be hiding? In your achievements, your possessions, your reputation? Do you resist learning from someone different than yourself? Are you critical of others? Try looking inside where there is a lack of gratitude to God and seeing all as gift. Remember: everything we have is a gift from God.

When we humble ourselves, we don’t shrink—we make room for God’s greatness.

Grateful for you,

Pastor T

Reflect: Read Proverbs 16:18.

 How have you seen this verse play out in history, Scripture, or your own life?

1. What was the sin of Tyre in Ezekiel 28, and how does it mirror modern nations or leaders?

   
   

Spiritual Practices for Self-Reflection and Humility

• Honest Self-Assessment:

  Regularly examine your motivations and actions. Pride can manifest as seeking recognition, titles, or a perfect image, rather than genuine internal righteousness. 

• Prayer:

  Ask for God's help to reveal your pride and give you a hatred for it. 

• Confession:

  Confess instances of pride to God and to people you trust, which helps to bring it to light and hinder its growth. 

• Seek Feedback:

  Ask trusted friends or spiritual mentors to point out pride in your life, as your own heart can be deceptive. 

Gather: 

Discuss these questions in your small group:

Compare Herod in Acts 12 with Peter in Acts 10. What do we learn about humility and pride in leadership?

How can churches today fall into the trap of pride? What does Acts 13 teach us about staying humble before God?

What practical steps can you take this week to give God glory instead of seeking it for yourself?