Scripture References: Philippians 2:1-11; Proverbs 6:16-17; James 4:6 / 1 Peter 5:5; Isaiah 66:2; Mark 10:35-45

Intro: Greetings. While we desire spiritual progress, growth is often hindered. What's the biggest obstacle? Scripture is clear: God hates pride (Prov 6:16-17). It led to Satan's fall and humanity's expulsion from Eden. Conversely, God looks to and gives grace to the humble (Isa 66:2; James 4:6). Pride is our greatest enemy; humility our greatest friend. Let's explore this through Philippians 2.

Key Points:

1. The Problem: Pride's Root & Fruit: Pride is aspiring to God's position, refusing dependence, seeking self-glorification. It underlies much visible sin. It's sneaky because we often aren't convicted of it, even while confessing it. It blinds and destroys. Humility, conversely, is honestly assessing ourselves before God.
2. The Call: Unity Through Humility (Phil 2:1-4): Paul appeals for unity in Philippi, grounded in their shared life in Christ. The path? Humility. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but... to the interests of others."
3. The Example: Christ's Humility (Phil 2:5-8): "Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Though eternally God, He didn't cling to His status but emptied himself (kenosis), taking a servant's nature, becoming human, and humbling himself obediently to death on a cross. This is the ultimate model of humility and greatness redefined as service (cf. Mark 10:45).
4. Pride's Manifestations vs. Humble Practices: Pride appears in various ways (summarized from Jonathan Edwards): 
   • Drivenness/Rivalry: Need to self-promote, compete. Antidote: Rest/Sabbath (dependence); Cast cares (1 Pet 5:7).
   • Scornfulness: Mocking, sarcasm, contempt. Antidote: Intentional encouragement (Eph 4:29); Gratitude.
   • Willfulness: Stubborn inflexibility, needing to be right. Antidote: Invite and pursue correction; Confess specific sins.
   • Self-consciousness: Constant focus on self (positive or negative). Antidote: Forget self; Focus on Christ and others' interests.
5. The Cross: Humility's Source & Standard: Reflecting on the cross ("I am here because of you" - Stott) cuts pride down to size. Jesus gave up His reputation for us. We find grace to be humble by seeing His sacrifice. Humility isn't achieved by focusing on humility, but by being captivated by Jesus, especially His self-giving love at the cross.

Conclusion: Pride is the great enemy hindering our relationship with God and spiritual progress. Humility, exemplified perfectly by Christ's self-emptying, is the path to grace and true greatness. We wage war on pride not by self-effort, but by embracing humble practices and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially His sacrifice on the cross.

Call to Action: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal manifestations of pride in your life (drivenness, scorn, willfulness, self-consciousness). Repent specifically. Choose humble practices this week: intentionally rest, encourage someone, invite correction from a trusted friend, or consciously focus your thoughts on Christ and others rather than self. Come to communion reflecting on Christ's humility and receiving His grace to walk in it.

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