The “Versus” Verses: Week 4

THE “VERSUS” VERSES (WEEK 4): TITLE

• Scripture calls us from elevating self (pride) to knowing self (humility)

• God opposes the proud but exalts the humble

• God opposes pride, gives grace to humility

• Proud elevate self; humble know their need for God

Proverbs 11:2 (NLT): "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 16:18 (NLT): "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Proverbs 29:23 (NLT): "Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor."

James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5 (NLT): "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Proverbs 3:34 (NLT): "The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”

• These aren't abstract or idealistic concepts, biblical history clearly shows the wreckage in one's life and to those around if they choose the prideful path.

• Self-exalters crash and burn!

Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15): "I will ascend... be like the Most High!" – Cast from heaven.

Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): "Let's make a name for ourselves!" – Languages confused, people scattered.

Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4): "Is not this great Babylon I have built by my power?" – Lived as a beast till repentant.

Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26): Invaded temple in pride – Struck with leprosy.

Haman (Esther 3-7): Built gallows for a rival – Hanged on his own prideful trap.

• The Jesus idea of humbleness!

[Mat 23:12 NLT] 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

[Luke 18:9-14 NLT] 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT): "Lead a life worthy of your calling... with complete humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love."

Colossians 3:12 (NLT): "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

• Humility is a heart attitude of lowliness of mind, freedom from pride, and honest self-awareness before God, recognizing our spiritual poverty and dependence on His grace. Yield to God without pretense, serving others selflessly, and embracing low estate as Jesus did—contrasting sharply with elevating self in arrogance.

• Daily Rhythm for Growth

  • Read Beatitudes, pray for meekness, ask God to reveal pride and the places it shows up in our life.

  • Practice meekness—encourage others, invite feedback, serve others when we have the opportunity.

  • Reflect: Where did I elevate self? In what ways were I prideful today? In what ways did I show humbly as Christ did?