APR 27

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Memorise Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Once a Christian has received salvation and has a certain amount of knowledge, there is the danger of thinking one is strong based on his own strength and goodness. He becomes confident and complacency sets in. But this foundation is a weak one because it is based on self and pride, not Christ. This is Paul’s warning which echoes the words of Proverbs 16:18, that pride comes before a fall. So, be warned against putting faith in self lest you fall. However, with this warning comes a twofold encouragement. Firstly, the nature of temptations that you face is common to all people – past, present and future. These are not supernatural and extraordinary, and therefore not impossible for people to bear. Secondly, in the midst of temptation, God is faithful – He is with you – and will not allow the temptation to be more than you can bear. He will regulate it so that you can endure it and not give in; you ‘escape it’ because you have not succumbed to it.

Perhaps you have been chosen to serve in a ministry or hold an office in church. You have been in the church for a long time. Your parents and family are well-regarded. You have attended many Bible classes and are knowledgeable and well liked. Success, knowledge, popularity, good works and positions of authority – these can lead to pride. Always be on guard and sensitive to pride. Pride robes God of the glory and gives it to self. It also places us on the edge of a precipice; a position of pride and self-reliance from which our fall will be greatest. Repent and pray that we will have a low estimation of our strength and inherent goodness, because we have none. Secondly, when temptations come and you wrestle with them, do not fall into self-pity or despair. Don’t think your trials are so great and unique that no one else has faced them. Neither doubt God, that He has forgotten you or that your temptation is greater than His power. Take comfort and believe God’s promise. He is your omnipotent Heavenly Father.

Thought: Read Luke 22:31-34: Remember Peter’s prideful boast? Who was Peter’s adversary?
Prayer: May I always remember my weak sinful flesh and not let Satan rule my life. Oh Lord, how I need Thee every hour, every day of my life. Temptations lose their power when Thou art near.