God Condemns Self-Exalting Spiritual Pride in Professing Christians

Beware of two alternatives (either/or) thinking. It is inadequate. In Mark 12:35-37, Jesus asked how the scribes could say that the Messiah was the son of David. He did not question whether the Messiah was David’s son. He was. But in what sense?

Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to change how His hearers normally thought about the Messiah. He emphasized that David in that psalm called the Messiah “my Lord.” Jesus’ point is that the Messiah is David’s son and his Lord.

Beware of either-or explanations. It is natural to think that God is sovereign and in control of every situation or that people are responsible for their actions.

The Bible teaches that God is in control and people are responsible for their actions. I do not understand it.

Truth can be complex. A single God existing in three persons is another example. Sometimes, false teaching seems more rational, logical, and simpler than the truth. But it is still an error.

Pretense brings judgment (Mark 12:38-40). People excel at twisting God’s good gifts for evil purposes. We can use God’s gift of a good mind to understand and teach the Scriptures that glorify God. We can also use God’s gifts to bring glory to ourselves. The latter is a temptation for those in positions of spiritual responsibility.

Jesus condemned Jewish religious leaders who taught the Scriptures (the Old Testament) because they loved the honor and glory that went with their religious uniforms.

In junior high school basketball, I proudly wore number 30. Two years earlier, one of the greatest athletes in the history of my school had worn the same jersey.

He was a much better player in it than I was, but I was proud to wear it anyway. The teachers of the Law wore their long white lined robes with the same spirit that I wore number 30.

Pride glories in self. It is competitive. We are not proud because we are rich, but because we are richer than someone else.

Living, breathing pride manifests itself through comparing ourselves with others. Through pride, we commit idolatry and deceive ourselves at the same time.

We live as though we, not God, were the be-all and end-all of the universe.

In what areas of life are you prone to comparing yourself with others? Do you consider yourself spiritually superior? God strongly condemns those who use Christianity to exalt or serve themselves. We always look better when we are dressed in humility.

 Mark 12:41-44 contrasts with the scribes’ imagined righteousness. A generous widow teaches that wholehearted devotion to God brings praise. She plunked two coins into a trumpet-shaped container in the Temple treasury, together worth less than one cent.

If everyone in our churches gave similarly, their ministries could grow enormously. Her gift represented a total commitment to God. She gave all she had.

God’s concern is not how much we give, but how much it costs. Sacrifice brings God’s praise.

Large gifts do not necessarily impress God. Jesus celebrated the widow’s gift, showing tithing isn’t the ultimate standard of giving. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.  #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

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