May 31 – June 6, 2008

PRIDE DECEIVES

In this lesson, you will learn what happened to Edom when they got in pride, how to recognize signs of pride, and how to not let pride deceive you.

I. What happened to Edom when they got in pride? (Obadiah 1:1-4)

A. Edom was the homeland of Esau’s descendants. Esau was the twin brother of Jacob. Esau did not value his birthright and the blessing that came from being the firstborn and he sold it to Jacob for a pot of stew. Lesson to learn – Do not sell your born-again right for the lust of the flesh. Be sure you cherish the privilege of being born again, that birthright of being in the family of God. 

B. The Edomites got in pride – Obadiah 1:2,3 – “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be greatly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you....”

C. Psalm 137:7 – Pride caused the Edomites to rejoice when Jerusalem was destroyed. They said, “Raze it,” which means to destroy it.

II. Signs of pride.

A. Genesis 3:1-6 – Satan appealed to Adam and Eve’s pride by saying if they ate from the tree they would be like God. He told them the fruit was good for food (lust of the flesh), pleasant to the eyes (lust of the eyes), and would make one wise (pride of life) (I John 2:15-17).

B. Pride and self-exaltation will choose your way, will, and word above God’s way, will, and word. Pride is the basis for prejudice and the root of selfishness. Pride affects people of all ages and groups.

III. Scriptures on the danger of pride.

A. Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

B. Proverbs 13:10 – “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

C. James 3:13-18 – Wise people do things in humility, not in pride and self-seeking.

D. James 4:1-7 – Pride promotes strife, and friendship with the world is enmity with God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Share a time when you got in pride and wanted to see someone suffer.
• Share how you are effectively overcoming the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
• Have you recently been prideful about another person’s downfall and said they deserved what they got?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week examine your life and repent of pride for going your way and not God’s way.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”