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We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Various forms of pride: 1. Self-admiration – “Look at me!” a. Natural - my abilities, talents, assets. b. Spiritual - my spiritual gifts, my ministry. 2. Self-aggrandizement – “Don’t I look good/great?” a. Natural - my looks, my importance. b. Spiritual - my position in the church. 3. Self-attention – “Listen to me!” a. Natural - my understanding and viewpoint. b. Spiritual - my Biblical and theological knowledge. 4. Self-justification – “I am right!” a. Natural - my way is the right way. b. Spiritual - our doctrine and polity is right. 5. Self-sufficiency – “I can do it!” a. Natural - my abilities, my leadership. b. Spiritual - our programs will make it happen. 6. Self-aspiration – “Let me win!” a. Natural - competitive spirit; one-up-manship. b. Spiritual - our statistics will prove us successful. 7. Self-seeking – “Give me mine!” a. Natural - my rights; what I deserve. b. Spiritual - our political rights and physical edifice. 8. Self-exaltation – “Praise me!” a. Natural - my credit, glory, commendation. b. Spiritual - our procedures and success.
James Fowler

GRABB012

Bible Study

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Just because you come to Christ does not mean you will not experience suffering. Christians and non-Christians suffer with similar trials. The difference is not in the nature of the trial, but rather the way in which we respond to the trials. You see, the world needs things in their life to go well to stay happy. Therefore they are continually up and down based upon their circumstances. Christians however know that God is sovereign over the trials they experience. They know the trials are specifically customized to their lives sent from the wise and loving hands of God. They are not sent to rob us of our joy. They are sent to refine us and make us more like Christ. Therefore it is our responsibility to by God’s grace remain under the trials until they perform in us the work designated by God. Knowing and believing this, we can have deep joy even in the worst of times because we know God’s refining process is the best thing we can ask for for spiritual transformation, Christlikeness.
Randy Smith

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