The Path That Pride Leads To
David Wilkerson's sermon explores the dangers of pride and the importance of humility and dependence on God.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, which is at the forefront of what God detests. He illustrates how pride leads to impatience and disobedience, using King Saul's failure to wait for God's direction as a cautionary example. Wilkerson contrasts pride with humility, defining true humility as complete dependence on God and His timing. He reassures believers of God's promise to protect those who remain faithful and patient in their trials. The sermon calls for self-examination to recognize and combat the pride that can hinder spiritual growth.
Text
Pride is at the very top of the list of things God hates. "For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 John 2:16).
Most Christians would admit they have not arrived and there are areas in their lives that need improvement, but few would consider themselves proud. Pride is independence -- humility is dependence. Pride is an unwillingness to wait for God to act in His own time and in His own way. Pride rushes in to take matters into its own hands when it appears God is not working fast enough.
An example of this terrible sin is Saul's disobedience at Gilgal. When Samuel anointed Saul as king, "Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house" (1 Samuel 9:25). This rooftop discussion concerned a great war that was coming and Samuel commanded Saul not to act until all the people met at Gilgal to seek the Lord for specific directions. This was to be God's doing and his alone (see 1 Samuel 10:8).
Samuel represented the voice of God; a vessel through whom God would communicate His plans. But Saul grew impatient and took matters into his own hands. God was testing him and he failed because of impatience -- unmitigated pride!
Humility is total dependency on God. It's trusting God to do the right thing at the right time in the right way. And Jesus has left us a glorious promise to see us through the dark days ahead. He said, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Definition of Pride
- Contrast with Humility
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II
- Pride as Independence
- Humility as Dependence
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III
- Biblical Example: Saul's Disobedience
- Consequences of Impatience
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IV
- God's Timing vs. Human Impatience
- Trusting God's Plan
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V
- The Promise of Perseverance
- Hope in Trials
Key Quotes
“Pride is at the very top of the list of things God hates.” — David Wilkerson
“Pride is independence -- humility is dependence.” — David Wilkerson
“Humility is total dependency on God.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize areas of pride in your life and seek God's help to overcome them.
- Practice patience and trust in God's timing for your circumstances.
- Embrace humility as a daily commitment to depend on God in all things.