09/05/2008 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Tonight I would like to talk about the enemy of humility, and a great enemy of Yahweh

We are approaching the feast days here within a month from now and it is good to do a full check of our spiritual condition before Yahweh.

It is good to ask Him to show us what areas in our life that He desires a change

One of the greatest barriers man sets up to prevent Yahweh from making changes needed in his life is...

Pride

Pride is a sin that is rampant yet silent, often elusive and often hidden

This sin is in most every place carnal man is

But before I begin I want all to know that I also in some ways discover myself falling short of this at times. Just when I think I have it all purged out, Yahweh reveals more shortcomings (Thank You Yahweh)

I say this so that I would not appear as a hypocrite unto Yahweh

But I do want to share some things in His word about this hidden sin.

This sin is hidden because it is the sin itself that prevents men from admitting it.

Pride itself keeps one from admitting they have pride in various areas.

So pride often keeps one from seeing their own pride. A sad state indeed!

Pride hidden in the heart, is often revealed through the tongue.

Proverbs 30:32 - If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

Indeed, if we ever lift ourselves up... then let us put our hand over our mouth for the foolishness we have done.

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is very deceptive.

Obadiah 1:3 - The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Obadiah 1:4 - Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith YAHWEH.

Yahweh has a habit of humbling the proud.

This is because Yahweh hates pride. Even a proud look is an abomination to Him.

Proverbs 6:16 - These six things doth YAHWEH hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:17 - A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:18 - An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 6:19 - A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

A proud look? Yes.

The literal meaning of this phrase is "Lifted eyes"

Yahweh hates it

Why?

Pride is one of the worst sins a person can commit. It decieves us. Often we think we don't have it and later realize we do.

Pride is unusual in its deceptiveness

It's more so a state of mind than a sin that is committed on occasion

If we have a humble state of mind, pride is not present

It is true that we can have moments of humility, and moments of pride

Pride though...can drive a man to do about anything.

It can drive a man to be wealthy... artistic.. powerful.. famous.. and even "religious"

But why does Yahweh hate pride so much?

Ponder this for a moment..

Is there anything that we really have to be proud of ?

Yahweh created the heavens and the earth and all that is within. He gave man a perfect place to dwell. Yet man has rebelled against his Creator from the beginning of time. Yes, from Eden until now

We didn't make ourselves. We can do nothing apart from him. Yet, all the world acts as if He doesn't exist.

Yahweh even sent His own Son to die for us.. and many are too proud to even accept Him!

It is Yahweh who gave us the breath of life. Remember Job?

Job 38:1 - Then YAHWEH answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 38:2 - Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Job 38:3 - Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 38:4 - Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Yahweh spends the next 2 chapters declaring His worthiness and our inability to even come close to His might and power.

We should always justify Yahweh rather than ourselves.

Isaiah 2:12 - For the day of YAHWEH of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

The day of Yahweh has a lot to do with humbling the proud. We need to be sure that we are not among the ones needing to be humbled!

In that day Yahweh puts things back into a correct perspective.

Psalms 100:3 - Know ye that YAHWEH he is Elohim: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

It is Yahweh who has made us, and not we ourselves. We didn't "evolve" from some swampy pit. Living matter cannot come from dead matter. Yahweh created us in His own image. let's give HIM the honor due His name.

The book of Proverbs speaks much about the fool, and how horrible a condition that a fool is in...

But consider this...

Psalms 26:12 - My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless YAHWEH.

Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Even a fool has more hope than one who is wise in their own conceit!

Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

If your thoughts are always on yourself, then your thoughts will be void of Yahweh.

We need to keep Elohim in our thoughts!

Psalms 10:3 - For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom YAHWEH abhorreth.

Psalms 10:4 - The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after Elohim: Elohim is not in all his thoughts.

It's when Elohim is not in our thoughts that sin we answer sin's knock on our door

It's when Elohim is not in our thoughts that we answer sin's knock on our door

It's when Elohim is not in our thoughts that thoughts of self tend to dominate

If we are great in our own eyes...Will Yahweh show us truth? Will we accept His ways?

I do believe we need to be out of the way of His glory for us to truly be used of Him in the way He desires to use us

The moment we are in the way of Him receiving the glory, we can quickly be taken out of the way.

James 4:13 - Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";

James 4:14 - whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

James 4:15 - Instead you ought to say, "If YAHWEH wills, we shall live and do this or that."

Indeed our life is just a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away. It's prideful to even say what you are going to do tomorrow, for Yahweh holds the breath of life in His hands

And our boasts of tomorrow may never come

If Yahweh wills... we shall live

By His mercies we are not consumed. By His mercies we live and breathe and have our being.

Therefore let it be that in all that we do, we do for Yahweh. He is the one we seek to please.

He is the one deserving of our attention, and our efforts to please Him will yield eternal rewards

Our efforts to please men will perish

Efforts to please men are often an actual attempt to please "self"

If one can work hard and please others, then "self" can be exalted. This is vanity

Let's use our gifts for the glory of Yahweh!

I'm not saying that we ought not serve one another

But it is the praise of Elohim that is our focus, not the praise of men.

For instance, if we are musically gifted and are singing a hymn or a song...it should be done for the glory of Yahweh, and edification of believers.

Many Christian Contemporary artists have their fancy lights and lifted up stage and "Fans" or "Fan clubs" just like the worldly bands who are worshiped by the masses.

Modern games like "Guitar Hero" are popular because the crowds in the game glorify you. But think about it.. what's so heroic about strumming a guitar anyway?

We should neither be ashamed nor gloat in the quality of our voice. It is Yahweh who is worthy of praise. It is He who made our voice. We should neither be ashamed or gloat in our musical abilities. Yahweh gives His gifts for His glory

When writing a sermon, book, discussion forum post, chat room comment, or whatever...it must be for Yahweh, because we love others.. not because we want others to give us honor.

When going out into the workforce to do our work, let it be for Yahweh. He should be glorified in all our works.

He is worthy of our attention and it is HIM that we must aim to please.

Isaiah 42:8 - I am YAHWEH: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Colossians 3:22 - Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing YAHWEH:

Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to YAHWEH, and not unto men;

"whatsoever you do.. do as to Yahweh, and not unto men!"

Let's look at David...When he fought the Goliath...was it with his own might, wisdom or strength that he boasted and received victory?

1Samuel 17:45 - Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of YAHWEH of hosts, the Elohim of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

He saw beyond the flesh.

David was small in the eyes of the people, but he had the right perspective!

Isn't that what Yahweh often does? He takes a small thing...and does mighty things with it so that His name will be honored!

The humble beginnings of a child born in the stalls of farm animals...

The humble prayer of Hannah...

The humble beginnings of Saul the King who was too meek to even accept being king. They found him hiding out among the equipment when it came time to proclaim him king.

And the meekest man on the face of the earth, Moshe... living in a wilderness and seeing a burning bush. Little did he know what Yahweh had planned!

Numbers 12:3 - (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

If we want to be used by Yahweh, meekness and humility are one of the first things we need.

We need to remain little in our own sight, so that Yahweh will continue to be pleased with us and want to use us.

1Samuel 15:47 -

1Samuel 15:17 - And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and YAHWEH anointed thee king over Israel?

When Saul was no longer little in his own sight, Yahweh wiped him out like a man wipes a dish

We should not be getting in the way of Yahweh receiving the glory. If we are in the way, He can take us out of the way.

Acts 12:21 - And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

Acts 12:22 - And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a mighty one, and not of a man.

Acts 12:23 - And immediately the angel of YAHWEH smote him, because he gave not YAHWEH the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the spirit.

Acts 12:24 - But the word of YAHWEH grew and multiplied.

Herod was taken out of the way because He did not give Yahweh the glory

What does Yahweh require of us?

Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YAHWEH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Elohim?

Isaiah 66:1 - Thus saith YAHWEH, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

Isaiah 66:2 - For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith YAHWEH: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Brethren, do we tremble at His word? Or search it...that we might find accusation against another?

Do we read His word seeking for things that might convict our heart? Or things that we might use to show others that we are right... that we might glorify ourselves?

It is good to seek the truth..and share with others... but it is better when it convicted us first.

Pride can be evident in general conversations.

Do the things a man speaks about or the stories he tells about his life have a consistent theme of glorifying himself?

Putting other people down is another thing from pride. Telling stories of how bad everyone else is can be a prideful heart.

I've met many a person that part of their personality was putting others down.. so that they might appear better and wise.

They might even make false accusations against others.. so that they themselves might appear distant from such a thing, and thereby appear righteous.

If you see someone speaking evil of others often, but speak well of you... usually the trend will continue when you aren't around and they are talking about you

Gossip often comes from pride.

Telling a story about how evil another person was when they did a certain thing can easily have an element of pride to it. Is there anything in the heart that eases your own conscience about your own sins when telling such stories? "At least I'm not as bad a so-and-so."

2Corinthians 10:12 - For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

Pride causes arguments and strife in our homes and elsewhere.

Proverbs 28:25 - He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in YAHWEH shall be made fat.

Pride is often the root of rebellious children and rebellious wives. It is quite elusive.

A child who believes he is worthy to argue with an adult needs to learn a lesson in humility.

And a wife who believes she is in a position to argue with her husband needs to read what Yahweh thinks about such things.

We should not think of ourselves more highly or place ourselves in a higher position than we are actually in.

Luke 14:8 - When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

Luke 14:9 - And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

Luke 14:10 - But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Luke 14:11 - For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

"whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" The truth of this teaching I have observed numerous times in my life.

Over and over and over and over

Our seating arrangements aren't so important in our culture today

But if we are all in a room, do we assume that our own speaking is more important than what others may have to say?

Do we dominate conversations and seek to be the center of attention?

We ought not think so highly of ourselves that others would have such a great fascination with us

Let others speak, and you may learn a lot more in life. It is hard to learn when the tongue is dominating

Pride comes before a fall.. so so many times.

What kept many of the Pharisees from accepting the Messiah? Pride was a major factor

John 12:42 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

John 12:43 - For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of YAHWEH.

We often want Yahweh to give us a new revelation, but we should be certain that our own pride does not prevent us from hearing.

We should not assume we have all the truth.

We can learn from others.. and Yahweh can continue to reveal our sin in His word.

Do assume that we are better than another person because we have found certain truths that they do not yet see?

Or do we truly consider one another better than ourselves? We can all learn from one another.

I've learned a lot about myself from my own children. We need to be humble enough to see the truth, no matter the source.

1Corinthians 8:2 - And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

1Corinthians 8:3 - But if any man love YAHWEH, the same is known of him.

It's not about what you know, it's about Who knows you!

If we start to speak in our prayers as if Yahweh isn't in the first person....pride is often a factor in it.

Pride occurs when at some point..the one offering prayer isn't talking to Yahweh anymore but to the people.

To whom then is the person then praying to?

Prayer is not to be a performance, it is an offering...a pure, holy offering without blemish unto Yahweh. In prayer, we are speaking TO Yahweh

not ABOUT Yahweh

In our prayers we speak to him directly

Not speak about Him in the 3rd person

Remember this prayer..

Luke 18:10 - Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

Luke 18:11 - The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Elohim, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luke 18:12 - I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

This man prayed "thus WITH HIMSELF"

Luke 18:13 - And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, Elohim be merciful to me a sinner.

Luke 18:14 - I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Yahushua repeated this principle again. He spoke much about the need to be humble, giving various illustrations.

Let's remove all pride from prayer and humble ourselves before Him!

The Pharisee was exalting himself in his prayer.. if our prayer is to impress others.. that's not much different.

But the humble confessors are greater in Yahweh's eyes, even if they do sin

We ought to heed the warning, for all things hidden will come to light

If we are harboring unforgiveness toward another...

Does our own pride cause us to forget the mercy Yahweh has shown us?

1Peter 5:5 - Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "YAHWEH resists the proud, but gives favor to the humble."

1Peter 5:6 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of YAHWEH, that He may exalt you in due time,

and again

Matthew 6:14 - For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15 - But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Young men should always remember that we should give honor to the elder.. knowing they have more life experiences to gain wisdom from

The last thing we need is for Yahweh to be resisting us! He resists the proud.

Today, the elderly are mocked and made fun of.

Considered stupid, they are often ignored and shoved away in nursing homes.

They may not be learned enough to operate the latest technology, but they have lived long enough to learn some wisdom that is greatly needed by the younger generations. We should honor and respect them.

Hollywood and the rest of the world honors and glorifies youth.

Yahweh says to honor the face of the old man!

Leviticus 19:32 - Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy Elohim: I am YAHWEH.

It is a part of fearing Elohim.

Proverbs 16:31 - The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Before I close, I do want to share a scripture that shows a different kind of 'pride.'

1Corinthians 1:26 - For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Ever notice this? Most of us have.

1Corinthians 1:27 - But YAHWEH hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and YAHWEH hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Our perspective has a lot to do with whether or not Yahweh chooses us

1Corinthians 1:28 - And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath YAHWEH chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

1Corinthians 1:29 - That no flesh should glory in his presence.

1Corinthians 1:30 - But of him are ye in the Messiah Yahushua, who of YAHWEH is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1Corinthians 1:31 - That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in YAHWEH.

As it is written?

Paul is quoting from Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 9:23 - Thus saith YAHWEH, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:24 - But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am YAHWEH which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith YAHWEH.

This is not to be confused with self-righteousness.

But do not be ashamed.. rather, glory in the things that Yahweh is having us do.. knowing that His ways are just and true and right!

When the unrighteous mock us for keeping the Sabbath or keeping the feasts, do not be ashamed.. but rejoice that the works of Yahushua are seen in you!

We are blessed to be His servants. All of the longsuffering and mercy and love that He has had for us, just so that we could be His own. He has forgiven so much that we have done wrong!

We are so very blessed to be servants of the Most High. Yahushua paid the ultimate price so that we could be the children of Yahweh

So when we do what we are commanded to do, when we keep His commandments.. let's not boast and exalt ourselves. Let's remember that we are simply doing that which is our duty to do:

Luke 17:10 - So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

So many times one can hear.. "Yea... so and so did this wrong thing over here, but I...."

or "So and so did this...but I would have just...."

Brethren let's not lose our reward.

Let's not waste this life on vanity and glory of men.

Let's exalt Yahweh who alone is worthy of praise and honor and glory!!

Psalms 115:1 - Not unto us, O YAHWEH, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Let's just praise Yahweh for everything we have, and all that He enables us to do.

Praising Him, giving Him the honor (from the heart) is an act of humility.

Psalms 34:2 - My soul shall make her boast in YAHWEH: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Even Yahushua desired that Yahweh's name be glorified:

John 12:28 - Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

May Yahweh glorify it yet again!!

Let's be sure that our lives are of such that He receives that glory, and not we ourselves.

For in the end, all that are high and lofty will be brought low...

And the humble exalted

Malachi 4:1 - For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith YAHWEH of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Isaiah 2:17 - And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and YAHWEH alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 13:11 - And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Zephaniah 3:11 - In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain

Zephaniah 3:12 - I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of YAHWEH.

Zephaniah 3:13 - The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Let's be among the meek and humble people...

Glorifying Yahweh

...knowing our place

..and enjoying be right where we are

For He is our Elohim and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand

Psalms 95:7 - For he is our Elohim; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Revelation 4:11 - "You are worthy, O YAHWEH, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

And with that saying, bow before Him.

May Yahweh bless you, and may He have mercy on us all!