The Pride Test

Over the next ten weeks I will be sharing from our home study group.  Last night we had our first of ten studies in the Dream to Destiny series. The Pride Test was very eye opening.  Please do not read the first line, "God has a dream for you" and say, "Heard that 1,000 times...no thank you."  Pastor Robert Morris makes some very good points about how we never reach our destiny because of known or unknown pride in our life.  If you are thinking, "I've already dealt with pride." Did you know that with each new level of responsibility or authority comes a new pride test?  This is an issue we will visit many times in our life.

If we missed you this week, you can view The Pride Test at www.gatewaypeople.com  Click on the media tab and look for the broadcast from April 2013.  It's not to late to join us next week.  Looking forward to jumping in the pit with you and viewing, The Pit Test.  Sounds fun! 

The Pride Test – Study Notes

1.  God has a dream for you.

If you want to know what the dream is you are going to have to get to know God.

2.  Don’t brag about the dream.

Don’t tell everyone, just be faithful and do it!

            a.  Pride always has to have a voice.

            b.  Pride always has to have an opinion.

            c.  Pride always interrupts people.

3.  Deal with the root of pride.

The root of pride is insecurity.

4.  The dream you were given is not the same as the destiny.  The dream is a maturing time to get ready for the destiny.

Joseph was given a dream that his brothers would bow down to him.  The objective/destiny was not that he would have others bow down to him rather that he would be in a place of authority to save them (famine). 

The most misquoted verse in the bible:

Pride goes before ____________.  Most would instinctively say, “fall”.  However, Proverbs 16:18 tells us “Pride goes before destruction.”  People think if I fall I will just get up.  Destruction is a whole different ballgame.  God in His grace and mercy will allow difficulties and obstacles so we will stop and turn toward him lest we be destroyed. 

1 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)

4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

Application Point:

1.  Use the three pride statements above as a jumping off place.  Each night this week set aside 5min to ask one of these questions. Do I always have to have a voice?  Do I always have an opinion? Do I interrupt?  If so, what is the root of my insecurity that causes this?  I am merely looking for an opportunity for God to speak to each of us individually about things we may or may not know. (1Cor 4:4) If you don’t feel these questions apply to you, ask anyway.  You might be surprised where it leads. Remember the end goal is not condemnation, but rather allowing God to equip us for our destiny, which will ultimately glorify Him. 

Blessings – Bonnie