What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of November 10th
What Do I Do With My Pride?

OVERVIEW

We are in a series called "That's SIck!" It's often said "it's what's on the inside that counts." We believe that this teaching series will help us to take a look at what is going on inside of us. There are things like worry, angery, lust, envy, doubt, loneliness, and much more. Sometimes the internal struggles that no one else sees are the ones that blind us the most. So let's get the inside story on how God offers hope and strength for overcoming these battles in this series,

KEY POINTS

No.1 - Three types of sinful pride

  • I'm better than you - Pride
  • I can handle it myself - Pride
  • It doesn't apply to me - Pride

No.2 - Draw close to God

  • The more proud you are, the less you know God
  • The more you know God, the more humble become

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday.

  • Isaiah 14:13-14 You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.  I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." 

  • Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 

  • 1 Peter 16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 

Additional scriptures:

  • Proverbs 8:13, 11:2, 16:18, 21:4, 29:23
  • Isaiah 2:12, 14:12-15
  • Ezekiel 28:13- 15
  • Jeremiah 11:23
  • Luke 1:51-52
  • 2 Corinthians 5:12; 12:7-10
  • 1 Peter 5:5-6
  • Philippians 2:2-9.

OBSERVATION

Pride is the result of comparing ourselves with others and basing our identity and worth on our possessions, knowledge, appearance and performance. Pride causes us to depend on our own ability instead of Christ. Pride is when we think we are hot and we are not.

Q.  How good are you at spotting pride in yourself? Why is it difficult to identify pride in our own life when it is so easy to spot it in others? What type of pride affects you the most? What do you depend on to give you a sense of value and worth? (your appearance, job, possessions, power, etc.) How would you feel about yourself if these things were suddenly gone?

Q. Pride comes from the devil and is not a part of who we are in Christ. What are some prideful thoughts with which you have struggled? How do these proud thoughts affect your attitude toward others? Your behavior? What thoughts do you need to take captive and make obedient to Christ? What would it look like to depend on Christ in this area?

Q. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:4-5). A prideful attitude is evidence that we are relying on ourselves. How and in what areas is God humbling you so that you’ll depend more on Him instead of yourself?

Personal Reflection Question: 

  • Ask God to show you any areas of pride in your attitudes and actions. How does your thinking need to change in this area?
  • What will you do this week to humble yourself before God and others? How can Christ express His humility through you at home and work?

APPLICATION

  • Ask God to make you aware of when you are being prideful. Take prideful thoughts captive and acknowledge that all that you are and have is because of His goodness and grace.
  • Ask someone you trust for prayer this week. Pray with them in return.
  • Consider loving on others by serving on a team this weekend at BeLoved.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we ask for forgiveness for where we have allowed pride to rule in our lives. Forgive us for hurting both ourselves and others. We ask for your help to direct our emotions. Pride distances us from you and others. Cleanse our hearts and make us more like Jesus. Lord help us to recognize when we have grown prideful so that we may repent and draw close to you. Help us to say "They will" instead of "I will." Help us to live, give, and serve like Jesus. Thank you for your Word, for providing direction for us. Thank you for your Spirit that helps to lead us, guide us, and empowers us to live like you. Amen!

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  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
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