Love Is Not Proud

Title: Love Is Not Proud                                      Text: I Corinthians 13:4

Introduction: Last week we saw that love does not envy. This week we will see that love is not proud. Paul uses two very descriptive words for pride. The first word, vaunteth, speaks of the outward display of pride, the second phrase, puffed up, speaks of the inward disposition of pride.

I. Pride’s Definition:

Vaunteth: Outward display – From a Greek word that means braggart – one who shows off – “To boast, to make a vain display of one’s own worth, attainments or decorations; to talk with vain ostentation; to brag” (N.W. 1828)

Puffed up: Inward disposition. – Lit. Inflate – Illustration – “big-head syndrome”

Paul uses this word 5 other times in I Corinthians- 4:6, 4:18, 4:19, 5:2, 8:1

Pride: “an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.” (N.W. 1828)

II. Pride’s Examples:

A. Israel’s unfortunate example – Judges 7:2 – “lest Israel vaunt themselves against me ”

B. Nebuchadnezzar’s example – Daniel 4:37, 5:20

C. Moab’s example – Jeremiah 48:29

III. Pride’s consequences:

A. You will persecute the poor – Psalm 10:2

B. You will not seek after God – Psalm 10:4

C. You will be hated by God – Proverbs 6:16-17

D. You will be shamed – Proverbs 11:2

E. You will cause contention – Proverbs 13:10

F. You will be punished – Proverbs 16:5

G. You will be destroyed – Proverbs 16:18

H. You will be brought low – Proverbs 29:23

I. You will become a fool – Romans 1:21-22

IV. Pride’s deliverance:

A. Heed God’s warning – Romans 12:3, 16

B. Don’t take leadership responsibilities before you are mature – 1 Timothy 3:6

C. Humble yourself – James 4:6, I Peter 5: 5

Example: Hezekiah – II Chronicles 32:26 “Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.”

Conclusion: Application to love in our relationship with God and man.