WEIGHTS
Week 4: Pride Comes Before the Fall

1. PRIDE THROUGH COMPARISON—Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

2. PRIDE IN APPEARANCE—Hebrews 11:8-10
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

3. PRIDE IN REFUSALS—Proverbs 28:13
13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

4. PRIDE IN SELF-CONFIDENCE—Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Which type of pride did you identify most with today? Why?

2. In your own words, define pride. Note the many different definitions that we covered today.

3. Why is it that all sins seem to stem from pride?

4. How can pride impact your relationship with your friends? Your family? Your church family?

5. Humility is the opposite of pride. What are some practical ways that you can cultivate humility in your own life?

6. How can transparency (being honest about your struggles) defeat pride?

7. Why do you think God places so much emphasis on humility in the Bible?

8. Can you think of a time when your pride has hindered you in some way? Explain to the group.

9. How is humility different from self-deprecation (degrading yourself/putting yourself down)?

10.Think about some areas of your life where you value yourself more than others. What are some practical steps you could take to begin to value others more?