His way or the hard way

Topics: pride, humbleness

I. Learning the hard way

A. Pride keeps us from listening and being teachable!

1. "This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men" (Daniel 4:17).
2. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate (Proverbs 8:13).

B. Putting off repentance keeps us from changing!

1. "Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity" (Daniel 4:27).
2. There is difference between remorse and repentance (Hebrews 12:15-17).

II. Walking in his way

A. Humility is the beginning of holiness!

1. Seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules (4:25b, 26).
2. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:5b-7).

B. Obedience is recognizing God's way is the best!

1. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:8, 9).
2. "Do this in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins January 3^rd, 2021