Products related to Pride

In the parable of the prodigal son, the son’s miserable state was more than matched by the father’s love and kindness. Alistair Begg explains that while each of us has turned our back to God, our ruined relationship can be reestablished with honest repentance. Jesus has come seeking to save the lost and restore us ... Continue Reading 

Our thoughts don’t always align with our words. We see this truth illustrated in Saul, who showered David with generous invitations even as he eyed him with increasing envy and hostility. Giving the appearance of civility, Saul even offered God’s anointed king his daughter’s hand in marriage while secretly plotting to eliminate him. This ... Continue Reading 

Our thoughts don’t always align with our words. We see this truth illustrated in Saul, who showered David with generous invitations even as he eyed him with increasing envy and hostility. Giving the appearance of civility, Saul even offered God’s anointed king his daughter’s hand in marriage while secretly plotting to eliminate him. This ... Continue Reading 

In many ways, Saul and David were complete opposites. The king was full of bravado, while the shepherd boy was self-effacing. Saul was filled with hate, while David was clearly blessed by the Lord. Eventually, David would become king—the very thing that Saul feared. Yet even he would succumb to pride. Contrasting the two men, Alistair ... Continue Reading 

In many ways, Saul and David were complete opposites. The king was full of bravado, while the shepherd boy was self-effacing. Saul was filled with hate, while David was clearly blessed by the Lord. Eventually, David would become king—the very thing that Saul feared. Yet even he would succumb to pride. Contrasting the two men, Alistair ... Continue Reading 

Magazines and self-help books overflow with clever suggestions to help us feel better about ourselves, but the Bible has a different message. Pride and self-importance cause division in the Church, robbing God of His glory. Alistair Begg teaches that biblical self-image admits that we are merely sinners saved by grace, and therefore, boasting is foolishness. Continue Reading 

Expecting power, glory, and triumph, many were initially eager to follow Jesus, but they quickly turned away when His teaching predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection. Even Peter rebuked Jesus because His teaching was inconsistent with their expectations. As Alistair Begg points out, many Christians today also trivialize the message of Jesus in favor of what appeals ... Continue Reading 

Expecting power, glory, and triumph, many were initially eager to follow Jesus, but they quickly turned away when His teaching predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection. Even Peter rebuked Jesus because His teaching was inconsistent with their expectations. As Alistair Begg points out, many Christians today also trivialize the message of Jesus in favor of what appeals ... Continue Reading 

It’s tempting to shake our heads in disbelief at the insensitive and childish behavior of Christ’s disciples: as Jesus spoke of suffering and servanthood, the disciples argued about status and jockeyed for positions of honor. Alistair Begg reminds us that we are not so different today, proudly seeking to exalt ourselves rather than offering ourselves ... Continue Reading 

It’s tempting to shake our heads in disbelief at the insensitive and childish behavior of Christ’s disciples: as Jesus spoke of suffering and servanthood, the disciples argued about status and jockeyed for positions of honor. Alistair Begg reminds us that we are not so different today, proudly seeking to exalt ourselves rather than offering ourselves ... Continue Reading 

Although Jesus spoke very clearly about His impending death and resurrection, His disciples struggled to understand because Christ’s words were incompatible with their preconceived notions of the Messiah. Instead, their focus was marked by rivalry and selfish ambition. Alistair Begg teaches us that it is not our accomplishments that earn us salvation, but the sacrifice of ... Continue Reading 

Although Jesus spoke very clearly about His impending death and resurrection, His disciples struggled to understand because Christ’s words were incompatible with their preconceived notions of the Messiah. Instead, their focus was marked by rivalry and selfish ambition. Alistair Begg teaches us that it is not our accomplishments that earn us salvation, but the sacrifice of ... Continue Reading 

Humility and grace go hand in hand. The more we understand God’s grace, the more humble we should become. Alistair Begg reminds us that living a humble life involves serving others, regularly asking God for forgiveness, and remembering our utter dependence on Him. A life marked by humility thinks so much of God that there is ... Continue Reading 

The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise after she was told that she would bear the Savior. Unlike many songs, though, it’s neither ethereal nor spiritual, but unsentimental and challenging, comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. Alistair Begg reminds us that the proud let their achievements—even their achievements for God—block them from ... Continue Reading 

The contrast between the attitude of James and John and that of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10, could not be more striking. The disciples showed an attitude of selfish ambition that desired status and honor, while Jesus displayed a humble attitude of service. Alistair Begg teaches us that it will take a decisive, costly sacrifice - a ... Continue Reading 

The contrast between the attitude of James and John and that of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10, could not be more striking. The disciples showed an attitude of selfish ambition that desired status and honor, while Jesus displayed a humble attitude of service. Alistair Begg teaches us that it will take a decisive, costly sacrifice - a ... Continue Reading 

Does your weakness discourage you? Do you wish you were more adequate for your tasks? Uniquely in biblical thinking, weakness is actually a blessing, a chance for Christ’s adequacy to shine—as the apostle Paul himself certainly had to learn. Glorifying ourselves increases our disappointment and despair, Alistair Begg explains. But when dependence upon Christ is ... Continue Reading 

On the heels of victory against the Philistines, Saul found himself waging a new battle—a spiritual war within his own heart. His desire to vanquish enemies in his own strength led him to place a rash oath on the Israelites. This foolish decision led the people to obey manmade laws rather than God’s divine commands ... Continue Reading 

On the heels of victory against the Philistines, Saul found himself waging a new battle—a spiritual war within his own heart. His desire to vanquish enemies in his own strength led him to place a rash oath on the Israelites. This foolish decision led the people to obey manmade laws rather than God’s divine commands ... Continue Reading 

When we’re satisfied with ourselves and lazy in our spiritual condition, it’s time for a wake-up call. Paul lovingly confronted the Corinthian believers about their preoccupation with status, reputation, and popularity while they ignored serious issues of moral laxity. Alistair Begg warns that this kind of smugness can quickly lead to the demise of an ... Continue Reading 

In the Corinthian church, prideful boasting and eloquent religious entertainment had replaced solid biblical teaching. Paul made it clear that he did not want to shame these believers, but to warn them because he did not want to see them led astray. Alistair Begg echoes Paul’s warning and outlines eight lessons for today’s Church, noting ... Continue Reading