INTRODUCTION: It is difficult to discuss Pride, because the word has so many meanings in English. E.G. "Take pride in America!" "He takes pride in his work." "I pride myself on being on time." "Pride goes before a fall." "I went to the zoo and saw a pride of lions there."

I. The Israelites had become a proud people.
A. It takes arrogance to worship the work of your own hands.
B. It takes conceit to think of yourselves as God's chosen people.
C. Isaiah prophesied a time of humiliation to come (Is. 2:11, 17-18)

II. Humility Involves Repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14)
King Josiah claimed the truth of this verse in 2 Chron. 34:14-33 (read all).
His humility evidenced itself in that...
A. He heeded the Word of God.
B. He feared God's anger.
C. He publicly stood up for God, and led the nation to follow Jehovah.

III. King Nebuchadnezzar was the opposite of King Josiah.
Read his story in Daniel 4:28-37

IV. Jesus Told Christians to be Humble as Children (Matt. 18:1-4)
A. Do you see yourself as a weak, dependent child of God?
B. Can you accept God's Word as a little child automatically believes his parents?
C. Can you fully trust your heavenly Father to provide for you, as a little child trusts his parents for food and shelter?
D. Do you see yourself as unworthy, even in your most spiritual moments? (Luke 17:7-10).

V. Jesus is Our Greatest Example of Humility (Phillippians 2:3-8)

CONCLUSION: It is hard for us to be humble! Why?
1. We live in a culture that exalts the proud, and steps on the meek.
2. It goes against our sinful inclinations.
But the Lord promises his grace, and his presence to the humble. May the Lord help us to put aside our foolish pride, and to seek His presence, and live for Him, with humble hearts.