THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: KINGDOM OF GOD (3)

KINGDOM OF GOD 3 of 8

Matt. 23:2-12

What is the greatest sin in the kingdom?

The greatest sin is pride -for a number of reasons (Ps.59: 12; Prov. 8:13; 16:18; 29:23). First, Pride was the fundamental sin of Satan, when he first sinned. Pride says, “I can d o it, better than God,” and Satan thought he could do a better job of running the universe than God could (Is. 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-19)! Second, pride inevitably leads to the sin of rebellion. By proudly carrying on our plan for our lives and those around us, we necessarily come into conflict with God’s plan. That is why the Bible says, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6)

There is no way of being neutral in the kingdom. One is either for Jesus or against Him. The proud are automatically against Him, because their life is not yielded to Him and to what He wants to accomplish.

Finally, pride leads to a sense of self-sufficiency, making us unwilling to learn or receive from God or man. Jesus said to be converted and become as little children (Matt. 18:3,4). Children are trusting and they are teachable. They always want to learn from the Father.

But once a person becomes proud he supposes self-sufficiency and cannot learn, while the good things of the kingdom of God are given to those who ask. If we do not ask, we do not receive.

God’s name reveals this truth. He is “I AM” (Ex. 3:14). I am what? The answer- - I am the supply of your need. I am healing, wisdom, sanctification, provisions, victory, and salvation.

His great power extends to His people like a blank check. We are to fill in the blank according to our need. It is only when we realize that we are needy that we can truly experience

God. If we feel that we have no needs, if we are totally self-sufficient, then we have closed God out of our lives. That is why pride cuts off all of the blessings of the kingdom. By pride we sin against god and against ourselves.