Jesus Upends our Pride

Deacon Edward's sermon provides a comprehensive exploration of the sin of pride, its historical impact, and its relevance to modern Christian life. He begins by tracing pride's origins to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve's desire to be like God led to their expulsion from paradise. The deacon then illustrates how pride has manifested throughout history, from the ancient Israelites' rebellion against God to more recent atrocities like the Holocaust and various genocides.

The sermon focuses on Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees in Mark 7, where He criticizes their adherence to human traditions at the expense of God's commandments. Deacon Edward emphasizes that the Pharisees' obsession with outward cleanliness and their use of loopholes to avoid caring for their parents revealed their prideful hearts. He notes that Jesus identified pride as one of the evil things that come from within and defile a person.

Deacon Edward then turns the mirror on himself and his congregation, acknowledging that pride often manifests in subtle ways in our daily lives. He shares personal examples of how pride has affected his relationships and spiritual disciplines, encouraging listeners to recognize similar patterns in their own lives.

The sermon draws on several scriptural passages to reinforce its message. Deuteronomy 4:9 warns against forgetting God's works, while Ephesians 6:10-17 emphasizes the importance of putting on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil, including pride. Deacon Edward also references Psalm 15, which describes the characteristics of those who may dwell in God's presence.

In light of these exhortations, Deacon Edward calls his listeners to examine their hearts truthfully, especially during the year of Eucharistic revival. He emphasizes the importance of approaching God's table with humility, acknowledging our need for Christ and our inability to please God through our own efforts.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Eucharist. Deacon Edward encourages believers to take hold of Christ's body and blood by faith, allowing His humility to become their own. He stresses that this act of humble faith not only combats pride but also brings Christ's presence into our homes, churches, and the world around us.

Finally, Deacon Edward relates this message to the current election year, urging God's people to set their eyes on heavenly things rather than the prideful things of the world. He calls for a renewal of faith and humility, emphasizing that it is through these virtues that we can overthrow pride and begin to restore paradise on earth, fulfilling the prayer for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.