Before Destruction the Heart of Man Is Haughty
The sermon warns of the dangers of pride and the importance of living in humility, emphasizing that true glory is found in glorying in the Lord.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the dangers of pride and haughtiness, warning that a proud heart often precedes destruction. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as King David and Nebuchadnezzar, showing that pride leads to downfall and humiliation. Spurgeon cautions Christians against self-conceit and the illusion of spiritual richness, reminding them that true humility is essential to avoid God's discipline. He concludes by urging believers to find their glory in the Lord rather than in their own achievements, as pride can lead to the loss of joy and comfort.
Text
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10.
See Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers. Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down., All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts. O Christian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing."
Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences? Mark thee, reader, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy flaunting poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill. If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod.
A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Haughty Heart as a Sign of Destruction
- A. Pride is a sure sign of impending evil
- B. History is full of examples of pride leading to downfall
- C. God hates high looks and always brings them down
- II. The Dangers of Pride in the Christian Life
- A. Pride can deceive even believers into thinking they are self-sufficient
- B. Pride can lead to a focus on one's own graces and talents
- C. Pride can result in a loss of humility and a reliance on oneself
- III. The Importance of Humility
- A. Living at the foot of the cross in humility is essential
- B. God will not forget to correct those who forget to live in humility
- C. True glory is found in glorying in the Lord
Key Quotes
“Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must be aware of the dangers of pride and take steps to avoid it in our lives.
- Living at the foot of the cross in humility is essential for a healthy Christian life.
- True glory is found in glorying in the Lord, not in our own accomplishments or talents.