One element of today's popular culture that seems to creep into Christians lives is the wickedness of contention. Contention can be identified as strife, struggle, conflict, dispute.(not exhaustive) One major but subtle manifestation of contention is disputing with others trying to prove a point, not being done for the edification of the other but for the justifying of ourselves. The sad reality is this wicked sin is prevalent in not only the world, but in many churches. We ought not argue about the Bible, disagreements ought to be handled in humility and careful biblical study. The bible states that the source of contention is pride. Proverbs 13:10 The evil world system today promotes and encourages pride as a virtue that is to be pursued.
The Bible states that the "pride of life" is of the world and is not from the Father. 1 John 2:16. Pride is also an underlying motive in Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden. Gen.3:6 Pride was a factor in Satan's fall Ezekiel 28:17 Pride is what blinds and keeps us from God. Psalm 10:4 God hates pride Proverbs 6:16-17, 8:13.
Contrasted to the arrogance of pride is the wisdom of humility. Humility is absence of self, lowliness of mind.( not exhaustive)
Humility is the means by which we draw close to God. James 4:6 Humility is often referred to as weakness by the satanic wisdom of the world, but the Bible says it's power. Matt 20:27 Humility is a trait of wisdom Proverbs 13:10 God is humble Matt 11:29-30
Humility is a characteristic of the redeemed Matt 5:3, it marks believers because their spiritual bankruptcy and necessity for a Savior has been revealed to them. On the other hand contention is a work of the flesh that characterizes the lost Gal 5:19-21.
A Christian can struggle with this sin, however it cannot dominate his/her lifestyle. Christ has saved us from the penalty and power of sin. Let us examine ourselves in the Light of Scripture 2 Cor. 13:5 If this wickedness is in our lives God is faithful to delivers us if we first acknowledge it's presence, (not acknowledging it's presence is a manifestation of pride) humble ourselves, and turn from it's slavery by God the Holy Spirit and prayer.
The Bible states that the "pride of life" is of the world and is not from the Father. 1 John 2:16. Pride is also an underlying motive in Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden. Gen.3:6 Pride was a factor in Satan's fall Ezekiel 28:17 Pride is what blinds and keeps us from God. Psalm 10:4 God hates pride Proverbs 6:16-17, 8:13.
Contrasted to the arrogance of pride is the wisdom of humility. Humility is absence of self, lowliness of mind.( not exhaustive)
Humility is the means by which we draw close to God. James 4:6 Humility is often referred to as weakness by the satanic wisdom of the world, but the Bible says it's power. Matt 20:27 Humility is a trait of wisdom Proverbs 13:10 God is humble Matt 11:29-30
Humility is a characteristic of the redeemed Matt 5:3, it marks believers because their spiritual bankruptcy and necessity for a Savior has been revealed to them. On the other hand contention is a work of the flesh that characterizes the lost Gal 5:19-21.
A Christian can struggle with this sin, however it cannot dominate his/her lifestyle. Christ has saved us from the penalty and power of sin. Let us examine ourselves in the Light of Scripture 2 Cor. 13:5 If this wickedness is in our lives God is faithful to delivers us if we first acknowledge it's presence, (not acknowledging it's presence is a manifestation of pride) humble ourselves, and turn from it's slavery by God the Holy Spirit and prayer.
