Pride in Christ, not Self.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 15:14-33

 

Romans 15:18-19

For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, ¹⁹ by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.

(ESV)

 

Proverbs 16:18, cautions us against pride, mentioning that it precedes destruction and a haughty spirit going before a fall. In Romans 15:17 Paul mentions having pride in his work for God, leading us to wonder if the Apostle Paul is setting himself up for destruction and a fall. To answer that question, we must distinguish whether the source of Paul’s pride is self-centered or Christ-centered.

 

While Paul’s primary ministry was to the Gentiles, he also shared the Gospel message with fellow Jews wherever he went (Acts 9:20, 13:5, 14:1, 17:1). In his role of a minister to the Gentiles, Paul tells the believers in Rome how he is satisfied with them because they are full of goodness, knowledge, and able to instruct one another (Romans 15:14). However, in this letter to the Romans, Paul has written boldly on certain points as a reminder because of the grace given him as minister to the Gentiles (Romans 15:15-16). Paul’s mention of pride regarding his work for God is in the context of one humbly acknowledging he does not seek to speak of anything except what Christ has done through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience (Romans 15:17-21).

 

As part of his continuing ministry to the Gentiles, Paul plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:22-24). However, he must stop in Jerusalem on the way to deliver an offering given to him in Macedonia and Achaia as gratitude for their sharing the spiritual blessings of Christ with them (Romans 15:25-27). After delivering the offering, Paul intends to come to Rome on his way to Spain knowing he is coming in the fullness of the blessing of Christ (Romans 15:28-29). Paul then asks for prayer from the believers in Rome for deliverance from unbelievers in Judea (Romans 15:30-33).

 

While the Bible reminds us that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18), the proverb occurs in the context of one seeking wisdom, avoiding evil, with lowliness of spirit, and heeding instruction (Proverbs 16:16-20). The pride cautioned against in Proverbs 16:18 is pride from a haughty spirit seeking self-aggrandizement and not pride in the work of Christ through their ministry coming from a humble spirit. Paul mentions his intention to visit Spain after Rome, indicating he did not intend to pridefully rest on his accomplishments but that he believed the Lord had more for him to do. Paul was not self-seeking in his ministry but instead sought that the Holy Spirit’s power would have demonstration through his ministry (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

 

One of the greatest temptations in a ministry growing in numbers is to begin believing the growth in ministry is due to the minister’s abilities. This is why a minister must maintain a spirit of humility like that of the Apostle Paul to avoid destructive pride (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Proverbs 16:18). One having growth in their ministry must remember that it is the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit that brings growth to his or her ministry (1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Romans 15:18-19). An increasingly corrupt world does not need narcissistic self-seeking ministers touting their own abilities and accomplishments but needs humble ministers pointing people to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus, the Son of God did not come in pride but instead came to suffer and die for the sins of humanity, including those nailing him to the cross. Like the Apostle Paul, Jesus demonstrates the humble spirit of a servant leader, more interested in providing a path to a personal relationship with God through his death on the cross than personal aggrandizement. If you are reading this and do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.