CATALYST, REMIX & BLOUNT

Series:  “How to Lose Your Friends”

Focus:  Pharaoh – Pride

Family Discussion:

Pride is destructive. Perhaps no story demonstrates this reality more clearly than that of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. Pharaoh’s pride led him to believe that it was okay for him to enslave an entire group of people. His pride destroyed generations of lives as they were forced into slavery. But Pharaoh’s pride also destroyed him. He thought he could run down the Hebrews and enslave them again. This time his pride cost him his life, and the lives of Egypt’s entire army.

Pride destroys us too. It puts a wedge between us and our friends. It also puts a wedge between us and God. But it doesn’t have to. If we realize that God has called us to submit to God, put others above ourselves and accept advice, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride. That is why Paul said we should have the mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:5-8  “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Discussion Questions:

–          What steps have you taken to help each member of your family avoid pride? In what areas do you struggle most with pride? How can you help each other overcome that?

–          If Pharaoh could give you advice today, what do you think it would be?

–          How are you submitting to God this week?

–          What is one concrete way you will put others above yourself this week?

Application: 

Ancient Egyptians believed the Pharaoh’s were divine. Pharaoh bought into the lie that he was a god. So often, we do the exact same thing. We try to take God’s place, believing that we are in control of our lives and situations. Instead we need to be like Christ, who although he was God, humbled himself so that we could have freedom from sin. This week don’t try and take the greatest place in your family, instead look for ways to lift each other up and “honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

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