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(John 6:67) "... many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him."
Part 4: RECURRING TACTICS THE TEMPTER USES — 3. Spiritual Pride (turning holiness into self-satisfaction or superiority)
Spiritual pride shows up in two ways: as self‑exaltation or as sulking when God’s pruning exposes our weakness. Another tactic of the tempter is to convince us during our season of pruning that we’ve been stripped bare because we're worthless. Yes - pruning is painful and disorienting, and yes, the Holy Spirit’s sharp truth can leave us thinking: “Am I even in Christ Jesus?” When Jesus spoke bluntly with his disciples (“It is easier for a camel…”), the disciples cried, “Who then can be saved?” He answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:23–26). Scripture also asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” and answers, “Nothing” (Rom. 8:35–39).
That’s the tension we must name here: the objective, declared security we have in Christ and the real, experiential danger of our being tempted away because we're holding on to our idols (which are anything that replaces Christ in our hearts: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth). And all of these can estrange us if we hang on and refuse to repent. NB - Don’t think too highly of yourself; even apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers can be led astray to false gods. Think of the old adage, "Poverty idolises money; wealth hoards it — both are forms of worship."
What’s the solution? The Gospel of Christ ALONE resolves the tension. The Spirit’s pruning isn’t rejection but purification. When the tempter whispers that you’re worthless, remember Jesus’ mercy when he said: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” So, run to Him, then stop and listen. Open your heart to believe in His work in your life; repent when necessary, and don’t sulk away from His loving correction but receive it as discipline. Humble yourself, and return to the One who prunes to restore, not abandon (Heb. 12:5–11; Prov. 3:11–12). Because of Christ’s work and sacrifice, there is no condemnation for those who are in Him (Romans 8:1); His love sustains and completes the work He began (Philippians 1:6).
Remember always - Pruning is necessary and leads to a deeper life, not final abandonment.
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Let us pray, "Heavenly Father, I thank You for removing my doubts. I hang on to Your Words of life (Revelation 2:11) “Keep my ears awake? I want to listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. That Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death.” Amen!!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)