Adam and Eve were the first humans to sin, but not the first creatures to sin. The first created being who sinned was Satan. He fell from his high position as star of the morning to become the adversary of God and man because he wanted God’s glory for himself. Through Satan’s deception, humans sinned against God. We lost our dominion and came under the devil’s rule, causing sin and death to come into the world. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, however, He limited the power of the devil and guaranteed the ultimate triumph of God.

Scripture shows that Satan, formerly known as Lucifer, is the progenitor of all pride, and people are merely the subjects displaying it. Satan looked at Eve, a woman who was already crowned in divine glory, and convinced her she was bankrupt. He tempted her to cross the boundary of heaven to steal what God had already given her for free on earth. This is the great deception of the devil to steal our God-given dominion, but it is also where the redemption of humanity began. Jesus came to earth to retrieve what we lost and make it possible for us to be reconciled with God.

The Bible makes it clear that God hates pride. There are many examples in the Bible of people who were deceived by Satan and destroyed by their ego. If we also mimic Satan’s prideful attitude, we will share in his downfall. God has already provided what we need to overcome this sin. God created us in His image, Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross, and the Bible reveals the future defeat of the devil. We can be grateful for everything God has given us and rest in the knowledge that He is in control and, ultimately, He wins!

Getting Started

1. How does our culture portray the devil? What do people get wrong and what do they get right?

2. When you hear the word pride, what comes to your mind?

Let’s Get Personal

1. In the Bible, whose struggle with pride can you relate to the most?

2. In what ways have you been deceived by prideful thinking, and how did this message clarify the truth for you?

3. What does Jesus Christ’s defeat of sin and death on the cross mean to you, and how should it impact your daily life?

Take the Next Step

1. What is one practical way you can conquer pride in your life this week?

2. Choose a Scripture about pride and memorize it this week to help you stay focused on being humble and grateful. Write the verse down and put it somewhere you will see it every day.

3. Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Genesis 1:2, 3, 10, 12, 21, 26; Isaiah 14:12-15; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 29:23; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Isaiah 42:8; Luke 10:18; Psalm 8:4-6; Genesis 2:8, 15-17; Genesis 3:1-5, 15; Matthew 4:8-9; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 3:8; 1 Timothy 3:6; John 4:24; Revelation 12:4-12; 1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:6; Zechariah 3:1; John 12:31; Daniel 4:30; Acts 12:22; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Numbers 16:3; Daniel 5:23; Isaiah 34:11; Jeremiah 4:23.

Renew Your Mind

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. – Proverbs 16:18