Month: March 2026

Categories
Christian living

Pride Comes Before the Fall

Pride is not just a cultural slogan or a personal attitude—it is a spiritual issue with eternal consequences. In a time when pride is celebrated in many forms and spaces, it is important to step back and examine what Scripture says about it. This is not merely about addressing one group or one movement, but about confronting the deeper issue that affects every human heart: pride itself.

Pride is often praised, defended, and even worn as a badge of honor. Yet, more often than not, it leads people down a path that strays from the Word of God. As has been said, pride is not a small flaw—it is the root of many others. It distorts our thinking, elevates ourselves above God, and ultimately leads us away from truth.

The central message is clear: the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against the prideful.

Romans 1:18–20 explains that God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. This wrath is not like human anger—it is holy, perfect, and just. It is directed toward those who reject God, who go against His created order, and who suppress the truth. God has made Himself known through creation. His eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in the world around us. Because of this, no one has an excuse.

Pride plays a critical role here.

Pride Suppresses the Truth

People do not reject God because there is no evidence. They reject Him because pride does not want to acknowledge Him. Creation itself testifies to a Creator. The complexity of the human body, the order of the universe, and the beauty of the world all point to God. Yet pride pushes that truth down.

General revelation—what we see in creation—does not save, but it does reveal enough to make us accountable. The issue is not ignorance; it is refusal. Pride refuses to bow.

Pride Makes You Foolish

Romans 1:21–22 shows that although people know God, they do not honor Him or give thanks. Instead, their thinking becomes futile and their hearts are darkened. Claiming to be wise, they become fools.

Futile thinking produces nothing of value. It is empty and fruitless. When people reject God, they begin to define truth on their own terms. Their minds drift further from reality, and their hearts grow darker.

True wisdom begins with acknowledging God. Without that foundation, all human wisdom falls short.

Pride Leads to Idolatry

When truth is suppressed and thinking becomes futile, idolatry follows. Romans 1:23 describes how people exchange the glory of God for images—worshiping created things rather than the Creator.

Idolatry is not limited to carved statues. It can be anything elevated above God—possessions, status, intellect, or even personal desires. The human heart constantly produces idols, replacing God with something lesser.

At its core, idolatry is pride. It reshapes God into something manageable, something that fits human preferences rather than submitting to who He truly is.

Pride Leads to Improper Worship

Romans 1:24–25 reveals that God “gave them up” to their desires. This is a form of judgment—not only in eternity, but in the present. When people persist in pride, God allows them to follow their own path.

This results in dishonoring their bodies and exchanging truth for lies. Worship becomes misdirected. Instead of honoring the Creator, people serve creation.

This exchange is devastating. What seems like freedom is actually loss. What seems like gain is ultimately empty.

Pride Leads Away from God’s Design

Romans 1:26–31 shows the full progression. Pride leads people to reject God’s design entirely, including His design for human relationships and sexuality. When God is removed from the center, everything else becomes distorted.

The passage goes beyond one specific sin and lists many—envy, deceit, malice, gossip, arrogance, disobedience, and more. These sins affect every area of life and every relationship.

Pride convinces people that they have the authority to define right and wrong for themselves. It rejects God’s design and replaces it with human preference.

Pride Makes You the Final Judge

Romans 1:32 brings a sobering conclusion. People not only practice sin but approve of it in others. This reveals a deeper level of rebellion—knowing what is wrong, yet celebrating it.

Pride declares, “I am the authority.” It removes God from His rightful place as Judge and places self on the throne.

This is dangerous, not only because it leads to personal sin, but because it encourages others to follow the same path.

The Good News

The message does not end with judgment.

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 reminds us that while many will not inherit the kingdom of God because of sin, there is hope: “And such were some of you.” Those who believe in Christ can be washed, sanctified, and justified.

No matter how deep the sin or how strong the pride, there is a way to be made new. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died for sin, and rose again. Through faith in Him, a person can be forgiven and transformed.

Salvation is not about a checklist—it is about a relationship. It begins with repentance, turning away from pride and sin, and trusting in Christ.

A Call to Humility

James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to grace.

The call is simple:

  • Do not suppress the truth—embrace it.
  • Do not trust your own wisdom—seek God’s.
  • Remove idols—worship God alone.
  • Follow His design—do not redefine it.
  • Submit to Him as Judge—do not take His place.

Pride comes before the fall, but humility leads to life.

Categories
Matthew

Church Discipline: A Mark of a Healthy Church

Matthew 18:15–20

If you have a Bible, turn to Matthew 18. The topic before us is not one most people would call their favorite: church discipline. Yet, while it may feel uncomfortable, it is essential to the health, purity, and witness of the church.

Church discipline is often misunderstood. Some hear the phrase and immediately think of harsh judgment or exclusion. But biblically, church discipline is not about punishment—it is about restoration, protection, and love.

A helpful definition puts it this way:
Church discipline is the process of correcting sinful behavior among members of a local church for the purpose of protecting the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among believers.

Why Church Discipline Matters

We live in a time where many churches emphasize comfort over correction. As Mark Dever has pointed out, it is possible for a church to grow numerically, have great music, welcoming people, and exciting programs—and yet be spiritually unhealthy. Why? Because sin is tolerated rather than confronted.

J. Carl Laney describes it as an infection left untreated. Just as disease weakens the body, unchecked sin weakens the church. When discipline is neglected, the church loses its power, its witness, and its effectiveness.

God’s intention for His church is not just unity—but unity in holiness.

The Biblical Process of Church Discipline

In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives a clear and loving process for addressing sin within the church. These steps are not optional—they are given by Christ Himself for the good of His people.

Step 1: Private Correction

Jesus begins:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone…”

Notice the context—this is about fellow believers, not outsiders. This is family. When sin occurs, the first step is not gossip, avoidance, or retaliation. It is a private, personal conversation.

This means:

  • Not waiting for them to come to you
  • Not giving them the cold shoulder
  • Not talking about them behind their back
  • Not masking gossip as a “prayer request”

Instead, you go directly to them—with humility and love.

Sometimes this correction is gentle. Other times it requires firm clarity. Scripture shows both. In Galatians 6:1, we are told to restore others in a spirit of gentleness. Yet in other places, like Paul confronting Peter, there is a necessary boldness.

Why? Because sin is serious—but so is restoration.

The goal is always the same:
“If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer captured this beautifully when he wrote that sin thrives in isolation but loses its power when brought into the light. Confession and loving confrontation break sin’s grip and restore fellowship.

Step 2: Group Correction

Jesus continues:
“But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you…”

Sometimes people don’t respond to private correction. At that point, others are brought in—not to gang up, but to:

  • Confirm the truth
  • Ensure fairness
  • Provide additional perspective

This principle comes from Deuteronomy 19:15—matters are established by two or three witnesses.

This step protects everyone involved. It guards against false accusations and helps the person see the seriousness of their sin.

Again, the goal remains unchanged:
restoration.

Step 3: Tell It to the Church

“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…”

At this stage, the issue becomes a matter for the whole body. Why? Because sin that remains unrepented affects more than just the individual—it impacts the entire church.

This step is not about public shaming. It is about corporate care. The church lovingly calls the individual to repentance, saying in effect:

“We love you too much to let you continue in this.”

We are not meant to ignore one another’s spiritual condition. True love cares deeply about a brother or sister’s walk with Christ.

Step 4: Removal from Fellowship

Jesus concludes:
“If he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

This is the most difficult step. It involves removing the unrepentant person from church membership and fellowship.

This is not done lightly. It only happens after repeated opportunities for repentance. And even then, the purpose is not rejection—it is wake-up mercy.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul instructs the church to remove a man living in blatant sin—not to destroy him, but so that he might ultimately be saved.

Church discipline protects:

  • The individual (by confronting sin)
  • The church (by preventing sin from spreading)
  • The witness of the gospel

Christ’s Authority in Discipline

Jesus gives a powerful assurance in this passage:

“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven…”

This reminds us that when the church faithfully follows Christ’s instructions, it acts under His authority. Discipline is not man-made—it is Christ-ordained.

And in verses 19–20, we are reminded that when believers gather in unity under His name, He is present among them—even in difficult moments like discipline.

Five Reasons to Practice Church Discipline

Drawing from biblical teaching, here are five key reasons the church must practice discipline:

1. For the Good of the Individual

Sin deceives. Discipline lovingly calls people back to truth and life.

2. For the Good of Other Believers

When sin is addressed, it serves as a warning and reminder of its seriousness.

3. For the Health of the Church

Scripture compares sin to yeast—it spreads. Discipline protects the church’s purity.

4. For the Church’s Witness

A holy church stands out in a broken world. When we look no different from the world, our message loses credibility.

5. For the Glory of God

Above all, we pursue holiness because God is holy. Our lives are meant to reflect His character.

The Heart Behind Discipline

It is important to remember:
Church discipline is not the main focus of the church—just like medicine is not the focus of life. But when needed, it is essential.

At its core, church discipline is about love:

  • Love for the individual
  • Love for the church
  • Love for the lost
  • Love for God

The Gospel Foundation

The greatest truth behind church discipline is this:
Jesus Himself confronted sin—our sin—at the cross.

Our greatest problem is not the sins we commit against one another, but the sins we have committed against God. And what did Christ do?

He took our punishment.
He bore the wrath we deserved.
He died in our place.
And He rose again.

Through His sacrifice, we are forgiven, restored, and made new.

Because of that love, we pursue holiness—not to earn salvation, but because we have been saved.

A Call to the Church

Church discipline is not easy—but it is necessary. It is a mark of a healthy church and a reflection of Christ’s love for His people.

So let us:

  • Love one another enough to speak truth
  • Walk in humility and accountability
  • Pursue holiness together
  • Reflect Christ to the world

And if you do not yet know Jesus, see His love for you. Turn from your sin, trust in Him, and be saved.

Let us be a church that is pure, loving, and faithful—
for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Go… and Keep Going

The final text in the Gospel of Matthew is incredibly important. It takes everything Jesus has done and said—everything we have seen in the cross, the burial, and the resurrection—and moves it toward action.

The women at the empty tomb were told to go.
The disciples were told to go.
And now the church is told to go.

One line has been on my heart as I’ve thought about this passage:

The biggest problem with the church is that we have turned the Great Commission into the Great Omission.

At the end of the Gospel of Matthew we read:

Matthew 28:16–20 says:

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

The message is simple:

Every Christian is called to go into the world and make disciples.

Why Galilee?

Matthew tells us the disciples met Jesus in Galilee on a mountain. That wasn’t random. It was intentional.

Galilee was where Jesus began His ministry. It was in Galilee that He preached the Sermon on the Mount. His first great teaching happened on a mountain there. Now His final commission happens on a mountain there.

At the beginning of His ministry the crowds were amazed because He taught with authority. Now, after the resurrection, Jesus declares:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The authority they saw glimpses of at the beginning is now fully revealed at the end.

The Sermon on the Mount focused inward—how a disciple should live.

The Great Commission focuses outward—now go make disciples.

Galilee was also called “Galilee of the Gentiles.” Even at the beginning of His ministry, the mission was bigger than Israel. It was always headed toward the nations.

And there’s something beautiful in this moment.

Before the cross Jesus told them, “After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” He kept that promise. And when He calls them there, He doesn’t just call them disciples—He calls them brothers.

After their failure.
After their running.
After Peter’s denial.

They are restored and recommissioned.

Worship… and Doubt

When the disciples saw Jesus, Matthew records something honest:

They worshiped Him—but some doubted.

The word doubt here doesn’t mean outright unbelief. It means hesitation. It’s the same word used when Peter began to sink while walking on water.

Matthew includes this detail for believers like us. People who believe—but sometimes struggle.

What’s remarkable is this:
Jesus doesn’t shame them for their hesitation.

He gives them a mission.

Their flaws are not met with condemnation. They are met with calling.

Why We Go

Jesus explains why we must go:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

This means the Great Commission is not based on preference. It’s based on authority.

We don’t fulfill the Great Commission because a pastor tells us to.

We fulfill it because the risen King commands it.

Human beings resist authority. We want to do what we want, when we want. But this command comes from the One who went to the cross for us and now reigns over all creation.

Understanding the Great Commission requires understanding the One who sent us.

What the Mission Is

Jesus gives four clear actions:

Go.
Make disciples.
Baptize them.
Teach them.

“Go” carries the idea of “as you are going.”

As you are going to work.
As you are going to school.
As you are going through your neighborhood.
As you are walking through Walmart.
As you are going through life.

Make disciples.

The Christian life was never meant to be stationary. The church was never meant to sit—it was meant to move.

This command is not just for pastors or missionaries. It is not for elite Christians. It is normal Christianity.

We go across the street.
We go across the office.
We go across the dinner table.

And some go across the ocean.

But every believer is called to go.

Not Just Converts—Disciples

Jesus did not say, “Go make converts.”

He said, “Make disciples.”

A disciple is someone who hears the Word of Jesus, understands it, and obeys it.

Disciple-making is deeper than a momentary decision. It is slower. More relational. More intentional.

It means walking with people.

Opening Scripture together.
Answering questions.
Modeling repentance.
Encouraging obedience.

Disciples are not microwaved. They are slow-cooked.

Jesus spent three years with His disciples—and even then they struggled. That alone tells us disciple-making is a process.

Baptism and Obedience

Part of making disciples includes baptism.

Baptism is not decoration. It is public identification with Christ.

It declares:

I have died with Christ.
I have been buried with Christ.
I am raised with Christ.

Baptism brings weight to the commitment of following Jesus. It forces a person to publicly align themselves with the crucified and risen Savior.

And then comes the part we often overlook:

Teaching them to observe everything Jesus commanded.

Not the comfortable parts.
Not the convenient parts.

All of it.

Selective obedience is simply disobedience in disguise.

The Promise That Makes It Possible

The Great Commission would feel impossible if it ended there.

But Jesus gives a promise:

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The One who commands the mission also empowers the mission.

He doesn’t send His people out alone.

The cross purchased a people.
The burial confirmed the sacrifice.
The resurrection secured the throne.
The commission mobilizes the redeemed.

If the tomb is empty, the church cannot remain stationary.

Why We Must Keep Going

Numbers 13 and 14 show us another side of this story.

God promised Israel the land of Canaan. Twelve spies went to scout it.

They all saw the same land.

It was good. Fruitful. Exactly what God promised.

But they also saw giants and fortified cities.

Two reports came back.

The majority said:
“The land is good… but the people are too strong.”

Joshua and Caleb said:
“The people are strong… but the Lord is with us.”

Same facts.
Different faith.

The difference was where they placed the “but.”

The majority measured the promise by the problem.

Joshua and Caleb measured the problem by the promise.

The ten spies forgot God and saw giants.

Joshua and Caleb remembered God and saw victory.

Faith That Goes… and Keeps Going

Trusting God and His promises empowers us to keep going.

A resurrection faith moves intentionally.

It identifies people who need Christ and begins praying for them.

A resurrection faith speaks clearly.

The gospel must be explained. People cannot believe a message they have never heard.

A resurrection faith is patient.

Disciple-making takes time, relationships, and investment.

A resurrection faith calls for public obedience.

Baptism declares allegiance to Christ.

A resurrection faith submits to all of Christ’s teaching.

Not a curated Christianity—but a surrendered one.

And a resurrection faith endures because Christ is present.

When fear rises, we remember His presence.

When rejection comes, we remember we are not alone.

When fatigue sets in, we remember the risen King walks with His church.

The Empty Tomb Demands a Moving Church

The resurrection means Jesus reigns.

The cross was not defeat.
The tomb was not final.
The mission is not optional.

If the tomb is empty, our lives cannot remain stationary.

So the response is simple:

If you have never bowed to this risen King—surrender.

If you have received grace but withheld obedience—repent.

If comfort has replaced calling—move.

If you are weary—remember He is with you.

Because resurrection faith does not sit.

It goes.
And it keeps going.