Pride and Arrogance

Introduction:

Pride and arrogance are very similar terms.  Pride and arrogance cause us to act in ways we normally wouldn’t.  It also causes us to not fully cognizant of things around us. This subject finds itself throughout the book of Obadiah. Obadiah’s message is directed to the Edomites, long standing enemies of Israel. Tonight we will learn more about the Edomite nation…and…using the Edomites as an example, let’s look at what pride and arrogance can do to us. 

I. Who were the Edomites?

A.    “Edom” means red. Descendants of Esau.

B.     From the very beginning, disharmony characterized the relationship between Esau & Jacob.

1.      Gen. 25:22 – struggled in the womb; Gen. 27 – Jacob stole Esau’s birthright.

2.     Gen 27:41 - Jacob had to flee for his life because of Esau.

3.     Num. 20 – long running feud between Israel & Edom begins when Edom refused to allow the Hebrew nation to pass through to the Promised Land.

C.    Constantly a thorn in the side of Israel until finally subdued by David. David appointed a governor over them. During the reign of Jehoram, Edom revolted.

D.    During Obadiah’s ministry, Jehoram ruled Judah.

1.      He is described in 2 Chron. 21:4, 6-11

2.     2 Chron. 21:16-17: Jerusalem where the king’s house was invaded.

3.     It is in the background of this attack on Jerusalem that Obadiah is written.

4.     See Obadiah 10-11.

II. 1:1-2 - Pride made them feel invincible.

A.    1:1-2 - Edom was despised by many nations and God

B.     People often have an inflated opinion of themselves, which causes both God and man to despise them.  There is no room for pride Js. 4:6; Matthew 23:12

III. 1:3-9 - Arrogance gave them a false sense of security.

A.    Edom had trusted in material things.

1.      1:3-4 - High dwelling places; 1:5-6 - Hidden treasures

2.     1:7 - Close allies; 1:8 - Confidence in wise men; 1:9 - Pride in mighty men

B.     Must be careful trusting in riches and human wisdom rather than in God.

1.      We can’t take riches with us.  I Tim. 6:5-10

2.     Friends can lead us down the wrong path.  I Cor. 15:33

3.     “Wise” men can give us bad advice.    

C.    They failed to realize their total dependence upon God. See 1.3.

1:11-14 – Pride will cause us to treat “family” poorly.

A.    Edom had committed acts of aggression against their relatives (Jacob).

1.      1:11-12 - Watched as strangers carried away Israel’s treasures.

2.     1:13 - Looted their treasures when they were attacked.

3.     1:14 - Didn’t allow their people to flee.

B.     Pride causes us to neglect those who should be most important to us. 

1:15-21 – Arrogance will cause you to lose your soul.

A.    1:15-17 - Edom’s destruction would come from Mt. Zion.  See Gal. 6:7-8

C.    1:18 - Esau (Edom) would be laid low. 1:19 - Other nations would inhabit their lands.

Conclusion

A.    Pride will cause you to become someone different.

B.     Guard yourself; don’t allow the destruction of Edom fall upon you.