Get Over Yourself

Get Over Yourself: Confronting the Deadly Sin of Pride

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Peter 5:5
• Luke 18:14
• Proverbs 16:5

Other references

• Proverbs 8:13
• Genesis 3:6
• Proverbs 16:18

Overview

Pride ruins lives because it is both “dangerously destructive” and “difficult to detect.” All of us wrestle with it, whether we admit it or not. 1 Peter 5 declares that God opposes the proud yet pours grace on the humble; therefore the only safe place is low before Him. Pastor Sam Marón walked the church through three revealing faces of sinful pride, exposed how each one shows up in everyday life, and invited everyone to exchange hidden shame for the lift that only God’s mighty hand can give.

Main Points

What makes pride sinful?

• Not all pride is wrong (e.g., being proud of a child, using God-given gifts).
• Sinful pride = elevating ourselves above others AND denying our need for God.
• Two core realities:
  • Pride is “dangerously destructive.”
  • Pride is “difficult to detect” — the people who need this message most often think it’s for someone else.

1. “I’m Better Than You” Pride

• Illustrated by Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee who prayed, “Thank God I’m not like that tax collector.”
• Shows up today as spiritual superiority, critical spirits, cultural snobbery, or political contempt.

• Story: Pastor Sam confessed looking down on other immigrants after gaining U.S. citizenship—an attitude he now calls “disgusting” because God hates it.
• Illustration (marriage): Couples who think, “No one works as hard as I do,” or start arguments from a place of superiority.
• Tip for married fights: “If you’re going to fight, fight naked” — vulnerability kills superiority.
• Single-person caution: Waiting for a “perfect” spouse may reveal hidden pride; you might be “waiting for perfection and missing God’s great selection.”

2. “I Can Handle It” Pride

• Loves helping others but refuses to receive help; prays little because “I’ve got this.”
• Adam and Eve believed the serpent’s lie and reached for god-status (Genesis 3:6).
  • Pride → sin → shame → cover-up — the “pride cycle.”
• Indicators: secret addictions, stale prayer life, chronic independence.
• Call: “If you’re addicted, ask for help. If your marriage is in trouble, ask for help. Humble yourself and God will lift you up.”

3. “That Doesn’t Apply to Me” Pride

• Living as though the rules are for others.
• King David stayed home from battle, saw Bathsheba, and spiraled into adultery and murder (Proverbs 16:18).
• Warning: “Status without accountability is the breeding ground for pride.”
• Diagnostic questions:
  • Have I rationalized a sin?
  • Do I act like tithing, purity standards, or accountability are optional?

A Personal Testimony of Freedom

• Story: Pastor Sam hid a years-long pornography addiction under “I can handle it” pride.
  • Breakthrough came only when he got on his face, confessed to a trusted brother, and accepted God’s grace.
  • He has walked in freedom for 11 years — proof that “God’s mighty hand still lifts people up.”

The Humble Posture

“There’s no position more humiliating than flat on your face.”

• Culture says “Promote yourself”; Jesus says “Hum­ble yourself.”
• When we drop low, God keeps His promise: “At the right time He will lift you up in honor.”

Key Truths

• God actively opposes pride but rushes toward humility with grace.
• Pride often masquerades as spiritual zeal, competence, or moral conviction.
• The longer pride goes unchecked, the more it breeds hidden sin and shame.
• Vulnerability with God and trusted people breaks the pride–sin–shame cycle.
• Freedom is found not in self-improvement but in surrender under God’s mighty hand.

Response

• Ask the Holy Spirit, “Do I have pride?” and listen for His answer.
• Confess any “I’m better,” “I can handle it,” or “That doesn’t apply to me” attitudes.
• Invite accountability: share hidden struggles with a trusted, godly friend.
• Practice humility daily—serve someone anonymously, pray before acting, seek counsel first.
• When temptation surfaces, remember God’s promise and choose to bow low rather than stand tall.

Closing

Pride is a silent killer, but grace is louder. Hands went up across the room as people admitted their need and others surrendered to Christ for the first time. The invitation was simple yet weighty: humble yourself today, and the God who lifted Peter from sinking waters will lift you, too.

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I give You my life.
I surrender my heart.
Forgive me of my sins and make me new.
Fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You and serve You all the days of my life.
No more guilt, no more shame—my life belongs to You.
Thank You for forgiveness, thank You for Your grace, and thank You for new life.
Now You have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.