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For everyone who exalts himself

• Jesus issues a sweeping statement—no exceptions. Every person who elevates self above others is in view.

• Scripture consistently warns against pride: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).

• From the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4), self-promotion invites God’s intervention.

• Jesus restates this truth elsewhere: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled” (Matthew 23:12), underscoring its universal application.

• Humbled can come through God’s direct action or through the natural consequences of pride.

– Nebuchadnezzar lost his kingdom and sanity until he “looked to heaven” (Daniel 4:34-37).

– Isaiah prophesies, “The proud look of man will be humbled” (Isaiah 2:11).

• God actively opposes arrogance: “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6).

• Humbling may occur in this life or at final judgment (Romans 14:11). Either way, pride is unsustainable before a holy God.

• Humility is not self-loathing; it is an accurate view of oneself before God, choosing service over self-promotion.

• Jesus models it: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

• Practical expressions:

– Prefer others’ needs (Philippians 2:3-4).

– Accept lowly tasks without complaint (John 13:3-15).

– Submit to God’s authority and timing (1 Peter 5:5-6).

• The tax collector inLuke 18:13-14 shows humility in action, leaving the temple justified.

• God lifts the humble: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10).

• Exaltation may include:

– Increased usefulness and influence now (Joseph inGenesis 41).

– Inner joy and peace (Psalm 34:2).

– Honor at Christ’s return: “When Christ is revealed, you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

• The pattern is consistent: “The LORD…humbles and He exalts” (1 Samuel 2:7-8). His kingdom turns worldly values upside down—meekness inherits the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Luke 14:11 announces a divine reversal: self-advancement ends in God’s demotion, while self-denial invites God’s promotion. Pride alienates; humility aligns us with Christ’s own heart. Trusting the Lord to honor the humble frees us to serve, knowing He will lift us up in His perfect way and time.