Attack On Idols- Pride
Attack on idols – Week 4: Pride
Week 4 of Attack on Idols we are in Daniel 4, where we look at how Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led to his fall, but his humility led to restoration. Pride resists correction, hoards credit, and forgets God’s role in success. God will humble what we refuse to surrender. Attack pride by practicing humility — receive feedback, share credit with others, and give all glory to God (Philippians 2:3–4).
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Attack on Idols: Pride
Daniel 4 – Practicing Humility in a Prideful World
Have you ever been warned that something would be taken away if you didn’t make a change?
Maybe it was your phone if you didn’t listen to your mom.
Maybe it was your scholarship if you didn’t raise your grades.
Maybe it was your starting position on the team if you didn’t perform.
Maybe it was your promotion if you didn’t close the deal.
Maybe it was your house if you didn’t pay the rent.
Maybe it was a relationship if you didn’t change your ways.Those warnings sting because they force us to face the truth: change is required. And yet—so often we don’t change. Why? Sometimes it’s because we’re unable. Sometimes because someone else outperforms us. But most of the time the reason is simple: pride.
Pride is an idol that creeps into every part of our lives. It whispers, “You’re fine. You don’t need help. You don’t need to change.” But Scripture teaches us something radically different: we attack the idol of pride by practicing humility.
The Pride Test
So how do you know if pride has taken root in your heart? Try this quick self-check:
Confession – Do you struggle to admit when you’re wrong?
Pride resists confession. Humility owns it.
Correction – Do you avoid feedback or advice?
Pride rejects wisdom. Humility craves it.
Credit – Do you say “I” more than “we”?
Pride takes credit. Humility shares it.
Conversations – Do you interrupt or dominate conversations?
Pride loves the spotlight. Humility shines it on others.
Competition – Do you feel envious when others succeed?
Pride sees rivals. Humility celebrates.
Comparison – Do you measure yourself against others?
Pride compares. Humility trusts God’s grace.
Weakness – Do you hide your weaknesses?
Pride says, “I’m good.” Humility says, “I’m growing.”
Service – Do you think certain tasks or people are beneath you?
Pride ranks. Humility stoops to serve.
Recognition – Do you crave attention and praise?
Pride feeds on applause. Humility gives it.
Glory – Do you give God the credit, or keep it for yourself?
Pride steals glory. Humility gives it.
How did you do? If you’re like me, you saw yourself on that list more than once. That’s okay—the good news is that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Pride in Daniel 4
The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 is a living example of the danger of pride.
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream—a warning from God—that shook him. Daniel gave the king clear correction and a chance to change:
“Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
(Daniel 4:27)But the king didn’t listen. Pride blinded him. Instead of humbling himself, he doubled down. And the consequences were devastating.
From Nebuchadnezzar’s story, we learn three ways to attack the idol of pride in our own lives:
1. Receive Feedback and Correction
Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall could have been avoided if he had listened. Pride makes us uncoachable, unteachable, unwilling to change. Humility, on the other hand, leans into correction.
Think about it: there’s nothing more frustrating for a coach than an athlete who refuses to be coached. For a leader, nothing is harder than a team that won’t follow. For a pastor, nothing is more heartbreaking than people who hear truth but ignore it.
So ask: Am I willing to receive correction?
Practical step: Ask your spouse, your boss, your coach, your pastor: “What’s one thing I can do to grow?” And when they answer, don’t defend yourself—receive it with humility.
Scripture backs this up:
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
“If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17)
2. Say “We” Instead of “I”
Later in Daniel 4:30, Nebuchadnezzar proudly declared:
“Is not this the great Babylon I have built… by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
Do you notice the problem? I, my, me.
Success isn’t wrong—but pride makes us forget that we never achieve success alone. Every business leader relies on employees and customers. Every athlete relies on a team. Even in ministry, no one builds a church alone—it’s always “we.”
At The Rock, our pastors often introduce themselves simply as “one of the pastors.” Why? Because this church isn’t about one person’s title or platform. It’s about all of us—the pastors, the VIPs (volunteers), and the thousands who call this church home.
When we shift from “I” to “we,” we practice humility. We remember the truth of Philippians 2:3–4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
3. Give Glory to God
Nebuchadnezzar’s pride climaxed when he claimed glory for himself. And in that moment, God humbled him by sending him into the wilderness—living like an animal until he finally looked up to heaven and acknowledged God.
Here’s the lesson: God is patient, but He will not share His glory. Pride will eventually be judged. But humility leads to restoration.
When Nebuchadnezzar finally humbled himself and gave glory to God, his sanity and kingdom were restored:
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.” (Daniel 4:34)
You and I are nothing without God’s grace. Every gift, every opportunity, every breath is from Him. To attack pride, we must continually give glory back to Him.
Respond: Attack Pride, Practice Humility
Let’s circle back to the pride test. Where did you see yourself?
Wherever pride shows up, remember: God’s grace meets us when we humble ourselves. You don’t have to stay stuck in pride. You can attack this idol—today—by practicing humility.
Receive correction without defensiveness.
Celebrate success by saying “we.”
Give all glory to God.
Because when pride is dethroned, humility opens the door to God’s wisdom, blessing, and grace.
✨ Reflection Questions for This Week:
Which pride test question hit you hardest?
Who could you ask for honest feedback this week?
How can you intentionally give glory to God in your successes?
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Small Group Curriculum: Attack on Idols
Small Group Curriculum – Week 4 PDF
Series: Attack on Idols
Week 4 Title: Pride
Main Scripture: Daniel 4:34–37 (NLT)
Big Idea: Attack the idol of pride by practicing humility.1. Connect (Icebreaker)
Option A (Fun): Share a funny or embarrassing story when pride got the best of you.
Option B (Thought-provoking): Why do you think it’s so hard for people to admit when they’re wrong?
Transition: Pride is one of the most dangerous idols we face. Let’s talk about how we can attack it by practicing humility.
2. Discover (Scripture & Discussion)
Read Daniel 4:34–37 (NLT):
"After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever… When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”Discussion Questions
What warning signs of pride do you see in Nebuchadnezzar’s story?
How did God use humility to bring him back to reality?
What are some everyday ways pride shows up in our lives?
How can practicing humility make your relationships stronger?
Dig Deeper Scripture: Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT) — “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
How does this verse redefine what true greatness looks like?
Who in your life could you intentionally put first this week?
3. Respond (Application & Prayer)
Personal Application
Which pride test question from the sermon hit you the hardest?
What’s one concrete step of humility you can practice this week?
Group Prayer Prompt
Pray for God to reveal hidden areas of pride in each heart.
Ask Him to give the group grace to walk in humility and reflect Christ.
Challenge for the Week
Memory Verse: James 4:6 (NLT).
Next Step: Choose one pride test question and intentionally practice humility in that area this week.
⏱️ Designed for 45–60 minutes:
Connect (10–15 min)
Discover (25–30 min)
Respond (10–15 min)
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AYNOR
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