Be Humble Or Be Humbled | Bryan L. Carter | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Be Humble Or Be Humbled

Bryan L. Carter

Concord Church • Feb 3, 2025 • 41 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message from Acts 12, Pastor Bryan Carter addresses the subtle and dangerous nature of pride in the human heart. By examining the rise and fall of King Herod alongside practical biblical principles, the sermon highlights that God will not share His glory with anyone. Believers are called to cultivate daily habits of humility, recognize God as the ultimate King, and trust that His Word continues to flourish regardless of shifting human powers.

Themes

Humility vs. PrideGod's GlorySovereignty of GodGratitudeSpiritual AmnesiaPerseverance

Pastor's Points

1.

1. Admit your mistakes and limitations

2.

2. Say thank you often

3.

3. Remember who you are

4.

4. Remember the journey

5.

5. Submit to leadership

6.

6. Learn how to laugh at yourself

7.

7. Hold it loosely

Key Points

1.
Pride is an inflated view of who we really are, whereas true humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.
2.
We constantly face the choice either to willingly humble ourselves before God or allow life and God to bring us back down to where we belong.
3.
Taking credit or receiving praise that belongs exclusively to God is dangerous spiritual plagiarism because God will not share His glory with anyone.
4.
Humility requires admitting our mistakes and limitations rather than pretending to be perfect or in total control.
5.
Expressing gratitude frequently destroys pride in our hearts by helping us recognize the value and contributions of others.
6.
Remembering who we are in light of Scripture prevents us from spiritual amnesia and comparing ourselves to other sinners instead of measuring against God's holiness.
7.
Reflecting on the journey and where God brought us from keeps our hearts humble and focused on giving Him credit for every good gift.

Sermon Moments

“Pride is an inflated view of who we really are.”

“God wants us to walk with a limp and not a strut.”

“Spiritual plagiarism is dangerous and hazardous to our health because God will not share His glory.”

“Gratitude kills pride in your heart.”

“We are all from dust, we're headed back to dust, and whatever we do in between is the grace of God.”

“Hold it loosely, because it will not last always.”

“Sometimes what the Lord does is not because of you, but despite your brokenness, despite your mistakes, despite your frailty.”

“Political leaders will come and go, but the Word of God keeps on spreading and flourishing.”

This Week

Practice admitting your mistakes and limitations quickly to family, friends, or co-workers when you make a mistake.

Say "thank you" intentionally throughout the week to cultivate gratitude and defeat pride in your heart.

Measure yourself against God's holiness rather than comparing your spiritual walk or accomplishments to others.

Reflect on your past journey and humble beginnings to remember how God's grace sustained you when you had very little.

Practice submission and active listening when receiving counsel or direction from leadership.

Learn to laugh at your own imperfections instead of stressing over perfectionism or controlling every outcome.

Hold your job, money, titles, and future plans loosely, acknowledging that everything you have is a temporary gift from God.

Remember This

We must choose to willingly humble ourselves and give God all the glory, recognizing that God will not share His glory with anyone.

A Challenge for You

Give God the glory and praise He alone deserves, reflecting on all He has brought you through and honoring Him as the one true King who reigns supreme over your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.