Sermons in the Year 2025
Arrogance in God’s People

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All Scriptures quoted in this article are from the New King James Version (NKJV), unless otherwise noted (https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/).

A sad reality continually occurs among God’s people: arrogance.

Arrogance is the attitude of elevating oneself above one’s true place before God and humankind. It is placing oneself, personal will, personal understanding, or achievements above the will, instruction, guidance, and God’s glory.

Arrogance became an inherited nature of humankind after Adam and Eve sinned. From the moment they did not believe the word of God, greed and arrogance were born within them. They desired to seize what belongs to God and to make themselves equal with God. They wanted to determine good and evil on their own instead of relying on the word of God.

The characteristics of arrogance are:

Exalting oneself: Believing that one is more capable, more knowledgeable, or more spiritual than others. Considering oneself more important or more deserving of honor than others. Refusing correction, unwilling to open the heart to receive feedback or rebuke. Placing oneself, one’s will, achievements, and personal understanding at the center instead of God.

Denying dependence on God: The arrogant person lives and acts as if they do not need the grace, forgiveness, and guidance of God. They believe that their success comes from their own ability and wisdom. God’s Word teaches, “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4).

Comparing oneself with others: They find their sense of worth not in the Christ, but in believing themselves superior—better than others. They think they surpass others, even in gifts, office, or understanding of the Bible. A typical example is the prayer of a Pharisee in a parable told by the Lord Jesus, recorded in Luke 18:11–12.

Specific manifestations of arrogance are:

Being proud of one’s spiritual or intellectual position: Knowledge can make a person arrogant (1 Corinthians 8:1). Many people, after learning how to do certain things, assume they are capable on their own and forget that they learned from others or relied on artificial intelligence.

Seeking honor and glory for oneself instead of giving all glory to God according to God’s Word: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Instead of thanking God and glorifying God for being able to accomplish something, they expect others to praise or admire them.

Being resistant to correction or feedback and often having a judgmental or dismissive attitude toward others: Considering themselves sufficient, not needing the help or prayers of others. God’s Word teaches, “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10).

The common causes leading to arrogance among God’s people are:

Temptation from the devil: Arrogance is Satan’s favorite weapon. Arrogance caused Lucifer to fall and become Satan (Isaiah 14:12–15). Satan uses arrogance to continually tempt all of God’s people.

The fleshly nature is not yet under control: Salvation delivers us from the penalty of sin, but the process of sanctification (inner transformation) lasts our entire earthly life, in our present fleshly bodies. Arrogance is one of the sins most difficult to recognize and abandon. God’s people must discipline their flesh, making it submit to God’s Word: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). God has given His people the power to discipline themselves: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Errors in understanding: Some inadvertently think that “salvation” is their personal achievement (I believed correctly, I chose rightly, I am living according to God’s Word), which leads to spiritual arrogance.

The common causes of arrogance among pastors and elders in the Church are:

Position of influence: They receive respect, trust, and obedience from many people. This respect, if not carefully managed, can turn into self-idolatry. They need to consistently show gratitude and respect to everyone.

Pressure to be “perfect”: They are often held to an ideal standard, which can lead to hiding weaknesses and creating an image of being “capable and flawless,” a form of arrogance. They need to quickly admit faults when they err and accept valid feedback.

Power and control: Managing the Church and making important decisions can lead to the belief that “my will is God’s will.” They need to consult multiple people, compare decisions with God’s Word, and make choices in prayer.

Extensive knowledge of God’s Word: Knowledge can become a tool for boasting and showing off rather than for loving and helping others. This is the warning given in 1 Corinthians 8:1. They need to maintain a heart eager to help others grow in understanding of God’s Word.

Pastors and elders are also people in the process of sanctification. They face even more particular temptations. Their arrogance is especially dangerous because it can influence and cause others in an entire local Church to stumble.

Arrogance among God’s people is often very subtle, hidden behind an outward appearance of “spirituality.” Below are some common forms:

Arrogance about knowledge of God’s Word: Considering oneself to have greater understanding of the Bible than others, enjoying debates over minor doctrines, and looking down on “younger” or less mature believers. Believing oneself entirely correct in every interpretation. Seeking righteousness from one’s own understanding rather than from Christ. Valuing “correct knowledge” over love. Arguing over doctrine to “win” rather than to learn. Disdaining those who have “less understanding,” like oneself. Causing division and creating an atmosphere of pride and coldness in the Church.

Arrogance about spiritual lifestyle: Taking pride in one’s “holy” lifestyle (not smoking, not drinking, keeping the Sabbath, being zealous in giving and participating in spiritual ministries…). Boasting about abilities, experiences, or achievements. Listening little to others and judging those who do not live like oneself. Frequently teaching or correcting others without self-examination. This reflects the attitude of the Pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). It fosters hypocrisy and diminishes the spirit of mercy.

Arrogance about gifts and office: Being proud of God-given gifts (teaching, singing, leadership, technical skills…) as if they were personal talents. Using gifts to gain personal influence instead of serving the body of Christ. Comparing and envying others’ offices or looking down on “smaller” offices. Taking pride in the number of people won to Christ through oneself. Viewing God’s work as “personal success.” Building a “personal kingdom” rather than the Kingdom of God. Seeking recognition for one’s work and feeling offended when not praised. Comparing oneself with others, claiming to serve more or better. This breaks unity in the Church.

Arrogance about spiritual experiences: Believing oneself to have a “deeper” relationship with the Lord, receiving more “personal revelations,” dreams, or visions, or belonging to some “elite” group. Using personal experiences as a standard for others’ faith. Creating division between those who “have” and “do not have” experiences, which can even lead to superstition. Unwilling to admit mistakes. Unwilling to learn from others and looking down on those perceived as inferior.

Arrogance about self-reliance: Even while believing in grace, secretly feeling that God saved them because they are “special,” or thinking that their spiritual maturity comes from personal effort. Reluctant to ask for help and ashamed to admit weakness. Living a weary, isolated life in the Lord, lacking true freedom in grace.

Arrogance about finances: Believing that wealth is a “special blessing” from God because they are worthy. Looking down on the poor as “lacking of faith.” Using money to influence the Church.

The most frightening thing is that some people do not recognize their own arrogance. They take pride in their humility. They think they are not arrogant. They want others to see them as humble.

However, as long as a person sees their value in anything other than the mercy of God, being redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ, and being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, that person is living in arrogance. Everything good that a child of God does is by the will of God, by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, even eating and drinking to sustain the body must be done for the glory of God, for the body of God’s people is the Temple of God.

Arrogance is listed first among the seven things that the Self-Existing and Eternal One detests:

Proverbs 6:16–19

16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

The Bible records many examples of arrogance. Let us consider a notable example: the arrogance of Aaron and Miriam, the brother and sister of Moses. They both committed the sin of arrogance, and this event is clearly recorded in Numbers 12.

Their arrogance was not an open act of rebellion against the Lord but a subtle comparison, arising from pride and jealousy toward the unique position of their younger brother. God’s Word says:

Numbers 12:1–3

1 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

{Cushite refers to the people of Ethiopia.}

2 So they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.

3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)

First, we need to pay attention to verse 3. Because “Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth,” he could not have been the cause of Aaron and Miriam’s stumbling.

The term “khiêm hòa” (humble) in Sino-Vietnamese (謙和) is composed of two characters, each carrying its own nuance, yet perfectly complementing each other:

• The character “khiêm” (謙) means humility or modesty. It is composed of the “speech” radical (言) and the character “kiêm” (兼), meaning to include or encompass. A person whose words reflect consideration for others—not thinking only of oneself—demonstrates a humble attitude, without self-exaltation or boasting. A “khiêm” person knows their place and does not act arrogantly.

• The character “hòa” (和) means harmony or gentleness. It is composed of the “grain” radical (禾), representing rice, and the “mouth” radical (口). The imagery suggests “words spoken like fragrant rice,” creating a sense of balance and peace. It describes a gentle, pleasant, and approachable character—someone who is neither rude nor quick-tempered. A “hòa” person fosters a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

When combined, “khiêm hòa” describes a complete quality encompassing both inner attitude and outward behavior:

• “Khiêm” (謙) represents the inner root: a humble heart, an accurate self-assessment, free from arrogance.

• “Hòa” (和) represents the outward expression: a gentle demeanor, polite speech, and harmonious behavior flowing naturally from the humble heart within.

A “khiêm hòa” person is someone who seamlessly combines inner humility with outward gentleness in dealing with others. They are not merely “passively humble” but actively create harmony and peace for those around them. Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as “very humble,” which not only means he was deeply humble but also implies that his deep inner humility manifested in a life marked by calm, gentle, and patient character—even when facing criticism from his own brother and sister. This is a quality the Self-Existing and Eternal One highly values and generously blesses.

Vietnamese Bible translators have chosen the term “khiêm hòa” to beautifully render the Hebrew word “עָנָו” (ʿānāv – H6035). In Hebrew, the adjective “עָנָו” comes from the verb “עָנָה” (ʿānâ – H6031), which is a verb encompassing two meanings:

• Meaning 1: “to bow down,” “to humble oneself,” “to be oppressed, made poor.” For example, the Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptians, forced to humble themselves, and endured poverty under the Egyptians.

• Meaning 2: “to answer,” “to respond.”

The quality of humility (עָנָו) is not passive weakness or a sense of inferiority. It is controlled inner strength. A humble person (עָנָו) is someone who:

Voluntarily “bows down” (meaning 1) before God and others, without arrogance or self-exaltation.

And because they have “bowed down” before God, they are in a posture ready to “answer” or respond (meaning 2) faithfully and obediently to His voice.

Humility (עָנָו) is deliberate self-lowering combined with a readiness to respond. It is the strength to serve, not to dominate.

Aaron and Miriam were arrogant because they exalted themselves, demanding a position equal to Moses, as reflected in their words in verse 2.

They used Moses’ marriage to a foreign (Ethiopian) woman as an excuse to attack him. This is a common tactic of arrogance: using a seemingly “just” or “righteous” reason to conceal the true motive of jealousy and the desire to undermine someone else. In reality, they were no longer content with the office and gifts God had given them—Aaron as high priest and Miriam as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20). They wanted a status equal to Moses, the one whom the Self-Existing and Eternal One faced directly (Deuteronomy 34:10).

The Lord suddenly commanded all three—Moses, Aaron, and Miriam—to come to the Tent of Meeting. He descended in the pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam to come forward. He affirmed Moses’ special position and rebuked them.

The Lord clearly declared that Moses was “truly faithful in all My house” and spoke to Moses “mouth to mouth, clearly,” not in obscure ways such as in dreams or visions. This confirms the fundamental difference in Moses’ relationship with the Self-Existing and Eternal One compared to any other prophet.

The key question from the Lord—“Have you then not feared to speak against My servant, Moses?” (verse 8)—shows that Aaron and Miriam’s actions were not merely speaking against Moses but directly offending the Self-Existing and Eternal One, who had established and honored Moses.

Verse 9 states, “The anger of the Lord was kindled against them,” indicating that God regarded Aaron and Miriam’s sin as very serious.

Verse 10 records that as soon as the Lord departed from the Tent, Miriam was struck with leprosy, white as snow. She was likely the instigator, as her name is mentioned first in verse 1 (“Miriam and Aaron”).

Aaron immediately repented and pleaded with Moses for forgiveness—for both Miriam and himself. Moses cried out to the Lord, and God commanded that Miriam be sent outside the camp for seven days. She suffered public humiliation, which also served as a general lesson for all the Israelites.

We can clearly see that:

Arrogance often hides under the guise of “spiritual concern” or “correction.” The arrogant person uses a moral issue or principle to conceal motives of jealousy and desire for another’s position.

God is extremely serious about the sin of speaking against and harming the leaders He has established. He defends His faithful servants.

Comparing oneself to others is a gateway to arrogance. Instead of being grateful for the office God had given them, Aaron and Miriam looked at Moses’ position and felt that they were being “wronged” or treated unfairly.

The story of Aaron and Miriam is a strong warning to all God’s people, especially those in Church leadership, about the danger of arrogance and jealousy among brethren.

There are many other examples of arrogance in the Old Testament, such as:

• King Saul (1 Samuel 13:8–14; 15:9–23): He offered sacrifices on his own initiative, not waiting for Samuel at the appointed time—arrogance in selective obedience. He placed his own pressure and judgment above God’s command. Then he did not completely destroy the Amalekites and their spoils, justifying it as “offering to the Lord”—arrogance in disobedience and self-justification. He thought he could negotiate with God and improve God’s command. Consequence: rejected by the Lord, lost the kingship, and eventually lost his life.

• King David (2 Samuel 24:1–10; 1 Chronicles 21:1–8): Ordered a census to know the strength and achievements of his army—arrogance in self-reliance and seeking personal glory. He trusted in his army more than in the Lord. Consequence: a plague killed 70,000 people.

• King Solomon (1 Kings 11:1–8; Deuteronomy 17:17): Married many foreign wives and followed them in worshiping other gods—arrogance in considering himself an exception. Though given wisdom by God, he thought he could violate God’s law without consequence. Consequence: the kingdom was divided.

• King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16–21): After gaining power, he entered the temple to offer incense, a duty reserved for the priests—arrogance in office, violating holiness. He assumed his kingship allowed him to overstep sacred boundaries. Consequence: struck with leprosy until death.

• King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:24–31; Isaiah 39:1–8): Showed all his wealth, weapons, and treasures to the Babylonian envoy. Arrogance arose after God healed him—arrogance in boasting and ingratitude. He sought glory for himself and his kingdom instead of giving glory to God. Consequence: the prophet Isaiah foretold that all his wealth and descendants would be taken to Babylon.

Throughout the history of the kings of Israel and Judah, a pattern emerges: arrogance often arises following success and blessing—power, military victory, wealth, or healing.

• The essence of arrogance is self-exaltation, replacing God’s position with one’s own will, plans, and glory.

• The consequence of arrogance is always downfall, including loss of position, curse, or even destruction of the entire kingdom.

In the New Testament, many examples of arrogance are also recorded:

• The Pharisees and the teachers of the law (Matthew 23:1–12; Luke 18:9–14): Loved status and titles. Performed good deeds to be praised. Imposed heavy rules on others while themselves doing nothing. Prayed to show off. Spiritual arrogance and hypocrisy. Sought righteousness through works and used it to judge and despise others. Consequence: sharply rebuked by the Lord Jesus; their prayers were not heard.

• King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:21–23): Wore royal robes and addressed the people. When the crowd shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not a man,” he accepted the glory due to God. Arrogance in receiving honor that belonged to God. Consequence: struck by an angel of the Lord and eaten by worms.

• The Apostle Peter (Matthew 26:31–35): Boldly declared, “Even if all fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Arrogance in his own strength and loyalty. Trusted his own courage and commitment more than the Lord’s warning. Consequence: denied the Lord three times, followed by deep repentance.

• The Apostle John, the Apostle James, and their mother (Matthew 20:20–28; Mark 10:35–45): Requested to sit at the right and left of the Lord Jesus in His kingdom. Sought status and power, desiring the two highest positions. This showed they considered themselves more worthy than the other ten apostles. Misunderstood the Kingdom of God as a political kingdom with positions of worldly power instead of a kingdom of service and sacrifice. They also overestimated their endurance, claiming they could drink the cup Jesus would drink and undergo the baptism He would undergo. Jesus corrected them.

• Some members of the Church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:6–10, 18–19; 5:1–2): Arrogance, judging the apostles. They considered themselves wise, wealthy, and ruling like kings. Boasted about sin (e.g., incest) instead of grieving over it. Arrogance in knowledge and spiritual status. Used freedom in grace to justify sin and despise leaders. Consequence: rebuked and corrected by the Apostle Paul.

• The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–19): Declared, “I am rich and have need of nothing,” while in reality “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Arrogance in spiritual self-sufficiency. Lost dependence on the Lord, believing themselves complete. Consequence: warned by the Lord that He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not repent.

The warning in Proverbs 16:18 should be memorized by every child of God: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Arrogance is the most dangerous enemy of the soul because it prevents us from truly seeing ourselves and from beholding the Lord. The only solution is humble submission—not a false, pretentious humility, but a genuine awareness of who we really are. Always remember that we are sinners forgiven by God’s mercy through the redemptive death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep your eyes on the cross, where Christ died for your sins. Focusing on His sacrifice will shatter all pride.

We are entirely dependent on grace: everything we have is received from God: “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

If there is anything to boast about, let us boast in the Lord, for it is by Him that we have attained these good things (1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17).

Each day, let us ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the hidden corners of pride within our hearts. Let us pray that the Lord Jesus Christ grants us grace to continue walking in humility and love.

May God give each of us a heart that longs to be lowered so that He may be exalted.

May the Word of God sanctify us and strengthen us. May we all stand firm in faith and remain faithful to the Lord until the day Christ returns. May the love, grace, and fellowship of the Triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—cover all of you. Amen!

Timothy Christian Huynh
Priscilla Christian Huynh
11/22/2025

Note:

About Using “God” or “the God” and “holy spirit”

Wherever the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible use a definite article with a noun to denote GOD, we translate it into English as “*God” or “the God” to refer to God the Father. We understand that “God,” without a definite article, was used as a collective noun for all and any of the three Persons of the Godhead. And “God,” with a definite article, was used to refer to God the Father.

In the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, the term “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) without the definite article “the” (το) is used to denote the power of God, which is given by God the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit” (το πνευματι το αγιω) is God, and “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) is the power that comes from God.