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Enter-Trained: Overcoming the Pride of Life
Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
The purpose of the local church is not to entertain people, but to enter-train them—to enter people into the fullness of Christ and train them as warrior disciples. In this continuation of the Spiritual Authority — Restored in Christ series, Chad Everett teaches that discipleship is not about attendance, but transformation.
Using Luke 4, this message shows how Jesus modeled spiritual authority by being filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Spirit, and living in complete dependence on the Father. While the temptations of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes are reviewed as part of Jesus’ training, the primary emphasis of this message is the pride of life—the temptation to live independently from God, trust self, and direct God instead of following Him.
Pride is revealed not only through arrogance, but through self-focus, self-protection, insecurity, performance, and self-sufficiency. Spiritual authority is lost not because the enemy overpowers believers, but because pride quietly shifts leadership from Christ to self. Authority is restored when Jesus is placed back on the throne and believers choose surrender over self-rule.
HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
Hear → Answer → Act
Each section begins with a focus statement drawn from the sermon. Open your Bible and read the passage aloud. This guide is not about quick answers—it is about training our response so we follow Jesus rather than ourselves.
If children are present in your group, leaders are encouraged to simplify questions and invite children to participate by answering in their own words. Including children in discussion helps reinforce biblical truth at an early age and reminds the whole group that discipleship happens best in community and conversation.
SECTION 1 — THE CHURCH EXISTS TO ENTER-TRAIN
“It’s not just about coming to church—it’s about becoming the church.”
Focus
The local church is a training ground, not a performance space. Spiritual authority grows through discipleship, not inspiration alone.
READ
Matthew 28: 19–20
Ephesians 4: 11–13
1 John 2: 15–16
RESPOND
- According to these passages, what is the purpose of discipleship beyond attendance?
- How does loving the world compete with loving the Father?
- Why does becoming a disciple require intentional training?
REFLECT
- Where have I been content to attend without being trained?
- How might God be inviting me to grow as a disciple right now?
SECTION 2 — FILLED, LED, AND TRAINED THROUGH DEPENDENCE
“We cannot be led if we are not followers.”
Focus
Spiritual authority flows from submission. Jesus was filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit before facing temptation.
READ
Luke 4: 1–2
Romans 8: 14
John 15: 5
RESPOND
- Why is it significant that Jesus was both filled and led by the Spirit?
- What does following require that self-leadership does not?
- According to John 15: 5, what happens when we attempt life apart from Christ?
REFLECT
- Where have I been directing my own steps instead of following Jesus?
- What area of my life resists being led by the Spirit?
SECTION 3 — TEMPTATION TRAINS DEPENDENCE
(LUST OF THE FLESH & LUST OF THE EYES — REVIEW)
“The lust of the eyes is tempting us with something we can see now instead of waiting for something God has promised us.” Chad Everett
Focus
The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes tempt us to satisfy needs and desires apart from God. These temptations prepare the ground for the deeper issue: the pride of life.
READ
Luke 4: 3–8
1 John 2: 15–16
RESPOND
- What was Satan tempting Jesus to satisfy immediately?
- How do visible shortcuts undermine obedience to God?
- Why is waiting on God essential to spiritual authority?
REFLECT
- What desires or opportunities tempt me to bypass God’s leading?
- Where has impatience weakened my dependence on Him?
SECTION 4 — PRIDE OF LIFE: IDENTITY AND INDEPENDENCE
“Pride is self-focus instead of God-focus.”
Focus
The pride of life is independence from God. It is self-rule that looks spiritual but removes God from the center.
READ
Luke 4: 9–12
John 1: 18
1 John 4: 4
RESPOND
- Why did Satan repeatedly question Jesus’ identity?
- What does it mean that Jesus is the only begotten Son—from the Father?
- How does identity rooted in God disarm deception?
REFLECT
- Where have I tried to prove myself instead of resting in who I am in Christ?
- In what areas of my life have I been living independently from God?
SECTION 5 — PSALM 91: SCRIPTURE WITHOUT SUBMISSION
“The Bible was never meant to be used outside submission to the person of Jesus.”
Focus
The pride of life often uses Scripture to justify self-directed decisions. Truth removed from relationship becomes deception.
READ
Psalm 91: 1–13
Luke 4: 10–12
RESPOND
- According to Psalm 91: 1–2, what must come before the promises that follow?
- Why is it dangerous to claim biblical promises without dwelling in relationship?
- How does using Scripture to support our own plans reveal pride?
REFLECT
- Where have I asked God to bless decisions I never submitted to Him?
- What does it look like to make the Lord my refuge and dwelling place?
SECTION 6 — PROVIDER VS PROVISION
(PRIDE OF LIFE APPLIED)
“We want what God gives without wanting God Himself.”
Focus
Self-sufficiency feels safe but quietly removes dependence on God. Authority flows from relationship, not resources.
READ
Luke 18: 24–25
Exodus 16: 2–4, 18–20
RESPOND
- How did Israel’s desire for provision reveal pride?
- Why does having resources make dependence on God more difficult?
- How does trusting the Provider restore spiritual authority?
REFLECT
- Where have I relied on natural provision instead of seeking God?
- What would full trust in God look like in this season?
SECTION 7 — KAIROS: A MOMENT TO RESPOND
“Some moments demand a decision.”
Focus
Kairos moments are spiritually significant opportunities to surrender self-rule and follow God’s leading.
READ
Luke 4: 13
2 Corinthians 6: 2
RESPOND
- What does it mean that the enemy waits for an opportune time?
- Why do certain moments require immediate obedience?
- What decision is God inviting you to make today?
REFLECT
- What pride is the Holy Spirit exposing right now?
- What step of obedience would move me forward today?
PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
- Identify the Pride
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where self has been leading. - Find the Truth
Search Scripture for God’s perspective. - Say No / Say Yes
Say no to self-rule and yes to God—out loud. - Respond
Take one obedient step this week.
CLOSING REFLECTION
Spiritual authority is not restored through effort, but through surrender.
We lose authority when we lead.
We walk in authority when He leads.
The pride of life dethrones Jesus. Freedom is found when we deny self, trust the Father, and follow Christ completely.