Overcoming the Pride of Life | Spiritual Authority Restored In Christ

When the Greatest Battle Is Within

What if the greatest threat to spiritual authority isn’t opposition from the enemy—but independence from God?

In this message, Chad Everett continues the Spiritual Authority — Restored in Christ series by directly confronting one of the most subtle and destructive issues believers face: Overcoming the Pride of Life. Rather than focusing on obvious sin, this teaching presses deeper, calling us to examine self-rule—living by our own understanding while still expecting God to bless our choices.

Instead of pointing outward, this message turns our attention inward and asks a clear, necessary question: Who is really leading my life?

Jesus’ Model for True Spiritual Authority

Luke 4 provides the foundation for this message as Chad walks through Jesus’ time in the wilderness. Jesus lived filled with the Holy Spirit, followed the leading of the Spirit, and submitted to training through prayer, fasting, and temptation. This progression shows that spiritual authority does not appear automatically. It grows through surrender, obedience, and dependence on the Father.

Overcoming the Pride of Life begins when we reject self-confidence as our source of authority and choose submission instead. Jesus refused shortcuts. He embraced training, trusted the Father fully, and demonstrated the pathway God designed for every disciple.

Understanding the Pride of Life

Many believers misunderstand the pride of life. Pride does not only appear as arrogance or self-promotion. At its core, the pride of life shows up as independence from God—making decisions without seeking Him, relying on personal wisdom, and turning to God only in moments of crisis.

Chad clearly exposes how this mindset surfaces in everyday choices involving work, finances, relationships, and personal goals. Overcoming the Pride of Life requires more than adjusting behavior. It demands a change in leadership—from self to Christ.

Psalm 91 and the Danger of Scripture Without Submission

This sermon places special emphasis on Psalm 91 and the temptation of Jesus at the temple. Satan quoted Scripture but intentionally removed the condition of relationship and obedience. That moment reveals a sobering truth: people can quote God’s Word and still resist God’s authority.

Chad challenges listeners to examine whether they use Scripture to justify personal plans or allow God’s Word to shape their obedience. Overcoming the Pride of Life means pursuing the person of God, not simply claiming the promises of God.

Provider or Provision?

Chad also contrasts trusting God as our Provider with treating Him like a resource. Drawing from Israel’s wilderness experience and Jesus’ warning in Luke 18, this message exposes how self-sufficiency quietly replaces faith.

When we rely on our own provision, we stop depending on God. Overcoming the Pride of Life restores humility, daily reliance, and trust in God’s care.

An Invitation to Respond

This sermon does not aim to condemn; it invites reflection and response. God confronts pride because He desires something better for His people. Spiritual authority grows when Jesus leads and we follow.

As you listen, consider where self-leadership may have taken root. Reflect on what freedom might come through deeper trust in Christ.

If you feel ready to move beyond transactional faith and step into true dependence, this message will challenge and encourage you to begin Overcoming the Pride of Life—and to rediscover the authority that flows from surrender.

Key Scriptures
Luke 4: 1–13, 1 John 2: 15–16, Psalm 91: 1–13, John 15: 5, Deuteronomy 6: 16