Deliver Me From Me: Finding Freedom from a Spirit of Pride

The negative influence of pride is a stronghold in the lives of many believers due to its subtle yet destructive nature, which infiltrates the heart and soul. It limits our relationship with God by taking away the depth and closeness we have with God by removing our humility and dependency on Him. Pride occurs in our lives as self-righteousness, the fruit of self-exaltation.

This negative spiritual quality trusts most in our ability to accomplish good things over God’s delegated authority. According to Scripture, pride is the root of sin that causes a fall from authority, as seen in the fall of Satan in Isaiah 14. Numerous passages describe the negative influence of pride as the primary means of limiting our spiritual sight. This occurs due to an overt blindness to our weaknesses and a need for God’s strength. When pride takes root in our souls, it prevents us from submitting to Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives. 

Additional indicators of the negative influence of pride in our lives are:  

• A critical and judgmental nature causes us to look down on others by judging them harshly with unrighteous judgment. This is displayed through gossip, excessive criticism, and an attitude of superiority. 

• The inner desire for praise and recognition causes us to seek validation from others through the desire for recognition or verbal affirmation. This indicator can include boasting or being overly concerned with our appearance or accomplishments. 

• Self-reliance and a lack of dependence on God cause us to believe the lie that “I don’t need help” or that we can accomplish good things without God’s favor and direction for our lives.  

• Resistance to correction and authority—causes us to resist godly feedback and correction when it is constructive. This is displayed through dismissing advice with a defensive nature when challenged.  

Freedom from the negative influence of pride comes when we choose to acknowledge our need for God and the people He has placed around us. Through our humble prayer and recognition of the areas where pride has taken hold of our hearts, we will embrace the humility and holiness God desires. Confession, forgiveness, repentance, and renunciation of its power in our lives are major keys to overcoming this negative influence. We must ask God to reveal every area where pride has taken residence in our souls and then purify us of its effects and spiritual consequences. Breakthrough from the negative influence of pride means we seek God’s strength above our own and walk in divine humility, preferring God and others over ourselves.  

Questions to Ask:  

1. Have you ever considered the reasons why you are affected by (have) pride? 

2. During your childhood years, did you have any negative experiences with the affirmation of your value or worth? 

   1. How was pride (attitude) addressed in your family? 

3. Have you experienced expressions of pride shown toward you by someone else? 

   1. How did this experience make you feel? 

4. In what ways have you taken on an unhealthy level of pride in your possessions and personal life? 

   1. How would you view yourself in comparison to others? 

5. Who would you best identify with? Those who are second-class or those who are considered better? 

6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by pride?  

Connected Influences: Arrogance, ego, prejudice, self-centeredness, self-righteousness, superiority, unteachable, conceit, vanity. 

Scriptural Truth: 

“All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13) 

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (Romans 12:3) 

“And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) 

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” (Galatians 6:3) 

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” (1 Peter 5:6)  

How to Pray for Breakthrough from Pride

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart