Arrogance Will Nullify Faith

Linda Rock
Oct 3
4 min read

Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. Romans 11: 20.

As Paul speaks to the Gentiles who now occupy places in the One True Vine, he needs to give them this reality check. It is a warning, good, sound, wise counsel that they need. It is true that without faith it is impossible to please God. But it is just as true that faith which harbours arrogance also displeases God. So Paul tells this truth to the Roman converts who now abide in the Vine.

It is true that Jews were broken off so that you have received their places. It is true that they were broken off because of unbelief. It is true that you have received the miracle of being grafted in. It’s because of your faith that you are in the Vine, and are being nourished and sustained by its roots. Yes, the mere fact that you do stand by faith, is seen in the evidence of nourishment and strength you are given, to live. But be very careful that this miracle of faith does not lead you into haughtiness and arrogance. So I say to you, be afraid.

Arrogance can secretly, easily and unknowingly step in, in some very classic and normal human ways, which are accepted as quite harmless. The truth is that unless Holy Spirit points out the actions, responses and ways of arrogance, many a believer will not recognize this dreaded monster. Arrogance or haughtiness, will certainly be the dreaded monster, because it guarantees the awardees of faith, being broken off from the Vine, without question. Faith is not a shield against haughtiness, so be afraid.

In a daily reading from a book entitled, ‘Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Young, she spoke of our Lord Jesus in this way. She spoke about how He had to discipline Himself and not be tempted to rush off and use His authority and powers to save Himself from human torture, pain and suffering. She spoke about how He could have easily called out legions, and armies of heavenly beings to serve Him, but He did not. His fear was not of the actions of men, but the actions of God, His Heavenly Father. Learn from Jesus. Learn how He resisted any kind of temptation to be arrogant, proud or haughty. He accepted every single position in which His Father placed Him, and never sought to override His Father, through human frailty.

You have been given a place in Jesus, the True Vine. You receive daily fellowship with Him and are taught by Him daily. You enjoy special moments with Him, and yes, the fruit is there for all who have eyes, to see, behold, and know. Nevertheless, take care that you do not harbour or hold arrogance. Do not ever become friends with haughtiness, arrogance and pride.

To be arrogant is to take Jesus and all He does for you for granted, so that you use what He has given you to your own advantage.
To be arrogant is to take upon yourself, how, when and where you will use our Lord’s miracles in you.
To be arrogant is to determine your path, according to human facts and understanding.
To be arrogant is to begin thinking and anticipating God’s thoughts and His plans. It is to take matters into your hands, without even being aware of what you are thinking, speaking or doing.

What is arrogance? It’s as simple and deadly as this experience. I tell you only God the Holy Spirit can expose sinister pride and arrogance in us. You may not share this experience, but perhaps you share like thoughts and feelings.

I’m alerted by the phone that a message has come through. I glance and see the profile picture and name, and immediately begin to think all kinds of thoughts about the individual. I want to know what has gone wrong again, what is the swelling problem now; this person needs a psychiatrist, for this is too much now, and on and on I went like a wild, uncontrollable freight train. I did not read any message, I tell you. All this was taking place in my mind, as I could not bring myself to face the message which I had thought in my head. It was then, as I knew I was becoming quite anxious, that I quietly heard and felt in me, this voice of grace. But you have prayed for that child of God. Straightway, my faith was pulled up and out as it were, from its second place, third place or no place position. It was only then that I went on to read the message, knowing that God was in control.

It was a voice message and when I listened to it, I died right there and then. My utter arrogance, my pure, unadulterated arrogance was laying, larger than life, before my repentant heart. The voice message was a prayer being said with a little child and the child repeating, amen, at the end.

I know that you have heard. I know that you also have experienced times when you have rushed ahead in uncontrollable arrogance to usurp the place of God, in your deceived ignorance. You have prayed. What a privilege God has given us all, who believe, to come to Him in prayer, to remain in Him in prayer, and to let faith work and move in prayer. Without even being conscious of how the enemy is waiting and watching to pounce on you in such situations, you are wont to fall prey to Him.

Let us fall before our Heavenly Father and with His undeserved grace, ask forgiveness for our arrogance. It is God and God alone, who exposes these evils in us.