Preaching should create a hunger in the one listening to desire greater humility, and therefore a greater submission to and dependence upon God, which will result in greater grace accessed, and the devil fleeing. (James 4:6-8)

But it seems that much preaching today seemingly targets the pride in man, to only believe one’s self – have confidence in one’s self – rely one’s self – and inadvertanty then, causes more pride, and an invitation to the spirit and sin of unbelief to gain a greater stronghold in a believer’s life.

Jesus said in John 6:35 “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” We must put our belief, our faith, all of our trust in him for our deepest needs and longings.

If we are looking just to the arm of the flesh, then pride and unbelief are already at the front door. Jesus is the Bread of Life – He is the Spring of Water welling up to eternal life. We must receive our nourishment and satisfaction from Him.

“For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

May our preaching create a greater humility – a greater hunger and thirst for Christ, and not feed the pride of life that ultimately takes our focus off Jesus.