Welcome back.
In Part 1, we opened a conversation about the subtle ways pride operates in believers without them realizing it.
Now let’s go deeper; into the practical effects of pride.
1. Pride is the Reason Many Believers Cannot ascend
David was clear:
“Who shall ascend…? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”
— Psalm 24:3–4, KJV
If the heart is not pure, ascent becomes impossible.
Many believers pray, fast, cry out to Jesus, and see nothing change.
It is not because the Name has lost power.
It is because the heart is carrying weight.
Pride is weight.
Unforgiveness is weight.
Suspicion is weight.
Criticism is weight.
Self-importance is weight.
You cannot ascend while carrying self.
2. We Call on the Name Without Carrying the Character
God responds not only to prayer, but to posture.
James says:
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
— James 4:6, KJV
Read that again.
God does not ignore the proud; He resists them.
Meaning:
He pulls back.
He withdraws.
He withholds grace.
This is why some believers pray but feel like their prayers “hit a wall.”
The posture contradicts the request.
To call on the Lord effectively, we must carry the Lord's character, i.e., humility.
3. The Prophetic Requires Openness, Not Prejudice
God said:
“Behold, I will do a new thing…”
— Isaiah 43:19, KJV
But pride hates new things.
Pride hates unfamiliar vessels.
Pride hates being taught.
Pride hates being wrong.
The prophetic requires flexibility and humility.
Some believers reject new instructions, new patterns, or new insights simply because:
“If I wasn’t the first to think of it, it cannot be God.”
This is the stronghold of intellectual pride masquerading as discernment.
4. The Mind Is Where Pride Builds Its Fortress
Paul shows us the battlefield:
“The god of this world hath blinded the minds…”
— 2 Corinthians 4:4, KJV
And:
“…casting down imaginations…
bringing every thought into captivity…”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4–6, KJV
Pride lives in the mind as:
- assumptions
- arguments
- mental superiority
- strong opinions
- internal criticisms
- unsubmitted reasoning
- “I know better.”
These thoughts become strongholds that block spiritual progress.
Dominion begins in the mind.
If the mind bows, the spirit rises.
If the mind is proud, the spirit becomes dull.
5. Pride Blocks Revelation, But Humility Opens the Heavens
Many believers wonder:
“Why don’t I hear God clearly?”
“Why do others get revelations and I don’t?”
“What is blocking me?”
Often, the blockage isn’t a demon, it’s self.
A humble heart becomes a spiritual antenna.
A proud heart becomes spiritual cement.
God gives grace — spiritual assistance — to the humble.
6. Humility Is a form of Deliverance
Deliverance is not only about casting out spirits.
Deliverance is also about removing the self that keeps spirits empowered.
Pride is the root of:
- rebellion
- stubbornness
- offense
- spiritual dryness
- broken relationships
- slow growth
- blocked hearing
Humility breaks these instantly.
This is why Jesus said self-denial must come first before following Him.
Conclusion: The Way Up Is Down
In the Kingdom, elevation begins with surrender.
Revelation begins with openness.
Power begins with humility.
Clarity begins with purity of heart.
If believers will:
- deny self
- honour others
- remove prejudice
- purify the heart
- Submit the mind to God
- and embrace humility
Then the heavens will open again.
Because God always lifts the lowly.
“Humble yourselves… and He shall lift you up.”
— James 4:10, KJV
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