Message: “Lessons from Obadiah: Pride and Humility in God’s Plan” from Joe Summers

**Title: "Lessons from Obadiah: Pride and Humility in God's Plan"** Lesson Objective: To explore the context of Obadiah, understand the themes of pride and humility, and reflect on God's justice Scripture: Proverbs 16: 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Introduction Obadiah is often overlooked but contains valuable lessons for our lives. Background information Third John (219 words, 1 chapter, 14 verses) Second John (245 words, 1 chapter, 13 verses) Obadiah is the smallest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. Consistent with that Obediah is a minor prophet The Bible gives no information on the person but the name means Servant or Worshipper of Yahweh and is thought to live around the time of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Theme of the book Obediah 1: 1-4 The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Sovereign LORD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD: An envoy was sent to the nations to say, “Rise, let us go against her for battle”— 2 “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks[a] and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’4 Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. Obadiah's message primarily focuses on God's judgment against the nation of Edom. Historical context B. **:** Historical backdrop of Obadiah's prophecy, which centers on the longstanding conflict between Edom and Judah. Genesis 25: 21-24 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Conflict during the time of Obediah Obadiah's vision and message, particularly highlighting the pride of Edom. B. **Analyze Obadiah's message:** - Discuss how pride can blind individuals and nations to their shortcomings, leading to their downfall. - Reference Proverbs 16:18 ("Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall") to underscore the danger of pride. - James 4:6 ("God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble") to emphasize the importance of humility in our relationship with God. **III. The Day of the Lord A. Obadiah 1: 15-16 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. - Highlight the prophecy of "The Day of the Lord," a time of reckoning and divine judgment. B. **Explain the concept of "The Day of the Lord":** - Describe how this concept appears throughout the Bible as a day of God's ultimate justice and intervention. Refer to Joel 3: 1-7 - God's justice provides comfort and hope for the oppressed. - Reference Psalm 9:8 ("He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice") to illustrate the concept. - Isaiah 2:12 ("The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted") to connect with the theme of pride and God's ultimate judgment. **IV. Application and Reflection A. **Challenge for self-reflection:** Examine our own lives for signs of pride, such as arrogance, self-sufficiency, or unwillingness to admit mistakes. B. **Encourage humility:** Practical steps for cultivating humility, such as practicing gratitude, seeking God's guidance through prayer, and learning from the example of Jesus. C. **Reassurance of God's justice:** - Remind the congregation that God's justice is certain and that the oppressed can find hope and solace in His righteous judgment. **Conclusion - Summarize the key points of the lesson: the historical context of Obadiah, the dangers of pride, the importance of humility, and the assurance of God's justice. -. -.

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