“The pride of your heart has deceived you…”   —Obadiah 1:3a “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”  —Proverbs 16:18 Very little is known about the prophet Obadiah, whose name means “servant of the Lord.”  The vision given to him by God involves the judgment of the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau.  Though related to the Israelites by blood, the Edomites were a thorn in their flesh for many generations.  They thought they could mistreat others but never pay the price.  But their arrogance toward God and men was their downfall. Pride is dangerous because it distorts your view of yourself.  Romans 12:3 Pride is dangerous because it destroys your relationship with others.  1 Corinthians 13:4 Pride is dangerous because it destroys your relationship with God.  James 4:6 “As it is written:  ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord!’”  1 Corinthians 1:31

Joel 2:28-32 & Acts 2:14-21 We don’t know any personal information about the prophet Joel (“Yahweh Is God”) except that his father’s name was Pethuel.  From the text, it is evident his message was directed toward the southern kingdom of Judah, but we do not know exactly when.  Following a devastating locust plague, he delivered words of warning, repentance and hope. In the book of Acts, the Apostle Peter quoted several verses from Joel to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the New Testament believers.  This can help us identify the work of the Spirit in our own lives.

• When God’s Spirit pours out on His people, barriers are broken down.
• When the Spirit pours, God’s presence is clearly evident.
• When the Spirit pours, God’s people are prepared for service.
• When the Spirit pours, God’s purpose of salvation is accomplished.

The New Testament writers saw the transition of little children off of milk and onto solid foods as an apt illustration of spiritual maturity.  But surprisingly, many believers were stunted in their spiritual growth.  This is certainly still true today!

• Like the Corinthian Christians, to get on the path to spiritual growth we must first identify what is holding us back.
• We must also understand the purpose and potential God has given to us.
• Finally, we must learn reliance upon the power of God for all good things that happen in us and through us.

People surely gasped when Jesus touched a man with leprosy.  Luke 5:12-16 People surely gasped when Jesus called a tax collector to be a disciple.  Luke 5:27-32 People surely gasped when Jesus allowed a sinful woman to wash his feet with her hair.  Luke 7:36-39 Jesus knew something about himself that you and I sometimes forget.  Jesus is always more contagious than anything he touches!