Selfishness

Selfishness Defined “Caring unduly or supremely for oneself; regarding one’s own comfort in disregard, or at the expense of that of others.” Synonyms: “ungenerous, narrow, narrow-minded, self-indulgent, grasping, piggish, hoggish, miserly and covetous.” “He who lies only to benefit himself, confers on the world a benefit when he dies.” – Tertullian

Principles of Overcoming Selflessness 3 Principles of Overcoming Selflessness Principle #1: Being Faithful in Christ Involves Defeating ‘Self’ 1 Corinthians 10:24 (NKJV) 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Romans 15:1–3 (NKJV) 1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Principles of Overcoming Selflessness 3 Principles of Overcoming Selflessness Principle #2: Esteem others more highly than yourself. Philippians 2:3–4 (NKJV) 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Principles of Overcoming Selflessness 3 Principles of Overcoming Selflessness Principle #2: Esteem others more highly than yourself. 1 John 3:17 (NKJV) 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Principles of Overcoming Selflessness 3 Principles of Overcoming Selflessness Principle #2: Esteem others more highly than yourself. John 15:13 (NKJV) 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Principles of Overcoming Selflessness 3 Principles of Overcoming Selflessness Principle #3: Serve God rather than self. Mark 12:30 (NKJV) 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV) 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Consequences of Selfishness Selfish people can be divisive. 1 Corinthians 11:18–22 (NKJV) 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Consequences of Selfishness Selfishness indicates we are more concerned about things in this life than in the age to come. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NKJV) 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Consequences of Selfishness Some are selfish by failing to share the gospel with others. Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV) 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Consequences of Selfishness Selfishness Gives Birth to Other Sins. 2 Timothy 3:1–7 (NKJV) 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Consequences of Selfishness Being selfish is deadly!

Consequences of Selfishness Being selfish is deadly… because selfish people refuse to obey the Lord! James 4:1–4 (NKJV) 1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.