Sermon Recap

“The important thing to remember is that repentance is the prelude to revival. The church must first repent.”

I know you are going to find this hard to believe, but most people, even Christians live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness, as we all know, brings about dissension, disharmony, and conflict. There can be no true unity in the church when there is selfishness involved. Here in the Philippian church, Paul stresses the importance of spiritual unity in the body of believers. He priorities the importance of loving each other and to be one in Spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity! Selfishness ruins people and churches, but genuine humility will build the church. Operating in a humble spirit comes only because we have embraced a true perspective of ourselves.

It's hard to repent when we don’t even realize how selfishly we are living. In fact, it's only when we submit our lives to Christ daily that we give him the permission to begin to weed out the selfish area’s of our lives.

Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

Romans 12:3

Philippians 2:1-11

I Corinthians 9:19-27

I Peter 5:6

Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.

What areas of my life do I consider selfish? Be honest with each other and with yourself when you answer these first two questions.
What areas of my life do I consider selfless?
Philippians 2:3 commands us to not be selfish, nor to try and impress others, meaning giving the impression to others that you are better than you really are. Have you ever been in a conversation and it seems like the person you are talking with continues to just talk about themselves, but never asks about you? How does that make you feel?
Usually when we find ourselves making selfish decisions in life, it’s because we have tuned God and His Word out. What practical ways can I begin to put God first in my life?
What were some of the actions, according to Phillipians 2:5-11, that defined Jesus’s selfless life.
In what ways can you honor the people around you better?

Prayer

I ask, Father, that you would come in and stir me in such a way that every part of my life would be completely devoted to You. I ask you to be first in thought, deed, time, talent, and treasure throughout my life. Holy Spirit manifest Yourself in my life. Fill me with love and compassion, from this day forward. Let me be all about my Father’s business. As I seek your face, let the heavens open over my life and let your favor rest upon me. Let me hear your voice daily and be guided by You. Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and know that you will do all this for me.

Life Application

This week practice honoring others above yourself. Put your desires second to your spouses, kids, colleagues, and those in authority over you.
Choose a couple of people this week that you are going to intentionally and selflessly serve, outside your immediate family.
Ask the Holy Spirit daily, to help you recognize when you are acting or making a selfish decision.

Don’t Forget!

Midweek Prayer (Wednesday’s, 9:00am) - Join in-person or online
Sunday Night Prayer (Sunday, November 7th, 6:00pm) - All church
Spend time each day in prayer

Additional Resources

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Week 4: Empty Me of Selfishness