Selfishness is the root of all sin. Almost everything we do is out of selfishness. The world says,"Do what makes YOU happy." "Your happiness comes first!"
But Paul(Through Christ) says,
"Do not look to your own interest, but to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
John(Through Christ) says,
John(Through Christ) says,
"If anyone has materiel passions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17)
Philippians 2:6-11
In your relationship with one another, have the same mind-set as Christ.
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Even though Jesus was given equality with God, He did not use it to His own advantage, rather, He made Himself nothing for God's glory, and for our salvation. He was given the name above all names, but He still took the form of a servant and suffered a death on the cross for God's glory, and for our salvation.
Jesus is a great example of God first, other second, ourselves last.
2 questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I good at putting others ahead of myself?
2. What's in my heart? Selfishness, or love for others ahead of myself?
(more like 3)
(My notes from Sunday School)
Sometimes we even put ourselves ahead of God because of our selfishness. Step out of the center stage and put God in the spot light. (Then other, and ourselves last.)
Selfishness also has to do with disobeying our authorities, including God.
We want to get our way, and do things for ourselves. Me, me, me first. Not: What would God and my authorities want me to do? Who do I need to put first? How could my selfish actions affect those around me? Could it put someone in danger? Could it make people lose trust in me? Am I displeasing the LORD when I do this? These are the things we HAVE to think about when we want to do something out of selfishness. HOW WILL IT AFFECT OTHERS?
Philippians 2:3
"Do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Philippians 2:6-11
In your relationship with one another, have the same mind-set as Christ.
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Even though Jesus was given equality with God, He did not use it to His own advantage, rather, He made Himself nothing for God's glory, and for our salvation. He was given the name above all names, but He still took the form of a servant and suffered a death on the cross for God's glory, and for our salvation.
Jesus is a great example of God first, other second, ourselves last.
2 questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I good at putting others ahead of myself?
2. What's in my heart? Selfishness, or love for others ahead of myself?
(more like 3)
(My notes from Sunday School)
Sometimes we even put ourselves ahead of God because of our selfishness. Step out of the center stage and put God in the spot light. (Then other, and ourselves last.)
Selfishness also has to do with disobeying our authorities, including God.
We want to get our way, and do things for ourselves. Me, me, me first. Not: What would God and my authorities want me to do? Who do I need to put first? How could my selfish actions affect those around me? Could it put someone in danger? Could it make people lose trust in me? Am I displeasing the LORD when I do this? These are the things we HAVE to think about when we want to do something out of selfishness. HOW WILL IT AFFECT OTHERS?
Philippians 2:3
"Do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Great insight, Bug. Praying that the Lord gives you (and me too) grace to put these truths into action. Love you!!
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