From Selfish to Self-less

1. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Cor. 13:24

A.Good - honor, commendation, profitablility, desires, pleasures, gain

B. Anyone struggle with this topic?

What about leave mess for someone else to clean up,

fuss about the parking place that someone else just took,

You’re part of a church family and you assume no responsibility

Always having to choose the resturant

Definition - devoted to the caring of yourself only

This Christian living is all about putting others first; finding a need and meeting it; being the hands & feet of Jesus all day long.

This Christian living is all about putting others first; finding a need and meeting it; being the hands & feet of Jesus all day long.

God keeps good records and the faithful will abound with blessing.

God knows how to set you up for blessing

Rick the photographer

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

The Danger of Selfishness

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” NIV

Selfish ambition - to promote yourself like you’re ALL that

Manipulative

2. Manipulative

A. They have little or no regard for your needs. They will utilize behavior for their benefit.

B. Jacob

nearing death told Esau ...

& 19 So he went in to his father (Isaac) and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

Genesis 27:18 ESV

So he went in to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

Birthright - entitled the firstborn son to a double portion of inheritance

Manipulated his brother 2 times (birthright and oldest son’s blessing)

Esau hated his brother - “Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Jacob flees to another land never to see his mother again

Manipulation (selfishness) has consequences

It will separate you from the ones that love you

It breeds more selfishness (reap/

- Jacob has an encounter with God

- Meets Rachel and falls in love

Tells Laban he’ll work 7 years for the younger daughter, Rachel. He ends up getting Leah

Laban manipulates Jacob

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”

Paul gives direction how to get out of it.

2. : 3B - Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” NIV

Without Jesus I can do nothing - humility

Without Jesus I can do nothing - humility

Instead of looking down on others -

But for the grace of God I too would be there.

Song “I Need Thee O I Need Thee”

Esteem others - “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” ESV

It’s a challenge - “I am crucified with Christ.”

Jacob leaves Laban and must pass over his brother’s land

He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you? then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’” & 18

With Laban he knew he had confidence (honest gain)

With Esau he knew he was guilty

From Selfish to Self-less

3.

“This mind” Change your thinking...

“A thing to be grasped” something held on to

So you are the mission’s director, pastor, a worship leader...

“Emptied himself and became a servant”

There’s a lot of people lining up to be leaders but few lining up to be servants

“Became obedient to death”

When was the last time you died? Sacrificed?

- Jacob wrestles with God.

The enemy wasn’t Esau but himself

vs 27 - What is your name?

Supplanter - usurping thrones; takes the place of someone who was there first

Israel - Given a name that will represent the posterity of Hebrew people

-

This was a miracle from God

Conclusion: God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob (more than twice as many times as God of Abraham)

Message of God’s grace

I am the God of the manipulator; selfish

Stumbler

Failure