Selfishness
Selfishness is a self-centered concern for oneself without due regard to the needs of others. Scripture treats selfishness as an aspect of sin and urges believers to care for others as well as themselves.
Selfishness is a characteristic of the sinner
Ro 8:5; 2Co 5:15 Also See: Pr 18:1; Ro 2:8; Eph 2:3
Selfishness is a characteristic of a sinful society
2Ti 3:1-2 Also See: Jdg 17:6; 21:25
Expressions of selfishness
Greed Mt 23:25 Also See: Mk 12:7; Lk 12:13-21; Ac 5:3
Ambition Php 2:3 Also See:Jer 45:5; Gal 5:19-20; Php 1:17; Jas 3:14-16
Boastfulness Da 4:30
Self-Denial
The willingness to deny oneself possessions or status in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God. Jesus Christ himself commended and illustrated This practice, which underlies Christian fellowship within the church.
The wisdom of self-denial
Pr 23:20-21 Also See: Pr 25:16
Examples of self-denial in order to put God first
Da 1:8; Heb 11:25 Also See: Lev 23:29; Jer 35:6; Da 10:3; Lk 1:15; 7:33 Mt 11:18
Self-denial is a requirement of following Jesus Christ
Mt 16:24 Mk 8:34 Lk 9:23 Ac 21:13; Php 3:7; 1Pe 2:11 Also See: Mt 5:29; 6:10; 9:9 Mk 2:13-14 pp Lk 5:27-28 the calling of Matthew; Mt 10:37-38 Lk 14:26-27 the cost of being a disciple; Mt 18:8 Mk 9:43; Mt 19:21 Lk 18:22 the rich young man; Mt 19:27 Mk 10:28 Lk 18:28 Peter left everything to follow Jesus Christ; Mt 19:29 Mk 10:29-30 Lk 18:29-30 the rewards of self-denial for the sake of the gospel; Lk 5:11; 14:33; 21:34; Ac 20:24; Ro 6:2,6,11; 8:13; 12:1; 13:14; 1Co 6:12; 9:25-27; 2Co 8:5 the example of the Macedonian churches; Gal 2:20; 5:16,23; Col 3:3,5; 2Ti 2:21; Tit 2:12-13; Jas 4:7; 1Pe 4:2
Say this prayer to be saved or to renew your relationship with God:
Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Teach me the Word of God and help me live for You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
