March 8-14, 2008
OUT OF SELFISHNESS
In this lesson
you will learn that the main cause of not reaching our generation is
selfishness. You will learn the cause of selfishness and how to become
selfless.
I.
Selfishness
is the dominant trait that will characterize the end times.
A.
2
Timothy 3:1-5 – “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
for men will be lovers of themselves…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God having a form of godliness but denying its power” – vv. 1-2, 4-5.
B.
Lovers
of themselves means self-focused, self-centered, serving yourself, thinking
about the big “I,” and consumed with your own
desires.
II.
Signs
of selfishness in the church.
A.
Come
to church with an attitude of, “What is in it for me? What can I get out of the
service?”
B.
Not
asking how I can be of value and service. Becoming a taker and not a giver.
C.
If
not involved you can become critical of others in the church and maybe leave
that church to find a church that will serve you.
III.
What
Jesus said about giving of yourself.
A.
Acts
20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
B.
Luke
12:48 – “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
C.
Matthew
10:8 – “Freely you have received, freely give.”
D.
Luke
9:23-24 – “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
E.
Illustration
– The Sea of Galilee has water that flows in and out – a person who receives
and then gives is like the
IV.
Other
scriptures on being a giver.
A.
2
Corinthians 1:3-4 – As you have been comforted then comfort others.
B.
Proverbs
11:24 – As you scatter you will increase more, but if you withhold it leads to
poverty.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
BE A DOER OF THE WORD
This week pray
that the root of selfishness be cut out of your life and you will live a life
of selflessness. Remember, love is not love until you give it away.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give
than to receive.”