Building Blocks for Life: Being Unselfish

Defined The word “selfish” means “to be concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, profit, or well-being without regard for others.”

Defined The Greek word oft translated “selfish ambition” communicates “a feeling of resentfulness based upon jealousy and implying rivalry,” which leads to “strife” and “contentiousness.”

Memory Verses Memory verses for this lesson come from Paul’s letter to the Philippians and James’ description of true wisdom (Phil. 2:3-4; James 3:14 & 16).

Philippians 2:3-4, NASB Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

James 3:14 & 16, NASB But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

Positive Examples Faithful Disciples Jesus Christ

Faithful Disciples Faithful disciples were unselfish in helping brethren who needed assistance (Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-37).

Jesus Christ Our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate example of unselfishness (Eph. 5:1-2; Phil. 2:3-8).

Negative Examples Sarai, the Wife of Abraham The Foolish Farmer

Sarai Sarai, wife of Abraham, demonstrated a bad attitude toward Hagar and Ishmael (Gen. 16:1-6).

The Foolish Farmer Denouncing covetousness, Jesus told the parable of the rich but foolish farmer who thought only of himself, and was wholly unmindful of the needs of others (Luke 12:13- 21).

Application Selfish individuals do not have the right attitude (Prov. 23:6-8; Phil. 1:15-18). Selfishness, and the conflict it produces, is a work of the flesh that bears evil fruit (Gal. 5:19- 21; James 3:13-18).

Application Avoiding selfishness, may we be loving and generous toward others (Gal. 5:13-15; Phil. 2:1- 4).

Conclusion & Challenge May God help us to become less argumentative and more agreeable, less hateful and more loving, less proud and more humble, less rebellious and more obedient, less selfish and more of a servant.