Having No Selfishness
The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in the Christian life and the need to overcome selfishness and pride to achieve it.
This sermon delves into the manifestation of God's ways in Jesus' life, emphasizing unity as highlighted in Philippians chapter 2. The chapter discusses being of the same mind, love, spirit, and purpose, showcasing a comprehensive view of unity. It addresses the importance of adopting the attitude of Christ to combat sins that hinder unity, specifically selfishness and pride. The command to refrain from selfishness and pride is presented as a challenging yet essential journey towards perfection, mirroring Jesus' selfless and humble nature.
Full Transcript
about God's ways is what was manifested as the primary thing in Jesus' life and we can see that in Philippians in chapter 2. In Philippians chapter 2 we read, he talks about unity there, it's one of the most complete verses on unity found in the whole Bible. Philippians chapter 2 verse 2, he speaks about being in the same mind, the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. I don't think there is another verse in the whole Bible that speaks about so many aspects of unity, same mind, same love, same spirit, same purpose.
And in order to get there, he says in verse 5, have this attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus. He speaks about two sins, two sins that disturb and prevent unity. Those sins are, verse 3, selfishness and pride.
Here is a command, is it possible to obey it? Do nothing from selfishness, do nothing in pride. I tell you, after 50 years of being a believer, I haven't come there yet. And if you think you have, it's because you don't have light on yourself.
These are two mountains. Do nothing from selfishness, that means absolutely zero in my life. That I do centered in myself.
Every decision, never thinking of myself. Nothing in pride. But though it is a mountain, if you don't start climbing it, you'll never reach the peak.
We have to press on. This is what it means to press on to perfection, like you see in the front of this pulpit. Perfect.
Some people say to us, oh you brothers think you're perfect, I say just come and see what's written in the front of our pulpit. That's our testimony that we're not perfect. We believe in pressing on to perfection.
Perfection means what? To be like Jesus, who did nothing from selfishness, who did nothing from pride.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Unity
- A. Unity is a key aspect of the Christian life
- B. Philippians 2:2-5 is a complete verse on unity
- II. The Hindrances to Unity
- A. Selfishness
- B. Pride
- III. The Command to Overcome Selfishness and Pride
- A. Do nothing from selfishness
- B. Do nothing in pride
- IV. The Call to Press On
- A. Climbing the mountain of selflessness
- B. Reaching the peak of perfection
Key Quotes
“Do nothing from selfishness, do nothing in pride.” — Zac Poonen
“Perfection means what? To be like Jesus, who did nothing from selfishness, who did nothing from pride.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We must continually strive to overcome selfishness and pride in our lives.
- Pressing on to perfection means striving to be like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Unity is a key aspect of the Christian life, and we must prioritize it in our relationships with others.