#9 Dealing With Emotions – Selfishness & Self-pity In A Godly Way.

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Topic #9 Selfishness & Self-pity: Double Trouble

     Selfishness has been cited as the greatest single enemy to a happy marriage. Selfishness causes strife and unhappiness in many other relationships too.

Me, Myself and I

Fill in the scriptures below with the Person and Warning-Promise with each.

                                                Person;          Warning-Promise

1. Mark 12:41-44?
2. Mark 10-17-22?
3. Luke 12:16-21?
4. Luke 7:41-48?

In 1 Timothy 6:8-10 what is described as the root of all evil?

     Give examples or illustrations and how would you describe someone who has each problem?

What answer does Jesus give for the problem?

1. Matthew 6:33
2. Matthew 10:38-39?
3. Mark 8:34-37?
4. John 12:24-26?

Look at some biblical examples of unselfishness and list the Person and Warning-Promise of each:

                                                            Person;          Warning-Promise

1.     Genesis 13:5-11?

2.     Genesis 26:18-22?

3.     1 Samuel 1:24-28?

4.    John 12:3-7?

5.     Acts 2:42-47?

     Can you think of other examples?

What are two specific changes you can make to become less selfish?

What should be our main interest and concern be?

1. 1 Corinthians 10:24?
2. 2 Corinthians 5:15?
3. Philippians 2:4, 21?

     How does this apply to your family, home, neighbor or place of work?

Self-Pity

     Focusing our thoughts on ourselves, problems or failures encourages self-pity to develop.  Describe someone you know who engages in self-pity.  Do you like being with that person?

     The primary cause of depression is self-pity.  Self-pity can be triggered by anger or resentment over unfair treatment, or by your adverse circumstances.  What principles are forgotten when we indulge in self-pity?

1. Romans 8:28?
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13?
3. Ephesians 4:30, 32?
4. Philippians 4:6-7?
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19?
6. James 1:2-3?

Before you can begin to overcome self-pity or selfishness, you must recognize it as sin in God’s sight.

1. Confess it as sin and receive God’s cleansing (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:10)
2. Ask God to change your patterns of thinking and reacting.
3. Praise God for His victory (1 John 4:4, Philippians 4:13)
4. Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and controlled by Him (Ephesians 5:18)

Application:

     Do at least two things for others this week that you do not normally do.

     Learn to confess your self-pity immediately rather than wallowing in it.

     How can you develop unselfishness in your children?

Prayer:

     Dear Lord, I thank you for Your unselfishness in sending Your own Son to die because of my sin.  Give us the power to overcome self in my life and to shun self-pity.  I pray with a grateful heart.  AMEN

I’ll continue Friday  11/06/15 with “Topic #10 -Dealing With Emotional Control In A Godly Way”.

Blessings – The Lord’s Servant – Sandy F.