Sermons on Self Emptying:

Temptation Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Oct 3, 2023

We all face temptation, but through understanding our identity in Christ, trusting in God's provision, exercising wisdom, and using scripture, we can overcome it.

Imagine you're playing a video game. You're on a mission, but there are obstacles and enemies trying to stop you. That's kind of like life, right? We're on a mission to live for God, but there's this thing called temptation that tries to trip us up. Let's see how Jesus beat temptation and how we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Topics: Self-Control, Spiritual Growth, Moral Strength, Inner Discipline

Overcoming Exclusivity (Acts 11)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 25, 2025

Do we think that we are exclusive, the one true church?

Were Old Testament laws of exclusivity based upon ethnicity or avoiding pagan practices like idolatry and child sacrifice? Should we therefore exclude people of different ethnicities from the church who have the same faith in Christ? Let’s look at Acts 11. Did the Jerusalem church question why ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lost Sons And A Prodigal Father Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Nov 3, 2025

While the parable of the prodigal son reveals some things about the lostness of the younger son, it also reveals the lostness of the elder son and the prodigal love of God.

How do you view God? Some people view God as a heavy-handed, demanding judge with strict rules of right and wrong. Others view God like a doting grand-father who willingly gives his grandchildren whatever they want - practically spoiling them. Some may view God as aloof and distant, uninterested or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 2:4-7, Titus 3:5-6, 1 John 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Deadly Virus

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 3, 2010

Sin is not excused by good works, and unrepentant self-indulgence is destructive. Sexual integrity is not just a private matter; how we handle it will determine what happens with our church.

This has the potential for being the shortest sermon I’ve ever done. At first glance, it seems all I need to do with this text is to praise the church for doing so well, declare myself to be against sin, and wrap it up. The shortest sermon I’ve ever done, and maybe the shortest on record! Anybody ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Runs Toward Us Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Sep 7, 2025

On the cross, He carried both sons—the wayward rebellion of the younger and the self-righteous resentment of the older.

Title: The God Who Runs Toward Us Intro: On the cross, He carried both sons—the wayward rebellion of the younger and the self-righteous resentment of the older. Scripture: Luke 15:1-32 Reflection Dear Friends, There is a road in Jesus’ story that changes everything. It is dusty and long, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: Other

A Holiday For Fools

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 31, 2018

Who is a fool? The one who worships a living Saviour? Or the one who says he needs no god? The message is a presentation of the reasonable position of worshipping Christ who conquered death.

“Fools say to themselves, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good. “The LORD looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God. All have turned away, together they have become corrupt; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Consider Your Ways: Look Around (Sermon 1 Of 4) Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Sep 10, 2014

When we allow the common to take priority over the call of God we will sense an emptiness that can only be solved by returning with a repentant heart.

CONSIDER YOUR WAYS: A CALL TO HOLINESS LOOK OUTWARD Haggai 1:1-6 Big Idea: When we allow the common to take priority over the call of God we will sense an emptiness that can only be solved by returning with a repentant heart. Supporting Scripture: • Psalm 51:1-12 • Lamentations ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-6

Denomination: Nazarene

How Paul Died To The Flesh

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Mar 6, 2007

Dying to self, dying to the flesh, are not particularly popular concepts today, even in the church. But the apostle Paul is a great example of doing just that, and his accomplishments are legendary. How did he die to self?

Intro: I’m beginning to understand why it is easier just to avoid the book of Acts. 1. not all the geography or history. 2. but the example of the Apostle Paul that scares the living daylights out of us. 3. here we find Paul on his last journey, sailing and walking steadfastly to imprisonment and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Mystery Of The Gospel Revealed Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Mar 17, 2022

Christianity cures our self-focus by giving us something greater to focus on in our lives. What I mean is that dying to your self and living for Christ completes and renews your entire life.

Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD, USA www.mycrossway.org View this and other messages at: https://mycrossway.churchcenter.com/channels/8118 Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was a physician. As such he was very interested in the use of ether. In order to know how his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

When What God Asks Seems To Be Too Much Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 22, 2024

This passage challenges the self-centered "gospel of self-fulfillment" that is too often proclaimed today. What does it mean that God wants us to focus on the "gospel of kingdom fulfillment"?

A HARSH STORY: God gives Ezekiel a task that overwhelms him. - Ezekiel 3:14-15. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 16-18. - This is a tough story and it’s going to lead us in this sermon to some difficult points. - We’ve been talking for the first two sermons in this series about the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Therefore Don't Let Anyone Judge You (Lessons On Colossians) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 23, 2019

Somehow, adhering to the religious routine inflates the ego and makes a person content in his self-righteousness.

11/16/18 Tom Lowe IVB3: Therefore Don't Let Anyone Judge You In Regards To Food, Festivals, Or Sabbath Days (Col 2:16-17) • “Special Notes” and “Scripture” appear as endnotes. • NIV Bible is used throughout unless noted otherwise. Colossians 2:16-17 (NIV) (16) Therefore do not let anyone ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

John 8:2-11 The Stone Dropped: How Jesus Turned A Legal Trap Into A Call For Self-Examination

Contributed by Ellick Wu on Jan 6, 2026

Now we come to study John 8:2-11. A familiar story about “The Woman Caught in Adultery” and the well-known phrase, “He who is without sin throws the first stone.” Let’s explore the Hypocrisy in the Temple that day, and challenge the judgmental spirit alive in our world today.

Imagine the scene: The temple court is quiet, filled with people eager to hear Jesus teach. But the peace is about to shatter. Suddenly, a group of powerful religious leaders storms in, dragging a terrified woman to the center. They haven't come for justice; they've come to set a trap. They ...read more

Scripture: John 8:2-11, Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10

Denomination: Baptist

Oppression Defeated.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 20, 2022

Jesus is anointed to defeat any stronghold of oppression. A stronghold is something that has been around a while. Strongholds don’t get nervous over your self-will and or your self-determination. The very word stronghold indicates its here to stay.

Oppression Defeated. Acts 10:34-38KJV One man stated—Men ablaze are invincible. The stronghold of Satan is proof against everything but fire. Most of us are familiar with this song—it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-38, Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Changing Your Atmosphere

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Aug 2, 2002

You are in control of the atmosphere you live in, You have the power within you to create The atmosphere that God dwells in.

Mark 14:3-9 3And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9, Mark 14:3-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

Desperate Housewives And Their Spouses

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jan 15, 2006

Successful marriages are built on: 1. Self-giving, rather than self-fulfillment. 2. Building each other up, rather than tearing each other down. 3. Continual growth, rather than taking the relationship for granted.

Henry David Thoreau, the writer and naturalist, once said, “Most men lead quiet lives of desperation.” If you believe television, most housewives do as well. In the show, Desperate Housewives, Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo , Bree Van De Kamp, Gabrielle Solis and Edie Britt lead us through a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Methodist