Sermons on Self Emptying:

The Sacrificial Perspective Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

Selfishness does not care about the interests of others. It focuses on the self only. To give up this focus at all is to sacrifice some time, energy, thought, and possibly even some resources for the needs of others.

One of the major causes of human suffering is the fact that people see life from many different perspectives. While we were in Duluth we went to a park where we stood on a bridge and watched a bus load of junior boys and girls eat their lunch on the rocks below. A lovely stream flowed over the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Desire And Discipline Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 10, 2021

Gluttony is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but we can broaden that concept to include overindulgence in general. And the need for self-discipline and healthy boundaries is as relevant an issue in our times as it has ever been.

1 Peter 5:8-11 A boy’s father bought a new lawn mower and told his son that he could keep half of the money if he sold their old one. So the boy posted an ad on the bulletin board at their local grocery store, and within a few days a prospective buyer came by to see it. ‘Does it run?” he asked. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Bacon Or Eggs Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 9, 2021

Is God a forethought or afterthought in our life? Are we giving Him platitudes or our whole self? Are we giving Him our all? This series takes a look at how we are serving God.

Bacon or Eggs Part 1 Scripture: Matthew 6:33; 19:16-26; Mark 12:41-44 Two weeks ago, on August 1st, I was lying in bed when the Spirit of God began to speak to me about our relationship with Him. As I listened to Him speak, I opened the notes app on my phone so I could capture what He told me. I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grace From Galatians (3 Of 19)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 7, 2022

In chapter one, we find Paul defending his calling and the gospel which he preached. There were those who were saying that he was a self-proclaimed minister preaching a false gospel.

Because of the things that are being said about Paul, he says some things about himself that might seem to be bragging in his defense. Look at Galatians 1:13-24, we read, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Be Supportive Of Other Churches Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

If we serve the Lord with the impure motive of personal gain, instead of with the intention of leading people to faith in Christ, then we can become self-focused, critical and judgmental of other believers and other churches.

The apostle Paul once admonished the Philippians, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). In ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-41

Denomination: Baptist

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A- Lamb Of God Who Takes Away The Sin Of The World. Version 2.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 7, 2022

The most effective way this is done is through self-disclosure, which is a very important part of mental and spiritual healing since we allow God to see and “behold us,” in our sin and neediness

Two cockroaches were munching on garbage in an alley when one engages in a discussion about a new restaurant. "I was in that new restaurant across the street," said one. "It's so clean! The kitchen is spotless, and the floors are gleaming white. There is no dirt ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-34

Denomination: Catholic

True Bread From Heaven

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Aug 1, 2024

Jesus is the only source of salvation who can bring us forgiven and restored back into an intimate relationship with God the Father. Forsake the world, self, and those things that cannot nourish us spiritually.

JESUS HAS JUST FINISHED FEEDING THE 5,000 AND IS DEPARTING THE AREA. HE HAD JUST DISPLAYED HIS POWER AND AUTHORITY AND REVEALED THE GLORY OF GOD. ONE WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE SEARED IN THE MEMORY OF ALL 5,000 PEOPLE. NOT QUITE! WE ARE TOLD, BY SCRIPTURE, THAT THEY WERE ACTUALLY A BIT OFFENDED THAT ...read more

Scripture: John 6:24-35, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, John 14:6, Acts 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Free Methodist

Validating Our Christian Identity

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 4, 2025

Lent is a time in which we engage our interior self with its brokenness, weakness and intentional wrongdoing. We are all sinners, but we are sinners endeavoring to become saints, by our faith and practice.

Friday after Ash Wednesday 2025 A priest of my acquaintance many years ago was in conversation with a Lutheran minister. He asked the minister if he believed that Martin Luther had made any big mistakes setting up a parallel Christian church. The minister candidly admitted that he thought Luther ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9, Psalm 51:3-6, Matthew 9:14-15

Denomination: Catholic

An Error In Judgment - Matthew 7:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 7, 2024

Some use this passage to condemn all judging, which is self-contradictory. Not all judgment is wrong. We must make judgments, but this message will alert you to seven kinds of judging that are forbidden in Scripture.

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-2

The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, And Mission Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 8, 2025

The person who is self-reliant – who trusts in their own ability – will face God’s judgment! We must understand that this is the challenge of every person on the Earth, and why God is so CLEAR on this requirement.

Isaiah, Part 20 The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, and Mission Isaiah 49:1-7 and Isaiah 50:4-11 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you are here today - Last week, we expounded on God’s understanding of the problem idolators have -- We were encouraged to lean into Him ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7, Isaiah 50:4-11, Matthew 7:21-23, Philippians 2:8, Acts 2:21, John 1:6-8, Luke 1:35, Romans 5:19, Luke 4:32, John 10:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Then Were The Disciples Glad When They Saw The Lord Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jul 6, 2025

True Christian joy is not rooted in self, others, favorable circumstances, or abstract doctrine—it is rooted in a personal, present encounter with the risen Christ. Joy begins then—when we see Him.

“Then Were the Disciples Glad When They Saw the Lord” (John 20:20; Based on Chapter 2 of Vance Havner’s The Secret of Christian Joy) Key Text: John 20:20 – “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” Thesis: True Christian joy is not rooted in self, others, favorable circumstances, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Pull Of The Cross

Contributed by Matt Hoffmann on Oct 14, 2009

In life there are so many different forces pulling on us. We are pulled one way by fear, and another by self-righteousness. But thank God that the Cross is always at the center, and nothing is more powerful than the pull of God’s mercy and grace.

Mark 10:17-22; Mark 10:23-31 This week we are going to be looking at our Gospel lesson. I wanted to preach on the Gospel last week (maybe you wished I did too), but I held off, because this week and last week’s reading need to go together. So really, we are going to be looking at both lessons ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Because He Lives

Contributed by Larry Grant on Apr 8, 2023

God sent His Son. They called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He bled and died to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives! And because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (CSB) Theme: “I’ve Got The Victory” April 9, 2023 In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul teaches us about the purpose of the Resurrection! He paints a sobering portrait of how things would be if Jesus were still in the grave! He says, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Denomination: Baptist

The Biggest Fool That Ever Hit The Big Time; By Acting Naturally

Contributed by Zera Young on Mar 28, 2006

How do we compair to King Rehoboam by just being ourselves? This sermon will help us to look into our own self and show us we might be just what we don’t won’t to be by just being ourself.

The biggest fool that ever hit the big times by acting naturally ...1st. Kings 12:1 - 13 A good musician friend to me, Buck Owens passed away a few days ago...He recorded a song that really done well for him. The name of it was “Act Naturally” Well. Rehoboam had big shoes to fill. His illustrious ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 12:1-13

Decision Time

Contributed by Ralf Bergmann on Sep 8, 2004

One of the greatest problems that follow conversion, as well as the process of coming to a relationship with Jesus, and even throughout our walk with the Lord is the problem of self-forgiveness. WE have all had those thoughts: Jesus can’t possibly forgi

Sermon Title: Decision Time Text: Romans 8:1-9 Date: July 6, 2003 - EVENING Context of Scripture: As we prepare for what the Lord has for us in this section of the 8th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Roman church, the first nine verses, let me share the words of Charles Wesley in the Hymn “And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-9

Denomination: *other