Sermons on Self Reliance:

The Declaration Of Independence Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 1, 2004

The sermon examines our human tendency to rely on self rather than seek God.

The Declaration of Dependence (Why Men Don’t Ask For Directions—Part 2) James 4:1-10 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Review: In our previous study we explored the normal human tendency to be independent and self-reliant. Independence and ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Just Going To Ignore That? Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Mar 13, 2007

This is the first message in a series from the book of Haggai. Often times we become so self-absorbed that we miss the very needs God has put before us.

Time to Rebuild Part I Haggai 1:1-11 Background • The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity in 538 B.C. • Work on the temple had not taken place in over 15 years Haggai 1:1-2 (NLT) On August 29 of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord gave a message through the ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Watch And Pray

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 24, 2008

Prayer gives us the strength to face the challenges of life in the last days. It is our reliance on God that grants the victory. We need that resolve today.

Let’s look at the theme verse for the last Retreat. • 1 Peter 4:7 says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” • There is an end to this world. And we are now nearer its end than before. • And therefore, Peter says, there are some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Danger Of Pride

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 29, 2025

Pride is a dangerous attitude that leads to downfall and separation from God. It is characterised by self-exaltation, a lack of dependence on God, and disregard for others. Scripture warns that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Title: THE DANGER OF PRIDE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Proverbs 16:18 Supporting Texts: James 4:6, Isaiah 14:12-15, 1 Peter 5:5, Daniel 4:28-33, Philippians 2:3 INTRODUCTION: Pride is a dangerous attitude that leads to downfall and separation from God. It is characterised by ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, Isaiah 14:12-15, 1 Peter 5:5, Daniel 4:28-33, Philippians 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Giving Something Up For Lent

Contributed by Craig Condon on Apr 20, 2015

God will give us the strength and desire to let go of the things that hinder us from serving Him. If we follow Him, He will bless us spiritually. In order to be first with God, we have to be last in the eyes of the world.

Let's take a walk down memory lane for a moment. Some of you, especially the older members of this congregation, may remember a famous comedian named Flip Wilson. He had a weekly TV comedy show back in the 70s, and one of his favorite characters was a preacher named Brother Leroy. In one skit, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Anglican

Living Without Self Confidence

Contributed by Walter Troup on Apr 6, 2019

Self-confidence is a good thing, but what balance should we have in our abilities and the things God has called us to do. This is a closer look at the lives of two heroes of the faith.

Living Without Self Confidence. Having self-confidence is a good thing. No one likes to be around someone who is not confident. In fact, people will say you must believe in yourself, if you don’t you will never achieve anything. But I believe that there is a fine line between having ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:6, Exodus 3:11, Exodus 4:1, Exodus 4:10-13, Judges 6:1, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Proverbs 19:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Power And Purpose Of Self-Control

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 6, 2025

In a time when the pace of life is ever-accelerating, and our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli urging instant action and reaction, the Biblical virtue of self-control remains as pertinent as ever.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Edmund Hilary the first man who conquered Mount Everest was asked by an interviewer about his passions for climbing mountains. He gave this reply: "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." Peter the Great of Russia is quoted as saying, "I have been ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Do You Rely Upon? Series

Contributed by Bobby Oliver on Apr 23, 2018

The Egyptians relied upon the Nile River for religion, for their food and water, and for their livelihood. Who or what are you relying upon?

Who Do You Rely Upon? Exodus 7:14-25 - We’re continuing our study through the book of Exodus. - Last week, we looked at some of the reasons why God is the source of our boldness. - We saw that God knows everything, when He told Moses exactly how Pharaoh was going to respond. - We saw that God ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 7:14-25

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Alone Should Be Sufficient

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Sep 29, 2021

Churches also can look good on the outside, but when you “taste” what they're doing, you find it's only a facade. That was the case with the church in Laodicea.

How many Coca-Cola drinkers do we have here today? How many Pepsi drinkers? How many of you like Dr Pepper? How many of you like Mr Pibb? Have you ever been in a restaurant and ordered a Dr Pepper and they say they don't sell Dr Pepper but they have Mr Pibb and try to pass it off as the same ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22, Hebrews 12:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Executive Obligation-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Nov 11, 2014

1 of 3. Moses gave exhortation regarding the dutiful obligation of Israel’s king for the people’s freedom to serve God. Executive leadership should & can be dutifully obligated to God’s people. Executive leadership is obligated to Freedom from...

EXECUTIVE OBLIGATION-I—Deuteronomy 17:14-20 Attention: Tuesday is Election Day Those for whom we vote have a(n) Obligation/Commitment/Responsibility/Duty to their constituency, which sounds noble. Many, if not most, enter office with noble purposes in mind. But are they really ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

"who Is The Real Prodigal: The Self-Righteousness And Self-Dependency Son"

Contributed by Don Aldrich Tamayo on Sep 12, 2023

"This story has resonated with countless hearts across generations, and it continues to do so because it speaks to the very essence of the human experience – our capacity for both rebellion and redemption, for wandering away and finding our way back."

Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters, today we will study on a profound journey through the pages of Scripture—a journey that unveils the depth of God's forgiveness and exposes two critical aspects of human nature: the sin of self-dependency, as embodied by the younger son, and the sin of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-16, John 3:16, Luke 15:25-32, Luke 15:31-32

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

10. Saul's Victory Through The Spirit's Empowerment Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

History is filled with leaders who, at the right moment, rose to the challenge with courage. Yet, true empowerment comes not from charisma or human strength alone, but from God’s Spirit working through a person.

Saul’s Victory at Jabesh: The Spirit’s Empowerment April 30, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 11 Introduction: The Power to Lead Comes from God History is filled with leaders who, at the right moment, rose to the challenge with courage. One such leader was Winston ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

How Jesus Ministered To The Self-Righteous

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to relate to people who project a sense of moral superiority? Self righteous people focus more on their goodness than the holiness of God.

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to relate to people who project a sense of moral superiority? Self righteous people focus more on their goodness than the holiness of God. One night, such a self-righteous man named Nicodemus, a ruler in the Pharisee's council, came to Jesus wondering how he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Self-Control Series

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Aug 5, 2004

A sermon on how we have become out of control in America and what it takes to get us - Christians - back on track.

August 8, 2004 Galatians 5:23 I have recently been reading a book by Tim Russert called “Big Russ and Me.” It’s a very interesting insight into middle America about forty years ago or so. With great admiration he talks about the great work ethic of his father, who worked two to three jobs ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:23

Denomination: Lutheran

Getting Real With Your Self Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 9, 2003

Lenten series based on Mark 14 and Jesus’ encounters: Jesus was so comfortable with Himself that He could encounter threatening people without being threatened; could correct hostile people without being destructive; and could receive the heart of a tortu

We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes – This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth with myriad subtleties. Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs? Nay, let them only see us, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

Denomination: Baptist