Sermons on Self Willed Efforts:

The Truth About Discipleship

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 27, 2009

Jesus wants us to know the truth about being one of His disciples. He wants all of us to count the cost, so in vs. 24 the Lord tells us three things we must do.

The Truth about Discipleship Matthew 16:20-25 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - March 22, 2009 *I read about a little boy who was trying to memorize some Scripture. He accidentally got two verses jumbled together. It came out this way: “A lie is an abomination unto the Lord. -- ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:20-25

Denomination: Baptist

Embracing A Spirit Of Power, Love, And Self-Discipline Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2023

We are not called to live in fear and timidity, but in the power, love, and self-discipline that God has given us. Let us face life's challenges with the confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Embracing a Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline Introduction: Begin with a warm welcome to the congregation and introduce the key verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Share a brief ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 16:14, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Self-Humbling - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

Fasting is never commanded in the NT, yet all the godliest people in the Bible did it. If it is important, why isn't it discussed in the epistles? If it is not important, why did Jesus do it? And why did he promise reward if we do it?

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Strength Beyond Self: Receiving The Power Of God

Contributed by Jessica Linde on Sep 29, 2025

In contrast to the self-reliant grit our culture so often advocates, this sermon’s ultimate goal is to highlight that true and lasting strength comes from allowing God's "power" to work in and through our human fragility.

Over the past several Sundays, we have been working through a sermon series on Paul’s letter to the early church in Philippi—a now ruined city in north east Greece. As we’ve worked through this series (which we are concluding today), we’ve seen how this little letter is overflowing with faith, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13, 2 Corinthians 4:6-10

(Lesson 2) Gideon: A Weak Self-Image

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Gideon was at the bottom of the social ladder and filled with self-doubt when he encountered God. Because of that experience, Gideon was able to drive the enemy out of his homeland.

A. INTRODUCTION: JUDGES 6:11-23 1. Poor. Gideon was the youngest son, of the poorest family, of the weakest tribe in Israel. "My family is poor in Manasseh, and I am least in my father’s house" (I Judges 6:15). 2. Weak Name. Gideon was also called Jerubbal (Baal fighter) after confronting idol ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:11-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Words And Understanding Self-Imposed Curses Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jul 6, 2025

In the realm of spiritual warfare, one of the most potent and often overlooked areas is the concept of self-imposed curses.

In the realm of spiritual warfare, one of the most potent and often overlooked areas is the concept of self-imposed curses. These are negative pronouncements or declarations that individuals make over their own lives, often without realizing the long-term consequences. Self-cursing can manifest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:23

Fruit That Is Never Out Of Season: Self-Control Series

Contributed by John Maxwell on Aug 10, 2006

We have talked about the different aspects of the fruit of the spirit that Paul gives us. Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live an incredible life. Let’s start in Galatians 5:19 because Paul does a tremendous job of contra

FRUIT THAT IS NEVER OUT OF SEASON SELF-CONTROL Galatians 5:19-26 John Maxwell INTRODUCTION: Turn with me to Galatians, Chapter 5 this morning. We have talked about the different aspects of the fruit of the spirit that Paul gives us. Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-26

Denomination: Wesleyan

Yahweh "The Eternally Self-Existent One" Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Mar 6, 2011

Even though we find the name Yahweh in the Bible many times before Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, it is the first time that the name is explained to us.The name Yahweh is used more than any other name for God in the Old Testament. It occur

Purpose: To describe the comprehensive nature of the name Yahweh. Aim: I want the listener to gain a deeper affection and reverence for God. INTRODUCTION: The first name for God in the Bible (Genesis 1:1) is the Hebrew name "Elohim" which reveals God as "The Mighty or Strong One" and often ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Good And Beautiful God: God Is Self-Sacrificing Series

Contributed by Scott Walker on Sep 12, 2011

The image of God is restored in humankind through self-sacrifice--first through the self-sacrifice of God in Christ Jesus, and now as we sacrifice ourselves to our Heavenly Father's will and purpose for our lives.

“The Good & Beautiful God: God Is Self-Sacrificing” Romans 5:6-9 February 27th, 2011 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-9

Denomination: Nazarene

The Program Of Self Vs A Greater Than Jonah! Series

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Oct 31, 2013

God give an object lesson in His mercy and nondiscrimination concerning salvation to all and exposes Jonah's lack of grace.

Jonah Chapter 4 If I am allowed to headline the four chapters one maybe humorous way would be like this: Politically perverse prophet purposefully pursued by God Prayerfully penitent prophet precisely protected by God Powerfully preaching prophet pointedly pushed by God Pitifully ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Agape Love Versus Self-Centered Love

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 9, 2018

The church in Corinth, like many modern churches, was in a great deal of trouble. Self-centered love and self pride was wreaking havoc. What's the answer?

If you would, please stand as we say together our memory Scripture for this quarter: Matthew 6:31-33 “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. “But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Nazarene

King Uzziah - The King Who Self-Destructed Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 17, 2017

1. Reign of Victory - v. 1-15 2. Uzziah's Secret Weapon - v. 1-7 - Being A God Seeker 3. Self-Destruction and Utter Shame - v. 16 - 23

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26 (NASB) Theme: King Uzziah - The King Who Self-Destructed 1. Reign of Victory - v. 1-15 2. Uzziah's Secret Weapon - v. 1-7 - Being A God Seeker 3. Self-Destruction and Utter Shame - v. 16 - 23 INTRO: Grace and peace from God our Father and from His Son ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26:1-23

Denomination: Nazarene

Fight The Good Fight - Opponent #2: Self

Contributed by Jerry Rittenhouse on Mar 5, 2019

Opponent #2 is harder than our first fight. Our first attempt to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH was with People and their Problems. But today, our second opponent is the fight we have with SELF. This is a harder match.

VIDEO: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT (LYRIC VIDEO) CHAMPION VIDEO: MAIN SLIDE: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT SCRIPTURE SLIDES: 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 2 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Self-Existence Of God And Our Dependency On Him

Contributed by Arsenio Segismundo on Oct 30, 2021

The self-existence of God

Title: The self-existence of God and our dependency on Him Summary: This sermon intends to establish our dependency on God in everything and that we cannot do away with Him for He is everything to us. Topic: The Self-Existence Of God And Our Dependency On Him By Ptr Jack Segismundo Text: ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 46:9

Denomination: Christian Church

Self Encouragement In The Lord In The Midst Of Discouraging Circumstances

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Mar 4, 2022

Everyone will have times of crisis which can bring discouragement, we are expected to turn them to God for His intervention.

Self Encouragement in the Lord in the Midst of Discouraging Circumstances Study Text: 1 Samuel 30: 1-8 Introduction: - Persevering pursuit of God gives us encouragement in the midst of discouraging situations of our own lives. - The Philistine King, Achish, gave David the town of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal