Sermons on Selfish Ambition:

Wisdom Of Character

Contributed by Leslie Tarlton on Jan 19, 2014

An Expositional Series on the Book of James

James 3_13-18 Wisdom of Character Last week we spoke of the evil that the tongue can get us into and how the tongue, and how people use it, can be a good sign of where people are in their Christian life. And the totality of the first part of James 3 is summed up in verse 9. “Therewith ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Winning The Battle Against Selfishness

Contributed by Sonny Thomas, Sr. on Jan 10, 2009

Because of the propensity to think only of ourselves which destroys the unity of the body of Christ, we are reminded to combat our selfishness with an attitude of service to others.

[Announce Text] Please take your Bibles and turn with me to the New Testament epistle to the Philippians – Philippians chapter 2. We will be reading the first four verses of the chapter. [Scripture Introduction] Known as one of Paul’s “Prison Epistles,” Philippians was written during Paul’s first ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have A Holy Ambition? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2014

Is your ladder of success leaning against the wrong wall?

INTRODUCTION In the last message we examined the powerful admonition to maintain sexual purity even though we live in an X-rated culture. The next message from 1 Thessalonians will be from the familiar section predicting the second coming of Christ. But nestled between those two tall mountains of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

Uprooting Bitter Roots 2 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Aug 14, 2018

This message continues exploration of the second deadly virus in the church family -- bitterness.

“Uprooting Bitter Roots 2” Introduction Two weeks ago we began exploring a subject that affects every person in the world. Either you or someone you know has been paralyzed by this insidious infection at one time or another in your life or perhaps even now. It is so devastating that is one of the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:11-24, Acts 8:9-23, Lamentations 3:15-26

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Forsaking Foibles That Fracture Families Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Feb 1, 2018

How to avoid creating the environment that produces sibling rivalries, bitter jealousy and self ambition in families.

Fixing Family Feuds Forsaking Foibles that Fracture Families Genesis 37:1-11 This morning we begin a new series on the life of Joseph, which I've entitled, Fixing Family Feuds. The Title is actually inadequate—yes a family feud was fixed, but an incredibly gracious God and an incredibly faithful ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11

Denomination: Bible Church

The Service Of Christ

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 10, 2013

The road which the Lord sets before us is not easy. It requires us to give up our selfish ambition, and to walk the path of service. Yet it is a route which leads to a crown of glory for ALL who follow Jesus.

THE SERVICE OF CHRIST. Mark 10:32-45. The disciples of Jesus were amazed that Jesus had ‘steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem’ (Luke 9:51). They were beginning to have the clear apprehension that such a route would lead to their Master’s premature death, and that the promises of His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Imitating Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Seeing selfish ambition, vain conceit, discord, from persecution, Paul called on the church to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy” of their calling and not "of" the world. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the sake of others, we also are to offer

INTRODUCTION A. LIFE TODAY IS NOT WHAT CHRIST INTENDED 1. We live in a “dog eat dog” world. 2. “SELF” rules We may view ourselves as did the Pharisee depicted by Jesus who prayed, “God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Humility Of Christ: A Model For Transformation Philippians 2:5-8 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 28, 2024

Philippians 2:5-8 presents a profound challenge to believers to embody the humility of Christ. By embracing His example, we can experience transformation and become vessels of His grace and love in the world.

The Humility of Christ: A Model for Transformation Philippians 2:5-8 Introduction: Today, we explore the profound humility of Christ as exemplified in Philippians 2:5-8. In this passage, the apostle Paul invites believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who humbly served others and willingly ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:28, 1 Peter 2:21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sins We're Ok With: Apathy & Selfishness

Contributed by George Durham on Sep 5, 2016

Church members must continue to recognize our own sinfulness --even those not obvious or socially acceptable.

SINS THE CHURCH IS OK WITH: Apathy & Selfishness Haggai 1: 2-6; Revelation 2: 1-4; Phil. 2:3,4, 21 Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of SELFISH ambition or vain conceit, but in Humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look NOT ONLY to your own interests but ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:2-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Lessons From The Herods In The Bible

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 21, 2025

The Herods of the Bible provide us with powerful lessons on the dangers of pride, selfish ambition, and rejecting God’s will. Their lives serve as stark warnings about the cost of rebellion against God and the importance of humility, integrity, and obedience in leadership.

LESSONS FROM THE HERODS IN THE BIBLE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 2:1-18, Mark 6:14-29, Acts 12:1-23 Supporting Texts: Luke 23:1-25, Acts 12:20-23, Revelation 19:11-21 INTRODUCTION: The Herods in the Bible represent a family line known for their tyrannical rule and opposition to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18, Mark 6:14-29, Acts 12:1-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Blind Ambition Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Apr 25, 2006

Overcoming the world view of winning at all costs and moving toward a biblical view of success.

Proclaiming His Majesty Series 2006 Blind Ambition Genesis 11:1-9 If you could travel back in time to the days of Noah what an amazing sight you would see! Not the flood or the ark, but right after the flood waters had dried is the time I am thinking of. If you were there you would find ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Godly Ambition

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 27, 2024

The nature of the Church, consists of a 2000-year-old chain of disciples who live their faith devoutly and inspire others to do the same. And every one of us is meant to be a link in that chain, for our own lives to carry and pass the torch of God’s love in Christ.

Godly Ambition 2 Timothy 2:1-7 Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin spent ten years researching and writing a book on Abraham Lincoln’s White House years (Team of Rivals). She says she was surprised, through studying his life and character, to discover one quality in particular that stood out as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

The Spiritual Warfare Behind Humility And Selfishness Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 26, 2015

THE ISSUES OF HUMILITY AND UNITY ARE VITAL TO THE CHURCH

THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE BEHIND HUMILITY AND SELFISHNESS PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 DO NOTHING FROM SELFISHNESS OR EMPTY CONCEIT, BUT WITH HUMILITY OF MIND REGARD ONE ANOTHER AS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOURSELVES; 4  DO NOT MERELY LOOK OUT FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL INTERESTS, BUT ALSO FOR THE INTERESTS OF ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Learning From Our Conflicts Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Nov 16, 2015

In this message, we will learn that the heart is the source of all evil desires, conflicts, rivalries, and all selfish ambitions. When we resolve the root cause of the conflict, we can solve the problem. Only Christ can transform our hearts.

Wars and conflicts are everywhere especially clearer when you read the online newspapers. There is conflict among nations, among races, among politicians, even among religious beliefs. Those conflicts are rooted to so much hatred, antagonism, bitterness and hostilities. In addition, hot tempered ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 10:1-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Future Focus Motivates Present Faithfulness Pt 9 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jul 28, 2018

Part 9 in our exploration of a future focus specifically dealing with the admonition to address bitterness.

“Uprooting Bitter Roots” Hebrews 12 addresses three specific life goals to consider as individuals and as a church family. It is my hope that they will guide the direction of our church family throughout the year. a) Promote Healing among the body b) Pursue peace with ALL men ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-16

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance