Sermons on Selfish Ambition:

Downwardly Mobile

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 25, 2023

Jesus isn’t saying that ambition is a bad thing, or that they/we shouldn’t aspire to be great. He’s telling them/us that true greatness is something else.

Ann Henderson came home from her doctor’s appointment looking much the same as usual. Maybe she was a little quieter, but not enough to cause comment. The whole family was home for dinner that night, for once. She was grateful. She would only have to say it once. She waited for a moment when nobody ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Holy Spirit Or Lobby Spirit?

Contributed by Brussy Soriton on Sep 5, 2025

True leadership comes from the Holy Spirit, not human lobbying, manipulation, or ambition.

HOLY SPIRIT OR LOBBY SPIRIT? In today’s modern era, many people are racing to pursue positions, titles, or influence by any means possible. We can see this in politics, business, and sadly, even in church ministry. Those who rely on the lobby spirit—the spirit of seeking human support, lobbying, ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

State Of The Heart Worship

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Dec 5, 2005

Why some people worship Jesus (the Wisemen) and some don’t (Herod).

The difference between those who worship Jesus and those who do not is the state of their heart. Herod did not want Jesus worshiped. He desired no rival to his position and power. The wisemen on the other hand were anxious to worship the newborn king. When you examine the hearts of the wisemen ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

'setting The Mind'

Contributed by Larry Wolfe on Jul 27, 2009

The works of the flesh and Spirit described

"Setting the Mind" (Romans 8) Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) A. IMMORALITY 1. Adultery-Committing Sex Sins After Marriage 2. Fornication-Committing Sex Sins Before/After Marriage 3. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Be Jesus To Someone

Contributed by James Webster on Feb 1, 2013

This is a short devotional "During the month of February when everyone is thinking about love wouldn't it be a good time to ask God to help us Love like He loves."

February 1, 2013 February 1st, I love the first, the first day of the week, the first day of the month, the first day of the year; the first always gives me the sense that I have the opportunity to get right what I didn’t get right the last time. The realization of the first always seems to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Choosing Kingdom Ways

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Nov 17, 2012

The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, joy, peace, and power.

Choosing Kingdom Ways The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, joy, peace, and power. When we speak of the Kingdom it means - Power over all the works of the devil - Breaking chains - Releasing healing and miracles - Living in abundance and overflow Kingdom fruit (Galatians ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Denomination: Charismatic

The Empathetic Christian Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

Let us strive to be empathetic Christians, enhancing our fellowship and usefulness to the Master.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to a deeper level of connection with one another. Empathy is a vital aspect of this connection, allowing us to understand and enter into each other's feelings. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, the apostle Paul writes, "If one member suffers, all the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:58, Acts 11:23

Let Go; Let God Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jun 29, 2001

Old Testament Isaiah and New Testament James agreed on the two principal ingredients of genuine, lasting personal peace -- Let Go; Let God

13If you are wise and understand God¡¦s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don¡¦t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! 14But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don¡¦t brag about being ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: United Methodist

Philippians And Stress 3: Eliminating Istress Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 26, 2020

Some stress is an "I problem"--especially stress in the church. Jesus helps us get over our focus on our own needs.

PHILIPPIANS AND STRESS: DITCHING iStress—Philippians 1:27-2:18 Have you ever thought about how much stress comes from our own self-centeredness? At work, people are always asking: Am I successful, valued, getting ahead? In marriage: Am I getting my way? Am I finding fulfillment? Am I getting ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Marriage: Me, Myself And I Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 20, 2007

Focuses on selfishness in Marriage

Marriage Part 4: Me, Myself & I Introduction Previously we have discussed the blood covenant, the marriage vows and last week how we must decide how to make our marriages into one. The focal point from last week’s message was to clarify the need to examine what each of us brings into a marriage. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Struggling With Sin Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 15, 2019

The 1) Relational Struggle (Galatians 5:20b-21a) and 2) Personal Struggle (Galatians 5:21b) with sin.

If you are a fan of classic, dry humor, then you probably know Bob Newhart. There is a skit where he’s a Psychiatrist and a patient comes in. After he explains the billing process, she explains her problem. After listening, he replies that he wants to say just two words. I want you to take them out ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:20-21

Denomination: Other

The Big Surprise

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 5, 2021

This Easter message focuses on the DISRUPTION that Jesus's presence brought into the lives of the selfish priests and Pharisees at His first Advent, their response to the disruption (murdering Jesus), and the SURPRISE Jesus's resurrection was to them and even to the disciples.

Today we celebrate the greatest event in the history of mankind: the resurrection of Christ. Nothing has ever happened that influences the destiny of mankind like that one event. Alexander’s defeat of the Persians changed the course of Western civilization. It was a significant turning point in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:34-36, John 3:16, Revelation 1:18, John 20:15, John 2:12-25, Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 8:34-37, John 11:47-48, Matthew 23:27, 1 Corinthians 15:1-58, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Acts 1:11, Matthew 28:1-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Two Kinds Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Apr 21, 2006

The truly wise seeks after God’s wisdom.

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM Text: James 3:13-18 Introduction 1. Read James 3:13-18 2. An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord will reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Methodist

Unused Power Series

Contributed by Jeremias Fababier on Sep 1, 2008

Wisdom is something that all people have, but the onlt question is where your wisdom comes from.

TOPIC: UNUSED POWER Text: James 3:13-18 Introduction: (ILL. There’s a story about a wealthy man who was terminally ill. The doctor said, "There’s only one thing that will save you. A brain transplant. It’s an experimental operation. And it’s very expensive." The wealthy guy said, "Money is no ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

“the Gift Of Wisdom” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on May 26, 2015

James speaks to us about how to receive wisdom from God.

James tells us that wisdom is a gift we should ask for and here in his discussion, he tells us about the giver and the giving of wisdom; and the receiver and the receiving of wisdom. (READ TEXT) 1. The giver and the giving of wisdom - v. 5 James tells us that the giver of true wisdom is God. Some ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist