I found this on a site called Free Bible Lessons- available for use and to change. Such interesting thoughts on a day when I am considering if it is possible that I can ever truly die to self. It is a mix of A.B. Simpson’s work with additions from Rod’s blog and from me.
…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
I am crucified with Christ… Gal. 2:20
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ… Col. 2:20
John 12:24,25; Gal. 5:24; Col. 3:5; I John 2:15-17
When we read scriptures about sinning, we naturally tend to think of the more obvious sins—adultery, murder, rage, etc.
However, Satan doesn’t generally tempt Christians on that level. With Christians, the sins take on a more sophisticated look. I like to call them “sins of sophistication.” They are sins that are not easily noticed by others. They can creep into a Christian’s life and destroy our effectiveness.
Here are eleven different sins: myself included in the struggle thereof. None of us is immune. Like Paul, we need to press on to take hold…Phil. 3:12
Self-indulgence
Doing a thing because you like to do it to the detriment of God’s kingdom.
Examples: Gluttony is a direct result of the sin of self-indulgence. Remember there are more skinner gluttons than fat ones. You can’t tell a glutton by their weight!
Self-complacency
(also defined: self satisfied, self contented)
Self-complacency is being more interested in what others think of you, than in what you are really like. This is vanity.
A real danger here is to create this attitude in others by building up their vanity (ex. by flattery, over praising).
Self-confidence
Confidence in our own strength.
Consider where our true strength comes from. The correct terminology is “God-confidence.” Humility is the opposite of self-confidence.
To have humility simply means to recognize our source of strength. We have been fooled by the world. We need to teach our children who they are in Christ, not who they are in themselves.
Self-sensitivity
The susceptibility of your feelings to being wounded.
I wish every one of us in this church could have a deep, caring sensitivity to others; and yet have a hard shell when our own rights are violated. Problems in this area can lead to church splits.
Selfish affection
Wanting people to love you because you like to be loved. 2 Cor. love to bless others not to be blessed.
Selfish desires
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motive…” James 4:3 Most of the time we ask for what we want for our own selfish reasons and not for some greater purpose. Or we give our wants a greater purpose in the hope God will then provide.
Covetousness
Desiring for yourself what rightfully belongs to someone else. In the Christian life this can manifest by example: covet a job in the church that has been given to someone else.
Who does that class/ ministry/ position really belong to? You or God?
Selfish motives
Having actions which fulfill selfish desires
Manipulating circumstances so you benefit to the disadvantage of others. Example: you walk in a room—6 tables, 4 with treats, and 50 more people are behind you. Where will you sit? Example: a church potluck where there is not enough food. We you be in the front or back of the line? Are you in the back so it looks good on you?
Selfish possessions
Refusing to relinquish property in our stewardship to its rightful owner.
Who really owns all the blessings of possessions and finances in your life? If the Lord gave it, why do we refuse to give it up?
Selfish sorrows
Tears we shed for our own sorrows.
This doesn’t mean we are never sad but rather ‘crying’ over what we don’t have usually because it is more important to us than Christ. (living well, lots of new toys, success)
Self-sacrifice or denial
Denying pleasure to ourselves with the intent of becoming more acceptable before the throne of God.
Humanistic religions are like this:
Mormans—work your way to heaven
Jehovah’s Wit.—witness way to eternal happiness
Eastern—crawl to the shrine for ?
Self-denial was taught by Plato. Deny the flesh to build up the mind. However, it has crept into the church. Man’s attempt to reach God has always been through this avenue of self-denial. We are all tempted…
Maybe if I never miss church… Go to enough Bible studies…
Pray one hour each day… On my knees even…
Drive a new car… Drive an old car…
Wear old clothes… Wear new clothes…
The beauty of salvation is that we are acceptable by what Jesus did on the cross. We can add nothing to that finished work.
We are not under bondage, but freedom. We attend church because we enjoy worshiping God and the fellowship of the Saints. We serve God not out of guilt, but love.