Preview: Webster Dictionary defines ‘selfish’ as being “concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself.” In this lesson, we will explore how selfishness is the root of all sinful acts and how we are meant to act towards each other.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-21.
Memory Verse: Philippians 2:3.
1. What was the first sin in the Bible and how does it relate to selfishness? Genesis 3:1-6.
2. What was Adam and Eve’s second selfish act? Genesis 3:9-13.
3. What was the punishment for their sins? Genesis 3:16-19, Genesis 3:22-24.
Note: All sins stem from selfishness – Adam and Eve were given a chance to exalt themselves to be like “gods” and immediately took the opportunity despite already living in paradise and living in the presence of their Creator. Their act of selfishness is what led them to be evicted from the Garden of Eden.
4. What was Satan’s selfish act and what were the consequences? Isaiah 14:12-15.
Note: The devil fell from heaven because of selfishness. He wished to exalt himself higher than God and dragged a third of the angels down with him. If the devil is selfish, why would we want to emulate that behavior?
5. Are we meant to be exalted? Explain. Proverbs 25:27, Matthew 23:12.
6. Who is the only one meant to be exalted? Isaiah 2:11, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 57:5, Psalm 113:4.
7. Is God selfish? Explain. Psalm 24:1, I Corinthians 10:23-26, Job 41:11.
Note: God cannot be selfish because He is the Creator. Everything that is, was, and will be has been created by Him and for Him. God is the embodiment of love and generosity, of which hatred and selfishness has no place.
8. How does the character of God reflect in us? I John 3:17, I John 4:16, I Corinthians 13:4-7.
9. How are selfish people described? Isaiah 56:11, James 3:14-16.
10. How are we meant to treat others? Galatians 5:14, Matthew 7:12, Philippians 2:3-4, James 2:8.
11. Is it a sin to love yourself? Explain why or why not. I Corinthians 3:16-17, I Corinthians 6:19-20. Ephesians 5:29, Matthew 22:32-35.
Note: There is a difference between loving yourself and loving only yourself. It is not a sin to love yourself in that you take care of your body or even to own possessions. It becomes a sin when you seek to further yourself at the expense of others or to live in excess without care towards how you could help your fellowman. Be generous, love and cherish others, and take care of yourself. Your body was created by God for a purpose; your body is a temple of God, and you are called to love and cherish it just as much as you are called to love your neighbor.
12. How are we called to be? Proverbs 11:25, Romans 15:2, Proverbs 19:17, I Timothy 6:18-19.