Overcoming Me, Myself, and I

            This week, Pastor Chris taught out of Romans 15 about overcoming selfishness. Our society emphasizes self-promotion and self-focus, but God desires for us to be emptied of pride and filled with love for others. The Lord gives us tools to help defeat the Self including carrying one another’s burdens, building others up, staying in the Word and sharing the Good News.

“I believe that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride, selfishness and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts.” D.L. Moody

4 Steps to Overcome Me, Myself, and I

  1. Learn to be Considerate Toward Others 

Romans 15:1 (ESV)

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Mark 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

2. Focus on Building Others Up

Romans 15:2–3 (ESV)

2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 

Philippians 2:1–8 (ESV)

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

3. Intentionally Study the Word of God

Romans 15:4 (ESV)

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

“All the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” Dr. Wayne Grudem
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C.S. Lewis

Romans 15:4 (ESV)

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

The Bible gives us hope and encouragement by…

  • Reminding us that our hope is in the Lord and His plans (Psalm 46:1–2). 
  • Reminding us of those who have gone before us to set a Godly example (Hebrews 11). 
  • Infusing us with endurance and encouragement (James 1:2–4). 
  • Showing us the wonderful future planned for us in eternity (Romans 5:1–5).

4. Give Away What

Romans 15:5–7 (ESV)

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 

John 17:22–23 (ESV)

22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Chris described “learning to be considerate toward others” as shouldering the burdens of others. Have you ever been on the receiving end of this type of selflessness? What did it teach you about the love of God?
  2. How does this chapter inform your understanding of the importance of unity and harmony in the Church?
  3. In what ways are you challenged to be more selfless after reading this chapter? Is there someone whose burden you could help carry?
  4. How can you help build unity within your local church or Christian community?

Application Questions:

  1. Pastor Chris emphasized the importance of regularly being in the Word of God to help fight the Self. Spend some time evaluating you time in the Word. Is the Lord asking you to reboot your quiet time? If so, in what way?
  2. If you need a Bible reading plan, check out the one available on the City Central app!

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