The Case For Unselfishness - Member

THE CASE FOR UNSELFISHNESS

YOUNG ADULT CELLS AUGUST 2006

THE CASE FOR UNSELFISHNESS I. Introduction Through the book “Improving Your Serve” by Charles Swindoll and in Genesis 2 and 3 from the bible, we learn that we are all infected with this disease called “self”. These four words: I-ME-MINE-MYSELF stands as if like an enormous monument with millions of people, raising their arms high and worshipping it everyday. But Jesus came to show us a higher way. The bible records that “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) We can break the curse of this deadly disease by being other-conscious; the model that Jesus gave us.

Member’s Notes Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Know the origin and effects of “selfcenteredness” in our lives. 2. Identify how you can be victorious over your “self”. 3. Take one action point home to serve others above self.

Q1. Blogging is fast becoming the “in” thing to do. Why do you think people want to blog? Q2. Some call it creative self-expression, others call it destructive selfabsorption. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

II. We Are All Infected With A Disease Genesis 2:4-3:24 tells us that before sin came in, Adam and Eve experienced an open and unguarded relationship with God and with one another. But when sin came in, they became conscious of their “self” started to “cover up” themselves from God and from one another. Why do you think Eve ate the fruit despite God’s specific warning to not eat it? How does this apply to us?

Gen 2:7 records that Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, what does this really mean? What are some implications for us?

When they realized that they were naked, they hid themselves from God because they were afraid. Why were they afraid?

The LORD God formed the man [a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Gen 2:7

How does this affect their relationship with God? In what ways do you think this syndrome has also affected our relationship with God today?

What were Adam and Eve trying to do when God asked for an explanation for their action? How does self-centeredness manifest itself here? Member’s Notes Page 1 of 2

THE CASE FOR UNSELFISHNESS

YOUNG ADULT CELLS AUGUST 2006

III. Jesus Came To Show Us A Higher Way Read Mark 10:45 (see above) and Phil 2:3-8.

In these two passages, we learn that Jesus is not “self” but “others” focused. What was His motivation?

What were some things that Jesus gave up for the sake of others?

We all know that we are only “stewards” of what God has given us, the things we possess and even our lives. God is the Owner. How can you live out this truth in your life? Share.

IV. We Can Live A Higher Way

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death —even death on a cross! Phil 2:3-8

We were taught to place others above self (Phil 2:3-4). Share one incident that God had helped you done so.

Share an area that hinders you from being “others focused” which you would like to overcome.

Write down one action point that you can start doing in order “to serve rather than be served”.

V. Conclusion Share some of your thoughts about this lesson and pray for one another in the cell. 0.5

Member’s Notes Page 2 of 2