This week I would like to speak about a enemy that every Christian faces. The enemy that I’m speaking about is “SELF”. You might say, “hold on a minute there, brother Bob”, What about Satan? True Satan is a huge adversary. Satan can tempt you by putting the thoughts of sin in your head, but we justify it and then put it into action. Satan uses the weapons of self against us, that is: Self-reliance, No respect – putting ourselves always first, selfishness, self-pride, and self-worship. The world teaches us all that matters is our self.
The Bible provides profound insight into the concept of self, often highlighting the dangers of self-centeredness and the importance of self-denial. One of the central themes in Scripture is the battle against the self, which is considered the greatest enemy to a life of faith and devotion to God. Let’s look at a few weapons of Self that Satan uses.
Crucify Self Each Day:
In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This passage underscores the necessity of daily self-denial. Taking up one’s cross symbolizes a willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice of personal desires for the sake of following Christ. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 2:20, saying, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Here, Paul emphasizes the death of the old self and the emergence of a new life in Christ, free from the bondage of selfish desires.
Self-Serving Attitudes:
The Bible warns against self-serving attitudes that prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.“(NKJV) This passage calls for humility and selflessness, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness that is often glorified in the world.
Self-Reliance:
Self-reliance is another aspect of the self that the Bible cautions against. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Reliance on God, rather than on one’s own abilities or understanding, is a recurring theme in Scripture. This reliance reflects a recognition of human limitations and the need for divine guidance.
No Respect for God, Others, or Things:
A self-centered life often leads to a lack of respect for God, others, and even creation. Romans 1:21-22 speaks of those who, “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, ” Disrespect for God leads to a life that is misaligned with His purposes, resulting in moral and spiritual decay.
Selfishness:
Selfishness is repeatedly condemned in the Bible. James 3:16 warns, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Selfishness disrupts community and breeds various forms of evil. Conversely, a life characterized by generosity and self-sacrifice is blessed by God and beneficial to others.
Self-Pride:
Pride is often depicted as the root of many sins. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride leads individuals to overestimate their importance and capabilities, often resulting in their downfall. Humility, the opposite of pride, is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, as seen in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.“
Worship of Self:
The worship of self is perhaps the most dangerous form of self-centeredness. Romans 1:25 describes people “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature(self) rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Idolizing or serving oneself replaces the rightful worship of God with a distorted focus on personal gratification and autonomy.
In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that the self, when left unchecked, can become one’s greatest enemy. To live a life pleasing to God, believers are called to crucify the self daily, reject selfishness, rely on God, respect others, and cultivate humility. This ongoing process of self-denial is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will.
So, in closing, have you been serving self and not God? God looks at the heart in all things. Why or what is your motivation for doing the things you do? Is it for yourself or out of the Love for God? What motivates you to serve God?
So… do you have a good relationship with God? Maybe you never made a decision to follow Christ? Maybe you never had a relationship with God or maybe you have fallen away and need to renew your relationship. Please take the time now and pray…tomorrow maybe too late.
Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us,”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
I pray that God will Bless and Keep!!! Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
