selfishness – La Vista Church of Christ

Narcissist

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:30:04 +0000

by David Osteen

"Narcissists change partners to avoid changing themselves."

I think the word "narcissist" is way overused today, and that lots of times people using the term don't really know what it even means, but there's still an important truth here.

You could easily just switch out the word "narcissist" for "people" because we are all guilty of this on some level (at some point in our lives), in all likelihood. And you can also switch out the word "partner" for whoever (or whatever) you are willing to switch out in your unwillingness to change.

When I read this, I almost immediately thought of the Israelites in the Old Testament. God gave them a law of goodness, holiness, righteousness, and blessing, but throughout their history, they turned to idolatry again and again. They switched out their "partner" God (Jehovah) because they didn't want to change who they were (or who they had become). Easier to change someone else (get rid of them from your life) than to do the work to change yourself to who you should be.

In the New Testament, speaking of this unrighteousness, the Holy Spirit puts it this way, "For even though they [the unrighteous/ungodly] knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged [switched] the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures [Idolatry]" (Romans 1:21-23).

We don't always need to change who we are, but sometimes we do need to change who we have become. Rather than running from that, we should embrace it. The one holding us accountable (whether it be a pastor, preacher, parent, spouse, or friend, etc.) for the unrighteous or sinful person we have become is not the one we need to run from, exchange, or switch out. The one we need to change is ourselves. We need to be penitent. We need to switch out the sinful version of ourselves for the righteous version that God calls us to be!

Unfortunately, this also happens way too often with the gospel itself. Inherent in following Jesus is a higher moral calling and standard than the world (obviously). Oftentimes, people say they want the saving gospel of Jesus, but through our actions, we show that we don't want the morality that comes with it. We want Jesus as our Savior, but not Jesus as our Lord (Luke 6:46). We don't want the high standard of holiness. Not to live by anyway. And so, we switch out the gospel for another gospel. We change it. We change it so that we don't have to change ourselves.

"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting [switching out] Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" (Galatians 1:6-8) Mankind has changed the gospel of Jesus, which instructs us and calls us to godliness (Titus 2:11-14), in a seemingly infinite number of ways, so that we don't have to change ourselves.

It's easy to point fingers. It's easier to read a meme like this one and think to ourselves, "I know a dozen people who need to see this!" (and maybe they do) without ever thinking to ourselves that we might be the first one who needs to see this. I need to change myself, I need to repent. I may not be a narcissist, but I am a sinner. Rather than exchanging God for an idol that is permissive of my lust, passions, and sins; instead, I need to change myself. I need to not be okay with being a disciple of the devil, and instead, be a disciple of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Lord.

May God help us all to see Him! See His goodness! Love Him and His way! May God help us always to draw closer to Him and never to switch Him out. We need Him: His wisdom, His grace, His way, His love. May I pray that He help me to see what I truly need to change in myself.

Myself

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:53:05 +0000

In a consignment shop, I saw a painting of a young woman sitting cross-legged in a typical yoga pose. Transposed over the picture were these words:

I am myself.
I know myself.
I am a voice for myself.
I love myself.
I trust myself.
I am free with and around myself.
I am grounded within myself.

Nothing about God or others- it’s all about Self.

The following passages provide the needed corrective for the “New Age” Myself Mania so pandemic in our culture:

“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. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 26:12).
“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned . . . . Never be wise in your own sight” (Romans 12:3,16).
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

A Healthy Perspective

As has often been said, J-O-Y comes in this order: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. It’s how God designed it, and it works!

The Crutch of Self

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:58:39 +0000

by Doy Moyer

We sometimes hear unbelievers argue that religion is a crutch (something on which we heavily rely) or that we believe in God and the Bible because it just makes us feel good and thereby gives hope that is, to them, false. We are told that we believe because it’s what we want to believe, and we then fall back on that crutch to give us some stability instead of relying on ourselves. To be fair, we should acknowledge that we heavily rely on our belief structure. However, this is true of everyone who relies heavily on something for support. All have beliefs they fall back on to find some kind of foundation. Whether it be religion, philosophy, or self, we all lean on what we believe and practice to find meaning, purpose, and values in life. For Christians, however, “crutch” isn’t the right term for this.

Relying on God is not a crutch in times of need, but rather, it is a full-featured support structure for all that we are and do. To call it a crutch (like a stick on which to lean when we are hurt) is to miss the point of what it is and make it appear weak and flimsy, easily kicked out from under us. We don’t merely lean on God; we stand firm on Him as our foundation, live in Him, and are grounded in Him. The Lord is not a crutch, but a Rock, a foundation on whom our entire lives are built (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). The Psalmist put it this way:

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalms 18:2).

Believing in God as our Rock means that we are not just doing what we like as some sort of selfish power move. We are to relinquish selfish power. Christians do not, or should not, hold to religion just because it’s just what we want to believe. Indeed, there are some things we believe that most would probably rather not (just because you don’t like something doesn’t make it false). Personally, there are a few matters that I sometimes wish I didn’t feel compelled to accept. Think, for example, about Jesus’ statement of discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:23-25, ESV) This is genuinely hard and, frankly, not fun. Taking up a cross means taking up suffering for His cause, and it is often here where people turn from Christ. Recall that even Jesus, as He was about to go to the cross, was doing something He didn’t like. He despised the shame of it (Hebrews 12:2-3).

The “I” part of me doesn’t like self-denial because I keep getting in my own way of following Christ. This passage, along with many others, is a moratorium against selfish desires and doing my own thing. I fight that. I don’t want to give up myself, and it is no crutch to do so. On the contrary, the crutch is when I affirm myself and do whatever I want. Giving up myself is uncomfortable, hard, and vulnerable, so I fall back on myself, the real crutch that is easily kicked out from under me and leaves me without a solid foundation. Yet even knowing that seeking my own desires is what gives me immediate pleasure and makes me feel good at the moment. The crutch is not God (the Rock); the crutch is self, and I am frail.

Though the temptation to rely on self is strong, I am compelled to accept that Jesus is Lord, and in doing so, I must let go of self, deny self, and affirm Him. In a world that stands so much against Him, it does not lend itself to immediate pleasure or fulfillment of selfish purposes. Yet this is the crossroads at which all Christians stand. We either deny self and affirm Him, or we affirm self and deny Him. Jesus continued:

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:24-26).

The trust that this takes is great, for we must look beyond what we see to what we don’t see (II Corinthians 4:16-18). The pressure of this world makes it easier to be ashamed of Christ, but if we are convinced He is Lord, then we know that the real shame is the failure to deny self. Self is the crutch. God is the Rock. We need to choose which one we will serve.

A Narcissistic Society and Religion

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:27:05 +0000

by Stephen Harper

I have been reading, when time allows, “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement,” and it is eye-opening and also something that has validated many of my own observations over the last couple of decades. I am sharing with you a paragraph regarding its effect on churches and religion in general:

“Originally, religions could enforce narcissism-reducing practices because they didn’t have to compete for adherents: if you were born into a religion, you usually stayed. Now, however, people can select the religion that works for them — often the one that offers the most benefits with the least pain. To complete, religions have to give people what they want. Because reducing narcissism is not always pleasant, most people are not going to attend churches that demand humility.”

First, yes, following what your parents did is not faith but merely habit or tradition. Second, “competing” for members or adherents sounds more like a business than a soul-saving organization. But the lines about giving the people what they want and no one wanting a church that demands humility is, unfortunately, the sad state of our American society.

We who are disciples/believers/Christians must be distinctly different from society, and the true church must not change its message to please the audience or society.

God’s word says plainly, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) and, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Jesus also demands of His people, “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), and revealed to us that it is “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Love and humility are, to God, far more significant than egotism and an attitude of entitlement.

Why Israel Fell

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:16:06 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Why-Israel-Fell.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Download Audio

Text: Isaiah 9:1-7

I. The prophet Isaiah told the people that the Messiah was coming.

A. He would bring righteousness to all the nations and remove the burdens of sin

B. He would establish a new government, one that would last forever

C. The people of Israel foolishly thought that the Messiah would just extend their government to cover other nations

1. They expected an empire with Israel at its center

2. Even after the resurrection, the disciples were expecting it - Acts 1:6

D. How foolish was this concept, because the very next verses explains their failings.

II. Why learn?

A. Wasn’t this Israel’s problem? We’re not Israel.

B. No, but people repeat mistakes because they forget the past - Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

C. It is only by realizing that we are no different – that we are vulnerable to the same mistakes – can we take steps to shield ourselves from sin. Otherwise, we will repeat the same errors - I Corinthians 10:11-12

III. Israel’s faults

A. Arrogance in thinking they could recover on their own - Isaiah 9:8-12

1. They looked at the destruction God brought upon them and thought that this wasn’t so bad because they would rebuild to something even greater

a. Brick would be replaced with stone. Common sycamore would be replaced by valuable cedar.

2. But no thought was given as to why they were destroyed – why God’s hand was against them

3. The need for God wasn’t considered at all - Isaiah 9:13

B. Having false leaders and godless common people - Isaiah 9:14-17

1. God would cut off the highest and the lowest, the noblest and the base

2. The leaders because they are leading the people astray

3. The lowest – the young and the poor – for their evil and foolish talk

C. Infighting and no concern for their fellow man - Isaiah 9:18-21

1. There was no mercy for their fellow country men

2. They consume each other - Micah 7:2-6

3. It is pure selfishness – everyone for their own wants

4. Ultimately it is self-destruction

D. Unjust government - Isaiah 10:1-4

1. The concept of right and wrong is lost.

2. Those needing protection the most are no longer protected - Amos 5:11-12

IV. Repeats

A. In the government

1. Removing religion, Christianity particularly, from all aspects of life and thinking we are going to remain great

2. Following after politicians and false teachers who are trying to reshape society to the point that sin is accepted. And common people running after sin.

3. Artificial divisions by race and class

4. Judges promoting social agendas and government adopting policies based on monetary benefits instead of focusing on right and wrong

B. In the church

1. Using gimmicks to seek growth instead of using God’s method

a. Jesus sent his disciples - Matthew 28:18-20

b. We teach and it is God who increases - I Corinthians 3:5-7

c. This is always the way the church has grown, one Christian teaching another

d. But man never ceases to look for gimmicks: food, drinks, parties, music.

(1) Something that makes serving God seem fun in man’s eyes.

(2) Over time God and His teachings get left out, except in shallow vague references.

e. We are restricted because the credit belongs to God - I Peter 4:11

2. Following after false teachers and leaders trying to reshape the church

a. False teachers will ever be a problem in the church - I John 4:1

b. As well as the corrupting influence of sin that especially attacks the weak members - Ephesians 4:17-24

3. Infighting

a. Jesus’ commandment - John 13:34-35

b. Speaking evil of brethren - James 4:11

(1) We tend to be the harshest critic of those we should be closest to

c. Hatred - I John 3:14-15

d. It comes from not following God’s teachings - I Timothy 6:3-5

e. Majoring in minors - Titus 3:9

4. Injustice with biases toward the wealthy

a. James speaks extensively toward this problem

(1) Judges with evil thoughts - James 2:2-4

(2) Talk and no action - James 2:15-16

b. A lack of love - I John 3:16-19

V. History repeats itself, but it doesn’t have to

A. I Peter 2:9-15 - By our conduct, give glory to God

B. God offers mercy - Ephesians 2:1-7

C. You can break the destructive cycle and build something glorifying God - Ephesians 2:17-22

Better Than Self

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 23:53:36 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Better-Than-Self.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Philippians 2:1-11

I. When learning another language, it helps to start with the most common words first, the ones most likely to come up in a conversation.

A. So what is the most common word spoken in English?

1. One study in 1992 by Godfrey of switchboard conversations found the word “I” to appear the most often.

2. The New York Telephone Company, decades ago, found the same thing.

3. We use “I” a lot!

B. One of the things that mark notes from Africa is that “I” is dropped by the writers. They will tend say “am” instead of “I am.” It is a reflection of their language and their culture.

C. Makes you wonder about our culture, doesn’t it?

D. Many people are interested in making friends, but it seems the majority of the world think friendliness is getting other people to be interested in you.

1. They strive to impress others with their accomplishments, their talents, their wit.

2. But consider for the moment the lowly dog.

a. Why are they such popular pets?

b. True some are kept for the protection of the house

c. But most are kept for the simple reason that they focus on their masters. They are excited when they get home. They stick close. They act as if the best thing in the world is that you notice them.

d. For what? They aren’t out to sell you some item. They don’t want your backing for a bid to an office.

e. It is the genuineness of their interest which makes us interested in return.

E. A key to all human relations is found in Philippians 2:3-4

1. Without rivalry, or strife, or selfish ambition – depending on your translation

2. Without empty conceit

3. Consider others better that yourself

II. Genuine Interest in Others

A. Paul tells us how to go about considering other better than yourself – look out for the interests of others

1. Be fond of each other. Give preference to each other - Romans 12:10

a. The word “preference” comes from the Greek word proegeomai, which means to lead the way or to out do another.

b. It means taking the initiative. When it comes to showing kindness to another, going first, trying to beat the other to the first act of kindness.

c. When it comes to treating another with respect, it means going first, trying to beat the other to the first act of honor.

d. Long ago, Publilius Syrus stated, “We are interested in others when they are interested in us.”

(1) While that is the way many people operate, it is not the way a Christian should behave.

(2) We take the initiative!

2. Honor all. Love the brotherhood - I Peter 2:17

B. It must be a sincere love, not some act or tolerance - I Peter 1:22

C. Dale Carnegie wrote this in How to Win Friends and Influence People (p. 55-56), “That, too, was one of the secrets of Theodore Roosevelt’s astonishing popularity. Even his servants loved him. His valet, James E. Amos, ... relates this illuminating incident:

“My wife one time asked the President about a bobwhite. She had never seen one and he described it to her fully. Sometime later, the telephone at our cottage rang. My wife answered it and it was Mr. Roosevelt himself. He had called her, he said, to tell her that there was a bobwhite outside her window and that if she would look out she might see it. Little things like that were so characteristic of him ...”

How could employees keep from liking a man like that? How could anyone keep from liking him?

Roosevelt called at the White House one day when the President and Mrs. Taft were away. His honest liking for humble people was shown by the fact that he greeted all the old White House servants by name, even the scullery maids.

“When he saw Alice, the kitchen maid,” writes Archie Butt, “he asked her if she still made corn bread. Alice told him that she sometimes made it for the servants, but no one ate it upstairs.

“‘They show bad taste,’ Roosevelt boomed, ‘and I’ll tell the President so when I see him.’

“Alice brought a piece to him on a plate, and he went over to the office eating it as he went and greeting gardeners and laborers as he passed. ...

“He addressed each person just as he had addressed them in the past. ...”

D. God regards the lowly people, If the Creator of the univers can do it, then we ought to do so as well - Psalm 138:6

E. Be courteous - I Peter 3:8

F. Show respect. Suppress your will for another (submit)

1. Advice to young people - I Peter 5:5

2. For all - Ephesians 5:21

III. Competing Against Others

A. Seeking others well-being. Never lose sight of our purpose and goal - I Corinthians 10:24,33

B. There is a story in the Old Testament that if you think about it is really strange to people of our culture - Genesis 23:3-18

1. To understand, imagine a wealthy man coming up to a car dealer and saying “I wish to get a car.” To which the sales people answer, “Pick which ever one you want off the lot and it is yours.” “The silver Lexus does interest me. I’ll pay full price for it.” “Fine choice. But you don’t need to pay me, it is yours.” “Well, if you are willing to give it, then you must let me pay for it.” “What? It lists for only $38,000, but what is that between you and I? Take the car with my blessings.” To which the wealthy man pays the full price.

2. This is a glimpse of what mankind once was like. They did not dicker down to the least acceptable price, men negotiated seeking the better position for the other.

C. We see a similar character in David - I Chronicles 21:21-25

D. Instead we see people competing to get the best advantage over others. Not only in our purchases, but it influences every aspect of our lives.

1. Biting and devouring each other - Galatians 5:14-15

2. God’s wrath is on the self-seeking - Romans 2:8

3. Evil exists where there is selfish ambition - James 3:14-16

E. We are not in a competition - II Corinthians 10:12

1. Seeking your own glory is not glory - Proverbs 25:27

2. Instead of pushing self, let others - Proverbs 27:2

IV. The Emptiness of Conceit

A. Alfred Adler, a psychologist, said, “It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring.”

B. We remember Diotrephes, not for the good he might have done, but the fact that he thought so much of himself that he would not even welcome the venerated apostle John - III John 9

1. That is why we are warned to remember where we came from - Titus 3:1-5

2. Wrapped up in useless arguments - I Timothy 6:3-5

C. Love does not parade itself, does not seek its own - I Corinthians 13:4-5

1. Don’t be wise in your own sight - Proverbs 26:12

2. Exalting yourself leads to ruin - Proverbs 17:19

D. In lowliness bearing with others in love - Ephesians 4:2

V. If you fulfill the royal law, you are doing well - James 2:8

A. In other words, fulfilling this command means removing pride from our lives and replacing it with true humility

B. Pride doesn’t have the effect you might think it does - Proverbs 29:23

C. Pride leads to conflict - Proverbs 13:10

D. Godliness is to hate pride - Proverbs 8:13

Where Is the Cross of Christ?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:06:21 +0000

by Doy Moyer

When I make it about how I feel, what I like or don't like, how inconvenient things are to me, or how I shouldn't have to do x, y, or z because it's difficult, then I have to ask... where is the cross of Christ in a religion ordered after my preferences?

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

If I balk at submission, frown upon being asked to do something I don't want to, or feel like I am hampered from affirming my rights and asserting myself, then I must also ask ... where is the cross of Jesus in my thinking and in my life?

For whatever I feel, whatever I like or don't like, whatever sacrifices I must make or inconveniences I must suffer, I need to refocus on Jesus as He endured the cross for me, though He despised its shame. It wasn't easy, convenient, or self-affirming for Him as He treated others as more important than Himself. And if He, being God, can do that, who am I to assert myself over others and act as though everyone ought to bow to my preferences?

The cross is not the religion of the pursuit of personal desires and preferences. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

I have a choice to make today. I can take up the cross and follow Jesus, or I can reject the cross in favor of my own rights and desires. That has always been the choice.

Three Philosophies of Life

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:03:00 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Three-Philosophies-of-Life.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Luke 10:25-37

I. Luke 10:25-37

A. A lawyer, trying to test Jesus, asked him how to gain eternal life.

B. Jesus, as was his want, turned the question around and asked for his opinion first.

C. The response was to love God and to love his neighbor. To which Jesus agreed.

D. The lawyer didn’t have a problem with loving God, but obviously he felt uncomfortable with his past actions in loving his neighbor.

1. To justify himself, he tried to narrow the definition of neighbor by asking Jesus to define “neighbor.”

2. The parable of the Good Samaritan was Jesus’ answer.

E. Notice that three different philosophies of life towards those around us is given

II. The Robbers - “What is thine is mine”

A. A robber practices the philosophy “might makes right.”

1. Evidenced in our society

a. Car-jackings, armed robberies

b. What is yours is mine, if I can take it from you.

c. A characteristic of the wicked is brutality - II Timothy 3:3

d. Violence becomes a part of their nature -Proverbs 4:14-17

2. II Kings 18:20 - Trust in strength and plans are empty words.

B. Money comes before your fellow man

1. I Timothy 6:6-10 - Riches can be a snare

2. Luke 12:16-21 - Physical riches cannot save, but many put their own well-being first.

C. The end justifies the means

1. Needed revenue does not justify stealing.

a. Nor does it justify legalized gambling or legalized drug use

2. The death of Jesus on the cross brought salvation to mankind

a. But it did not justify Judas’ betrayal of the Christ - Acts 1:16-20

b. It did not justify the Jew’s action - Acts 2:22-23

3. You cannot do evil and have good result - Romans 3:8

III. The Priest and the Levite - “What is mine is mine”

A. A philosophy of every man for himself. A common attitude of the religious class.

1. II Timothy 3:2 - Lovers of themselves

B. Too busy in their own duties to get involved. They didn’t cause the man’s unfortunate circumstances. They felt no obligation or responsibility for the man’s welfare.

C. In other words, they neglected an opportunity to do good.

1. James 4:17 - Delaying action results in sin

2. James 2:13-16 - How can you have faith without doing good?

3. I John 3:16-18 - If you ignore the poor, how can God’s love be in you?

4. Galatians 6:10 - Do good to all men as the opportunity arises.

D. By their inaction, they have consented to a crime - Ezekiel 34:7-10

1. Proverbs 21:13 - Your own sins will visit you.

IV. The Samaritan - “What is mine is thine”

A. Do to others what you would have done to you - Matthew 7:12

B. The Samaritan took the time to help.

1. He did not say “I just don’t have the time.”

C. He did not withhold is own goods, saying “I will need them later.”

1. Nor did he say “I’m not adequately supplied.” He did something.

D. He did not wait for someone else to help.

E. He did not check out the character of the man to see if he was deserving of help.

1. Even if it is your worse enemy - Romans 12:20

V. Go and do likewise.

A. Do we only do good to those who are nice to us? Luke 6:32-36

B. James 2:24 - A man is justified by his works

C. Proverbs 14:21 - Have mercy on the poor

D. Micah 6:8 - You have been shown, what will you do with the lesson?

What Is Yours Is Mine

What Is Mine Is Mine

What Is Mine Is Yours

I Quit!

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 18:26:00 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/I-Quit.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Mark 10:35-45

I. We’ve all seen people frustrated with a task. “I quit!” they yell as they storm off.

A. Funny thing ... Do you remember who it was? Neither does anyone else.

B. However, there are times I ought to quit.

1. I can allow myself to get into a rut.

2. I easily continue down the same path because it is familiar, even when I know the destination is not what I want

II. I quit worrying

A. I know, we all want control over our future. We worry that things won’t work out as we want.

B. But I don’t control tomorrow - James 4:13-14

C. Therefore, I need to relax and trust that God knows what is best - Matthew 6:25-34

D. Commit yourself to God and things will work out - Proverbs 16:3

E. I’m getting old.

1. This body doesn’t work as well as it used to. I can’t do the things I once did.

2. There are things I want to accomplish, and yet, I realize that I won’t have time to get them all done.

III. I quit focusing on myself

A. It is no longer I who live - Galatians 2:20

B. That is why Christ came and died - II Corinthians 5:15

C. Thus, I need to let go of my life in order to have life - Matthew 16:24-26

D. This was the problem James and John had - Mark 10:35-37

1. It isn’t about the power you gain over others - Mark 10:42

2. What Christ wants is our service - Mark 10:43-44

3. That is the example he set for us - Mark 10:45

E. Have you considered how many sins start from pride? - Proverbs 16:18

1. A thief doesn’t think about the person he robs. It is completely about getting what he wants.

2. It is the key to addictive sins.

3. The homosexual argues that it is what he wants, that he is driven to sex with the same gender because the other gender doesn’t thrill him.

4. The drug addict is focused on escaping his problems, getting lost in a chemical high.

5. I’ve lost track of the number of boys I try to help out pornography, but who slide back into it because of stress (I need an escape) or wanting the thrill.

IV. I quit sin

A. Christians are to have died to sin - Romans 6:5-13

B. They have been crucified to the world - Galatians 6:14

C. More specifically, they have crucified the flesh - Galatians 5:24-25

D. No longer living for the lusts of men - I Peter 4:1-2

E. It doesn’t matter what the rest of the world thinks - I Peter 4:3-5

1. Concerns about what others might think of us prevents us from changing

2. Too often we have to go contrary to what our own loved-ones think - Matthew 10:34-38

V. But look at what I gain from quitting - Matthew 10:39-40

A. Are you ready to quit?

Love Is … (Sermon)

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 23:40:00 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Love-Is.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: I Corinthians 13:1-8

I. Many passages are used for needlepoint samplers. A popular choice is I Corinthians 13:1-8

A. Have you considered the meaning of the many phrases?

B. We often associate this passage with weddings, but Paul was writing about what love between brethren is like

C. However, it can be applied to many other situations:

1. Husbands and wives

2. Parents for their children

3. God's love for each of us

II. The definition of love

A. Patient (longsuffering, a willingness to wait even through difficult times)

1. The best example is God's longsuffering with mankind - Romans 9:22-24

a. Mankind, as a whole, has not been the most lovable of God’s creation

b. Our rebellion would try anyone’s patience

c. But God puts up with the bad in order to save the good - II Peter 3:9

2. It is not an endless tolerance, but it is a very long one, giving every opportunity to improve.

3. We need to learn from the farmers - James 5:7-11

a. We seek after instant gratification

b. We lost something as our economy moved way from agriculture

c. What is worth having is worth investing time to gain

d. It takes time for people to mature, so invest time in the people you love

4. Not every relation goes smoothly. Even the best relationship will have rocky points

a. Resist being impatient during adversity - James 1:2-4

b. Difficulties are bound to come, but they are also bound to be followed by good times.

c. It is patience that helps us last through the bad times so that we are still together during the good times.

5. Too many relationships ende at the first major disagreement

B. Kind (showing yourself useful, acting benevolently)

1. Christians are to kind and compassionate to each other - Ephesians 4:31-32

2. Kindness is more than an absence of ill-will. It is actively showing your care for another person - Luke 6:35-36

3. Not just the major events, but is shown in the little things you do - Romans 12:9-14

C. Not envious (strong feelings for or against)

1. Envy is an infection that eats away at life and ruins the best moments - Proverbs 14:30

2. Envy is believing that what another person has ought to belong to you

3. Joseph was sold because of his brothers' envy - Acts 7:9

a. They saw that Joseph was getting things that they weren’t getting

4. The Jews envied Paul's ability to draw crowds - Acts 13:44-45

5. Love cannot survive when envy invades the soul - Galatians 5:26

D. Does not vaunt itself (doesn't brag, doesn't boast, doesn't cause envy in others)

1. This is the flip-side of not envying.

2. All boasting is evil - James 4:16

3. We should not think too highly of ourselves - Romans 12:3

E. Not puffed up (not proud)

1. Pride goes before destruction - Proverbs 16:18

2. Like boasting, causes strife - Proverbs 28:25

3. It interferes with solving problems

4. Pride was a problem in the Corinthian church. Paul mentions it frequently - I Corinthians 4:6, 18-19

F. Does not behave unseemly (doesn't act unbecoming, is not rude)

1. Yes, love requires good manners.

2. James 4:11 - Don't speak evil of each other

3. Too many joke about others by putting them down

4. We need to appreciate those we are closest too instead of treating them with contempt

G. Seeks not her own (not looking out for self, not worshiping oneself)

1. Love is for other people, not yourself

2. We have enough people who act as if they are the center of the universe

3. A sign of the decay of society when men are lovers of themselves - II Timothy 3:1-2

4. Others come first - Philippians 2:3-4; I Corinthians 10:24, 33

H. Not easily provoked (not easily provoked or exasperated)

1. When you truly love someone, it should be difficult to become exasperated at the.

a. Unfortunately, you find some who always find fault - Proverbs 25:24

2. Love is willing to overlook the little annoyances that are bound to occur - James 1:19-20

3. When you do get angry, settle the problem quickly - Ephesians 4:26-27

I. Thinks no evil (doesn't take inventory, keeps no record of wrong)

1. In any relationship, there will be missteps. Given time, you are bound to say something or do something you wish you had not done.

2. We must understand and learn to forgive - Luke 17:4

a. Forgiveness is not dependant on how many times a wrong was committed in the past.

b. Each event is to be looked at separately and independently

3. Imagine asking God for forgiveness, only to be told you used up your quota - Colossians 3:12-14

4. To forgive is to let go of the past - Jeremiah 31:34

5. It is not that the memory of the event disappears, but that it no longer matters because it is not brought up

J. Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth

1. Do you derive satisfaction to someone stumble? It is wrong, but sometimes we feel a glee when someone we dislike falls on hard times - Proverbs 24:17-18

a. Worse is being happy at the failings of someone we are supposed to love

b. Seeing brethren doing what is right and helpful should fill us with joy - II John 4

2. Our concern should be in the salvation of those we love

3. “If you love me, you would ...” do something that was wrong.

a. Such is not love but self-interest

K. Bears all things (to cover with silence, protects, to roof over)

1. There are going to be times that the person you love injures you.

2. Hopefully the problem is solved and the person forgiven - James 5:20

3. This goes a step further than not keeping records of wrong. We realize that sinning causes guilt and embarrassment

4. To love someone is to help them deal with the consequences of sin after you have forgiven them - Psalms 32:1

5. It does the person no good to further drag them through the mud of their own making - Proverbs 10:12

6. When you love someone, you go through the bad times with them

L. Believes all things (trust, faith)

1. Love is built on a foundation of trust

2. There is an old song "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" that illustrates the opposite of this phrase.

a. The writer claimed that you have to watch her every move because you never know when she might cheat on you

b. There was not trust in that relationship

3. There must be trust in each other. We must also be trustworthy.

M. Hopes all things (expects improvement, doesn't despair)

1. Optimism, not pessimism

2. Expect the best and look forward to better times

3. Even if this world disappoints, there is a better place awaiting us - Hebrews 11:13-16; 13:14

N. Endues all things (stands up under loads, remains)

1. Doesn't quit or give up even when life is a burden

2. The righteous is like a tree with plenty of water - Psalms 1:3

a. God's word sustains us through good and bad times

3. The idea "if it doesn't work, we'll just leave" is foreign to the Christian

a. I’ve seen it in marriages and in congregations

b. People stay so long as things go smoothly

4. All parties must work to continue

O. Never fails (won't stop because of bad times or good times)

1. You don’t fall in and out of love.

2. Love endures. Love grows.

III. Note that love takes effort and is often difficult because the one being may not, at the moment, be deserving of love

A. Love isn’t a feeling, it is the work a person puts into a relationship

B. It is why everything else in Christianity is worthless without love