Defeating Selfishness!

Guest blogger: Pastor John Miller, Executive Pastor of Spiritual Life at Albany First Assembly.

I hope you are having a Marvelous Monday everyone!

Yesterday we talked about the Enemy that is In-a-Me as we worked through James 4:1-17.  We are our own worst enemy.  Our selfishness can defeat God’s plan for our lives.  James teaches us how to defeat selfishness. Here are some questions to discuss this week as we continue to mature in Christ.

1.    In what ways do you battle selfishness in your life? How does this selfishness affect your relationships at home and/or at work?

2.    James lays out the cure for selfishness in James 4:7-10. How do you go about submitting yourself to God? Describe a time when you were able to resist the devil. Why is it challenging to mourn over our sin? Share an example of when you had to eat humble pie. How did you feel after that experience of humbling yourself?

3.    James tells us not to slander one another because we are not the Judge and we are not the Lawgiver in James 4:11-12. The Greek word for slander is kataleleo which means “to speak against, to backbite, to gossip, to grumble against.” How can you be a more positive and encouraging believer? What are some practical ways that you can build others up?

4.    James 4 is challenges us to defeat our selfishness. How has the words of James challenged you in your spiritual journey? What will you do differently now that you have worked through this chapter?

As we continue to “live life together” and encourage those around us, let’s be a people that inspire others to follow Jesus!

Have a blessed week!

Pastor John Miller