The Danger Of Self-centeredness

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

The Danger Of Self-centeredness

Text: Luke 12:16-21 IBCWPM August 22, 2007

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Self-centeredness is self-deception. In its early stage, it may seem favorable, but in the long run, it will surely lead a victim to tragic destruction. Self-centeredness is very dangerous because it does not please God.

Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life are obvious manifestations of selfishness. The Bible warns us not love the things of the world because it will keep us away from the will of God.

God wants us to do His blessed will for our lives, because doing so would protect us from danger. In I John 2:15-17, it is written, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) These Bible warnings should not be taken lightly, but be seriously applied in our lives. Keep in mind that obedience to the Word of God will lead us to a well-lived blessed life.

Through the ages, His preserved Word has been taught and preached to every generation so people may put their trust in the living God and not become victims of self-centeredness, but live a God-centered life. A Christ-centered life is a blessed life.

As we study the parable of the “Rich Fool”, may we realize the danger of self-centeredness and the blessing of a Christ-centered life. Through the Word of God we will be guided in the way of truth and will have “sure steps of life” that will lead us to God-glorifying success. True success comes from God and the blessing of God has no sorrow added with it.

(I) God Will Be Crowded Out

Luke 12:16-19

-In our thought life

-In our words

-In our plan

-In our everyday activity

God and His Word must have a special place in our thought life, words we speak, plan in life and in our daily activity. The rich fool obviously failed to consider such important things during his lifetime. His words revealed his mindset and his ways led him to vanity and foolishness.

In Luke 12:17-19, it is written, And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (KJV) Through these passages, we could see how the rich fool lived in selfishness. He was very far God. In fact, he was not mindful of the things of God. As a sad result, he ended up a loser. (See James 4:13-17)

May we continue spreading the Gospel of Christ to others so they may not put their trust in earthly riches, but by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have eternal life.

We must not let selfishness hinder our opportunity to serve God and others. Let the Holy Spirit control our lives and be a blessing to others. A well-lived life for Christ is a rewarding life.

(II) Foolishness Will Creep In

Luke 12:20

-The absence of wisdom

Foolishness easily creeps into the life of a self-centered man. The absence of fear of God opens the door of foolishness and a self-centered man will be easily taken by its life-destroying trap. In Luke 12:20, it is written, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (KJV) What a tragic life for a man to acquire great riches in this world and die a fool.

In Matthew 16:25-26, it is written, For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) May these verses be our reminder every time the world offers us enticing and deceitful things that could divert our hearts from the perfect will of God. Fear the Lord and behave wisely in the midst of this sin-darkened world.

(III) True Riches Will Be Overlooked

Luke 12:21

-The presence of spiritual poverty

The presence of spiritual poverty in the lives of many people is undeniable. The moment a man ignores God’s ways and craves for worldly things to satisfy the desires of his deceitful heart, he will surely live in the worst kind of poverty, which is spiritual poverty. In Luke 12:20-21, it is written, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (KJV) Earthly riches come and go, but true riches will be enjoyed for eternity.

True riches are given to unselfish believers walking by faith with the Lord Jesus Christ. The overflowing and ever-flowing blessings of God will they enjoy in this present life and beyond for the glory of God.

In Proverbs 10:21-22, it is written, The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (KJV)

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