4 ways scripture teaches us to defend against selfishness

1)     Hiding the Word of God in our mind and heart.

-How can we do what we do not know? When we understand God’s Word deep in our heart it is His word that will rout out the covetousness in our heart.

Psalm 119:34–36  [34] Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. [35] Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. [36] Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!  (ESV)

2)     Having a mindset of a bondservant to Christ and others.

-A bondservant is a voluntary choice of submission. We set aside all our rights to serve another.

Mark 10:43–45  [43] But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  (ESV)

3)     Having a mindset of humility (meekness, lowliness, and absence of self).

-Just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, so must we commit ourselves to serve others.

Philippians 2:3–4  [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  (ESV)

4)     Having a mindset of contentment.

-This defeats the mentality of “more and more” for ourselves which leads to being able to give “more and more” of ourselves to others.

Philippians 4:10-13 . [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. [14] Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.  (ESV)