From Me-Centered to Jesus-Centered Living
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to New Life Church! Today, we are diving into the concept of a "me-centered" life versus a Jesus-centered life. Our culture is increasingly focused on self-gratification, often summarized by the phrase, "If I ain't happy, nobody's happy." This mindset has permeated not just society but also our churches and personal lives. We see it in poor customer service, rising addiction rates, and even in the way we interact with each other. The World Happiness Report indicates that Americans are less happy than ever, despite having more material wealth and freedom than many other countries.
Jesus offers a different path. In Mark 10:17-22, Jesus encounters a man who has followed all the commandments but still lacks one thing: a Jesus-centered life. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, highlighting that the man's wealth is his stumbling block. This story isn't about condemning wealth but about identifying what we place above Jesus in our lives. A me-centered life is like a cancer that can destroy both our physical and eternal well-being.
To combat this, Jesus instructs us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This means seeking God's ways through His Word, repenting quickly when we fall short, and putting God first in all things. Loving others involves putting their needs ahead of our own, even when no one is watching. It also means having a healthy love for ourselves, respecting ourselves enough to take care of our well-being.
Jesus also calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-46). This radical love is not about reciprocating hate but about showing compassion and kindness, even to those who oppose us. We combat a me-centered world with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). True power comes from knowing who we are in Christ, and self-discipline is the ability to tell ourselves "no."
Finally, contentment is key. A me-centered life is an endless chase for the next high, but a Jesus-centered life finds joy in the current destination. Jesus wants us to be content where we are, trusting that He will move us to the next destination in His timing. To achieve this, we must repent of our me-centered ways and embrace a Jesus-centered life.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of a Me-Centered Life: A me-centered life is like a cancer that can destroy both your physical body and your eternal soul. It values personal desires and freedoms over Jesus, causing you to miss out on the best that Jesus has for you. This mindset leads to a slow, spiraling spiritual death, making it crucial to identify and repent of me-centered tendencies. [35:00]
2. Loving God and Others: Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This involves seeking God's ways through His Word and repenting quickly when we fall short. Loving others means putting their needs ahead of our own, even when no one is watching, and having a healthy love for ourselves. [36:19]
3. Radical Love for Enemies: Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This radical love is not about reciprocating hate but about showing compassion and kindness, even to those who oppose us. This approach helps us combat a me-centered world with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. [41:39]
4. The Power of Contentment: A me-centered life is an endless chase for the next high, but a Jesus-centered life finds joy in the current destination. Contentment erodes me-centeredness, allowing us to find joy and purpose in our current circumstances. Jesus wants us to be content where we are, trusting that He will move us to the next destination in His timing. [47:38]
5. Embracing a Jesus-Centered Life: To dethrone a me-centered mindset, we must embrace a Jesus-centered life. This involves recognizing the authority of the Holy Spirit within us, which gives us power, love, and self-discipline. By living a Jesus-centered life, we can excel in loving God, loving others, and having a healthy love for ourselves. [46:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:14] - Back to School Sunday
[17:46] - Knee-Centered Life
[18:23] - If I Ain't Happy, Nobody's Happy
[19:26] - Customer Service and Me-Centeredness
[21:34] - Me-Centered World
[22:18] - Compassion in a Me-Centered World
[22:59] - World Happiness Report
[24:29] - Freedom and Wealth
[25:33] - Riots and Destruction
[26:11] - Rising Crime and Addiction
[27:04] - Substance Use Disorder
[27:48] - Human Trafficking
[28:22] - Mercy, Kindness, and Self-Control
[28:49] - Life is Short
[29:56] - Jesus-Centered Life
[31:00] - Encounter with Jesus
[32:14] - Misinterpretation of Wealth
[33:36] - Genuine Love of Jesus
[35:00] - Me-Centered Life as a Sickness
[36:19] - Loving God and Others
[38:52] - Loving Others
[40:12] - Healthy Love for Yourself
[41:39] - Loving Your Enemies
[43:04] - Acts of Kindness
[44:28] - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
[46:03] - Embracing a Jesus-Centered Life
[47:38] - The Power of Contentment
[49:17] - Finding Joy in the Destination
[50:57] - Prayer and Repentance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 10:17-22 - The story of the rich young ruler who encounters Jesus.
2. Matthew 22:37-39 - The greatest commandments: loving God and loving your neighbor.
3. 2 Timothy 1:7 - The spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus ask the rich young ruler to do in Mark 10:17-22, and why did the man go away sad? ([31:00])
2. According to Matthew 22:37-39, what are the two greatest commandments that Jesus gives us? ([36:19])
3. How does 2 Timothy 1:7 describe the spirit that God has given us? ([43:04])
4. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate a me-centered world in today's society? ([21:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions? What was Jesus trying to reveal about the man's heart? ([32:14])
2. How does loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind combat a me-centered life? ([36:19])
3. What does it mean to have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, and how can this spirit help us live a Jesus-centered life? ([43:04])
4. How can loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us transform our relationships and our own hearts? ([41:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you see a me-centered mindset? How can you begin to shift those areas to be more Jesus-centered? ([33:36])
2. Think of a time when you put your needs ahead of others. How can you practice putting others' needs first this week, even when no one is watching? ([38:52])
3. Identify someone in your life who you consider an enemy or who opposes your convictions. What is one specific act of kindness you can show them this week? ([41:39])
4. Contentment is key to a Jesus-centered life. Are you content with your current circumstances? If not, what steps can you take to find joy and purpose where you are right now? ([47:38])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of repenting quickly when we fall short. Is there something you need to repent of today to realign your life with Jesus' teachings? ([37:34])
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of your identity in Christ? ([44:28])
7. Jesus calls us to love God, love others, and have a healthy love for ourselves. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and what is one action you can take this week to grow in that area? ([40:12])
Devotional
Day 1: The Danger of a Me-Centered Life
A me-centered life is like a cancer that can destroy both your physical body and your eternal soul. It values personal desires and freedoms over Jesus, causing you to miss out on the best that Jesus has for you. This mindset leads to a slow, spiraling spiritual death, making it crucial to identify and repent of me-centered tendencies. [35:00]
A me-centered life is characterized by an incessant focus on personal desires, often at the expense of spiritual well-being. This self-centered approach can lead to a gradual erosion of one's relationship with God, as personal gratification takes precedence over divine guidance. The pursuit of material wealth, social status, and personal freedom can become stumbling blocks that prevent individuals from experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
To combat this destructive mindset, it is essential to recognize and repent of me-centered tendencies. This involves a conscious effort to place Jesus at the center of one's life, prioritizing His teachings and commands over personal desires. By doing so, individuals can experience a transformation that leads to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself prioritizing personal desires over Jesus? How can you begin to shift your focus towards a Jesus-centered life today?
Day 2: Loving God and Others
Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This involves seeking God's ways through His Word and repenting quickly when we fall short. Loving others means putting their needs ahead of our own, even when no one is watching, and having a healthy love for ourselves. [36:19]
Loving God and others is a fundamental commandment that requires a deep commitment to living out one's faith in practical ways. Loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind involves a wholehearted devotion to His teachings and a willingness to align one's life with His will. This includes regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and a readiness to repent when falling short of His standards.
Loving others, on the other hand, means putting their needs ahead of our own, even when it is inconvenient or goes unnoticed. It also involves having a healthy love for oneself, which includes self-respect and self-care. By loving God and others in this manner, individuals can create a ripple effect of compassion and kindness that extends beyond their immediate circles.
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show love to someone in your life today, even if it goes unnoticed. How can you also ensure you are taking care of yourself in a healthy, God-honoring way?
Day 3: Radical Love for Enemies
Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This radical love is not about reciprocating hate but about showing compassion and kindness, even to those who oppose us. This approach helps us combat a me-centered world with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. [41:39]
Loving one's enemies is one of the most challenging commands Jesus gives, yet it is a powerful testament to the transformative nature of His love. This radical love goes beyond mere tolerance; it involves actively seeking the well-being of those who may have wronged us or who stand in opposition to us. By praying for our enemies and showing them compassion, we break the cycle of hate and demonstrate the unconditional love of Christ.
This kind of love requires a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. It is not about being passive or weak but about exercising the strength to choose love over retaliation. By embodying this radical love, believers can stand as beacons of hope and reconciliation in a world often driven by self-interest and division.
Romans 12:20-21 (ESV): "To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you or whom you consider an enemy. How can you show them compassion and kindness today? Can you commit to praying for them regularly?
Day 4: The Power of Contentment
A me-centered life is an endless chase for the next high, but a Jesus-centered life finds joy in the current destination. Contentment erodes me-centeredness, allowing us to find joy and purpose in our current circumstances. Jesus wants us to be content where we are, trusting that He will move us to the next destination in His timing. [47:38]
Contentment is a powerful antidote to the relentless pursuit of personal gratification that characterizes a me-centered life. It involves finding joy and satisfaction in one's current circumstances, trusting that God has a purpose and plan for every season of life. This mindset shifts the focus from what one lacks to the blessings and opportunities present in the here and now.
By embracing contentment, individuals can break free from the cycle of constantly seeking the next high or achievement. Instead, they can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that God is in control and will guide them to the next destination in His perfect timing. This trust in God's sovereignty allows believers to live with a sense of purpose and joy, regardless of their external circumstances.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel discontent. How can you practice gratitude and find joy in your current circumstances today?
Day 5: Embracing a Jesus-Centered Life
To dethrone a me-centered mindset, we must embrace a Jesus-centered life. This involves recognizing the authority of the Holy Spirit within us, which gives us power, love, and self-discipline. By living a Jesus-centered life, we can excel in loving God, loving others, and having a healthy love for ourselves. [46:03]
Embracing a Jesus-centered life requires a conscious decision to place Jesus at the core of one's existence. This involves recognizing the authority of the Holy Spirit within us, which empowers us to live out our faith with love, power, and self-discipline. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions, we can align our lives with God's will and purpose.
Living a Jesus-centered life enables us to excel in loving God, loving others, and maintaining a healthy love for ourselves. It transforms our relationships, priorities, and perspectives, allowing us to experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises. This holistic approach to faith ensures that every aspect of our lives reflects the love and grace of Christ.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to invite the Holy Spirit to take control? How can you begin to live a more Jesus-centered life in that area today?
Quotes
1. "We live in a time when people are more concerned about their needs than your needs. In fact, I would go as far as to say this. We live in a time where people don't even know you have needs. All they care about is their needs. All they care about is, you know, what's going to make them happy right now? What's going to make them feel good right now? What is it that they need to benefit from right now? They don't care really about what you're going to benefit from." [22:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are less happy than we've ever been before. And you're seeing it. You're seeing it lived out in our culture. You're seeing, we riot when we don't get our way. So we destroy parts of cities. We burn down parts of cities. We destroy federal monuments because we're not getting our way. It's all about me. And I want you to know me and I want you to see me. So I'm going to do these things so you see me." [25:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are a people full of more hate than ever before. Just watch the world around you. We're a people that are stealing from one another more than we ever have. We're a people who are murdering more than we've ever murdered. We're a people that are filled with ideas and acts of crime more than ever before. We're a people that slander and gossip others. So we can push other people down so that I can feel better about me." [26:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A me-centered lifestyle is a sickness greater than the most devastating cancer on planet Earth. Cancer might have the ability to destroy your physical body, but it cannot destroy your eternal soul, but a me-centered cancer can destroy both your physical body and your eternal soul. It is greater than any sicknesses on planet Earth, and it's permeated America, and unfortunately, it's permeated the church." [35:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is calling us back to drop your me-centeredness and put God first above all things. What would that look like? It would look like this, like seeking God's ways through his word. Not just reading the Bible for the sake of reading it so that you can say, I read through the entire Bible. Which, by the way, if you do that, congratulations, that's a great accomplishment. But I don't care if you read through the entire Bible. And you know who else doesn't care? God. God doesn't care that you read through the entire Bible. You know what God cares about? Are you applying the word to your life?" [36:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Putting God first is a choice you make at the stage you are in now. It's not about something to come. It's about applying it now. And then you keep growing in this attitude of loving and putting God first. Start now. Go all in. You're not going to be perfect at it. It doesn't matter. Go all in and start the journey, my friends." [37:34] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We don't often love others when no one's watching. In fact, when no one's watching, we tend to revert back to loving me. But we put on the show of loving others when the right people are watching. But see, Jesus didn't mean any of that. Jesus said, look, to love others is to put the needs of others ahead of yourself at all times. Sometimes, you want to dethrone me and put Jesus there? We have to learn slowly but surely. We have to learn to put the needs of others ahead of ourselves." [40:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "A me-centered mindset is caught in a trap like a rat in a maze or a rat in one of those little circles, those little cage circle things that they can't get out of. A me-centered life keeps chasing something that you can never catch. It burns you out. A me-centered life keeps spending more and more and more to make me, me, me, me happy. And you can never catch it. A me-centered life moves from one job to the next, to the next, to the next, but you can never catch it." [47:38] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "A Jesus-centered life finds contentment in the destination instead of burning up all of your energy, endlessly chasing your next me-centered high. Here's what Jesus wants for you. Jesus wants you to learn the joy of being content in the destination where you're at right now. He'll move you to the next destination. When it's the right time. But we keep chasing the next destination. So we're caught in this endless journey of burning up all of our energy and love and effort on me, chasing something we can never get." [49:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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