Overcoming Self: The Key to Spiritual Victory

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage highlights the ongoing spiritual battle Christians face, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil's tactics are subtle and often target our personal experiences, particularly through the problem of self. The greatest saints have testified that their most formidable enemy is self, manifesting as pride and self-centeredness. This is not surprising, as self is the root of all sin, evident in the fall of the devil and humanity.

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of self, emphasizing humility and childlikeness as the true marks of a Christian. Jesus exemplified this through His life and teachings, embodying meekness and humility. The devil exploits self in various ways, such as pride in gifts, experiences, and desires for preeminence. This leads to self-satisfaction, a false sense of security, and a lack of self-examination, resulting in spiritual stagnation and division within the church.

The antidote to this is self-examination and recognizing that all we have is by the grace of God. We must understand that our gifts and abilities are not of our own making but are given by God. True humility comes from acknowledging that we are what we are by God's grace. The church is likened to a body, where every part is essential, regardless of its perceived importance. Our focus should be on our role in the body of Christ, not on our individual significance.

Ultimately, the only opinion that matters is God's. We should strive to live for His approval, not man's. This mindset frees us from the bondage of self and aligns us with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself for our redemption. By adopting this perspective, we can withstand the devil's schemes and live a life pleasing to God.

Key Takeaways:

- The battle against self is the most significant spiritual struggle we face. Self is the root of all sin, manifesting as pride and self-centeredness, which the devil exploits to disrupt our spiritual lives and the unity of the church. [03:23]

- True humility is recognizing that all we have is by the grace of God. Our gifts and abilities are not of our own making but are given by God, and we should boast only in Him. This understanding keeps us grounded and prevents pride from taking root. [27:31]

- The church is like a body, where every part is essential, regardless of its perceived importance. Our focus should be on our role in the body of Christ, not on our individual significance. This perspective fosters unity and harmony within the church. [33:29]

- The only opinion that matters is God's. Living for His approval, rather than man's, frees us from the bondage of self and aligns us with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself for our redemption. This mindset enables us to withstand the devil's schemes. [39:21]

- Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness, leaving His glory to become a servant for our redemption. By adopting His mindset, we can overcome the devil's tactics and live a life that is pleasing to God, focused on His will and purpose. [43:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [01:16] - The Devil's Schemes
- [02:33] - The Problem of Self
- [03:58] - Self as the Root of Sin
- [06:30] - Biblical Warnings Against Self
- [09:10] - Jesus' Example of Humility
- [10:41] - The Devil's Tactics on Pride
- [13:26] - Pride in Spiritual Experiences
- [17:24] - Desire for Preeminence
- [19:03] - Consequences of Self-Satisfaction
- [25:00] - The Importance of Self-Examination
- [29:05] - Recognizing God's Grace
- [33:29] - The Church as the Body of Christ
- [39:21] - Living for God's Approval
- [43:46] - The Mind of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by "the whole armor of God," and why is it necessary for believers to put it on? [00:12]

2. How does the sermon describe the devil's tactics, particularly in relation to our personal experiences and self? [01:49]

3. According to the sermon, what is the universal testimony of the greatest saints regarding their most formidable enemy? [03:23]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the problem of self through biblical examples, and what are the consequences of self-satisfaction? [19:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of self as the root of all sin relate to the fall of the devil and humanity, as discussed in the sermon? [03:58]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that pride and self-centeredness can disrupt the unity of the church? [11:40]

3. How does the sermon explain the importance of self-examination in combating the devil's schemes? [25:00]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate mindset that believers should adopt to align with the mind of Christ? [43:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where pride or self-centeredness affected your relationships or spiritual life. How can you address this moving forward? [11:40]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination. What practical steps can you take this week to honestly assess your spiritual condition? [25:00]

3. Consider your role in the body of Christ. How can you focus more on your contribution to the church's unity rather than your individual significance? [33:29]

4. How can you shift your mindset to prioritize God's opinion over man's in your daily decisions and interactions? [39:21]

5. Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness. Identify one area in your life where you can practice humility this week, following His example. [43:46]

6. Think of a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. What changes can you make to prevent self-satisfaction from hindering your spiritual growth? [19:03]

7. How can you remind yourself daily that all your gifts and abilities are by the grace of God, and how might this change your perspective on pride? [27:31]

Devotional

Day 1: The Battle Within: Self as the Root of Sin
The spiritual battle Christians face is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil's tactics are subtle, often targeting our personal experiences through the problem of self. Self is the root of all sin, manifesting as pride and self-centeredness, which the devil exploits to disrupt our spiritual lives and the unity of the church. The greatest saints have testified that their most formidable enemy is self. This is not surprising, as self is evident in the fall of the devil and humanity. Recognizing this battle is crucial for spiritual growth and unity within the church. [03:23]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where pride or self-centeredness affected your actions. How can you actively choose humility in similar situations moving forward?


Day 2: Grace as the Foundation of True Humility
True humility is recognizing that all we have is by the grace of God. Our gifts and abilities are not of our own making but are given by God, and we should boast only in Him. This understanding keeps us grounded and prevents pride from taking root. By acknowledging that we are what we are by God's grace, we can maintain a posture of humility and gratitude. This perspective allows us to serve others selflessly and align our lives with God's purpose. [27:31]

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"

Reflection: Reflect on a talent or gift you possess. How can you use it to serve others and glorify God, acknowledging it as a gift from Him?


Day 3: Unity in Diversity: The Church as the Body of Christ
The church is like a body, where every part is essential, regardless of its perceived importance. Our focus should be on our role in the body of Christ, not on our individual significance. This perspective fosters unity and harmony within the church, as each member contributes uniquely to the whole. By valuing each part, we can work together effectively to fulfill God's mission on earth. [33:29]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you better support and appreciate the diverse gifts of others in your congregation?


Day 4: Living for God's Approval
The only opinion that matters is God's. Living for His approval, rather than man's, frees us from the bondage of self and aligns us with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself for our redemption. This mindset enables us to withstand the devil's schemes and live a life pleasing to God. By focusing on God's approval, we can find true freedom and purpose in our lives. [39:21]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you seek approval from others. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead?


Day 5: Embracing the Mind of Christ
Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness, leaving His glory to become a servant for our redemption. By adopting His mindset, we can overcome the devil's tactics and live a life that is pleasing to God, focused on His will and purpose. Embracing the mind of Christ involves a daily commitment to humility, service, and love, reflecting His character in all we do. [43:46]

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate the humility and selflessness of Christ in your daily interactions this week?

Quotes


The Bible is always telling us to face ourselves honestly and to realize the full truth about ourselves. That's the secret of it all. It's because we don't examine ourselves that we suffer from self because the moment we examine ourselves honestly we'll very soon discover that we've got nothing to boast about. [25:00]

Self is responsible for all evil; it is responsible for all sin. The first to fall in God's Great creation was the devil. The devil was created by God; he was created perfect, endowed with unusual faculties, ability, power, and understanding. A bright star in the firmament of God's creation, but he fell because of pride. [04:04]

The greatest enemy they have had to face, and The Last Enemy as far as they themselves are concerned, is always self. This, I say, is the universal testimony. You read their biographies, read their Diaries, and you will find that this appears everywhere. A man's greatest battle, in the last analysis, is his battle against himself. [03:23]

True humility is recognizing that all we have is by the grace of God. Our gifts and abilities are not of our own making but are given by God, and we should boast only in Him. This understanding keeps us grounded and prevents pride from taking root. [27:31]

The church is like a body, where every part is essential, regardless of its perceived importance. Our focus should be on our role in the body of Christ, not on our individual significance. This perspective fosters unity and harmony within the church. [33:29]

The only opinion that matters is God's. Living for His approval, rather than man's, frees us from the bondage of self and aligns us with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself for our redemption. This mindset enables us to withstand the devil's schemes. [39:21]

Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness, leaving His glory to become a servant for our redemption. By adopting His mindset, we can overcome the devil's tactics and live a life that is pleasing to God, focused on His will and purpose. [43:46]

The devil exploits self in various ways, such as pride in gifts, experiences, and desires for preeminence. This leads to self-satisfaction, a false sense of security, and a lack of self-examination, resulting in spiritual stagnation and division within the church. [06:30]

The battle against self is the most significant spiritual struggle we face. Self is the root of all sin, manifesting as pride and self-centeredness, which the devil exploits to disrupt our spiritual lives and the unity of the church. [03:23]

The antidote to this is self-examination and recognizing that all we have is by the grace of God. We must understand that our gifts and abilities are not of our own making but are given by God. True humility comes from acknowledging that we are what we are by God's grace. [27:31]

Ultimately, the only opinion that matters is God's. We should strive to live for His approval, not man's. This mindset frees us from the bondage of self and aligns us with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself for our redemption. [39:21]

By adopting this perspective, we can withstand the devil's schemes and live a life pleasing to God. Jesus exemplified humility and selflessness, leaving His glory to become a servant for our redemption. [43:46]

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Transcript
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