How To Break The Power Of Self-Centeredness

The world’s standard is low. When you live by the world’s standard, you live a self-centered life and walk in darkness. When you live by God’s standard, you live an others-centered life, shining the light of Jesus in the darkness.

KEY VERSES

ACTS 4:32-5:11 (NASB)

Sharing among Believers

32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

MATTHEW 5:13-16 (NASB)

Disciples and the World

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

UNDERSTANDING

  • Name one way you are selfish in your relationships with others (i.e. you always pick the restaurant, you want the remote control to be in your hand, that one chore you refuse to do, etc.)?

  • What reasons do you have to justify that behavior? Do you think anyone should fault you for feeling that way?

  • Do you tend to have high expectations of other believers or low expectations? Why?

  • From this passage, how would you describe the heart and mind of the early church?

  • What factors do you think contributed to the attitude of selflessness that existed among them?

  • Can you recall a time when a fellow believer demonstrated selflessness to you with time, money, or other resources? How did that make you feel?

  • Would you say it is your expectation that we be selfless toward one another in the body of Christ? Why or why not? What about you personally? Is this kind of selflessness difficult for you? Explain.

  • Do you think Ananias and Sapphira started off their Christian relationships as selfish deceivers or that they gave back into sinful desires somewhere along the way? What warning is there for you in their story?

  • Ananias and Sapphira valued possessions over people. What causes us to get our motivations mixed today?

  • Why does Satan sow seeds of discord both outside the church and from within? Which one do you think is most destructive? Why?

  • Why must God’s people be distinctly different from people who don’t know Him? In the context of today’s lesson, what are some ways we must do that?

  • What is the relationship between selfishness and putting a light under a basket?

  • What steps can you take to bring the selfish parts of your life into the light of Christ?

    APPLICATION

  • In this week’s message we learned, “When our hearts turn to people noticing God instead of people noticing us is when we truly begin to make a difference.” Based on this statement, have you been salt and light lately?

  • What needs to change in your life this week if your standard for living is to truly be salt and light?

  • How would you counsel someone who started out with the awe and wonder of Christ, living selflessly, but somewhere along the way has let the expectation for following Jesus be watered down?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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Nick BynumApostles, Acts of the Apostles