When Self-Love Is Selfish

Almost True, Part 2 – “Put Yourself First”

Scripture References

Primary text

• Philippians 2
• Matthew 16
• Mark 12

Other references

• 2 Timothy 2:3
• Acts 5:37
• Romans 6
• Romans 12

Overview

Our culture urges us to “do what’s best for me,” but Jesus calls His disciples to the very opposite: deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him. Pastor Craig contrasts the popular almost-true mantra “put yourself first” with the biblical mandate to love God wholly and love others sacrificially. Real joy and purpose are found not in self-love but in self-denial and daily obedience to Christ.

Main Points

1. Self-first feels natural

• Everyday examples: grabbing the last gallon of milk, judging a group photo by how we look.
• “Putting yourself first is the most natural thing we do.”
• Culture reinforces this with slogans: “Treat yourself,” “You deserve it,” “Cut out anyone who doesn’t add value.”

2. Scripture exposes the danger of self-love

• Philippians 2: true followers do nothing from selfish ambition; they value others above themselves.
• 2 Timothy 2:3 warns that the last days will be marked by lovers of themselves, money, pleasure, and a powerless form of godliness.
• Self-centered Christianity subtly treats God as the servant of our preferences.

3. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is not a command to love self

• Mark 12: Jesus gives two—and only two—greatest commands.
• Loving self is assumed; Jesus redirects that natural inclination toward God and neighbor.

4. Jesus redefines discipleship: deny, carry, follow

• Illustration: First-century Jews knew the horror of “take up your cross” from a failed revolt (Acts 5:37). Victims literally dragged crosses to public executions—an image that made the disciples gasp.

• Matthew 16: To be Christ’s disciple means daily self-denial and cross-bearing.
• Paul’s testimony (Galatians alluded): “I have been crucified with Christ; I no longer live.”

5. The quiet idol of time and convenience

• Story: Pastor Craig admits guarding his schedule obsessively until the Spirit convicted him that interruptions are often divine appointments.

• The most important thing we do isn’t what we accomplish but how we love.

6. What Jesus never told us to do

He did not call us to promote, pamper, or serve ourselves.
He called us to humble ourselves, deny ourselves, serve others, put ourselves last, and pursue God’s purpose.

7. Self-care vs. selfishness

• Rest, Sabbath, and healthy rhythms are good when the motive is to refuel for loving God and people.
• If the motive terminates on “me,” even good practices become selfish.

8. Two reflection questions

1. In what area of my life am I loving myself more than God and others?
2. What is God calling me to do about it?

Key Truths

• Self-love cannot produce lasting joy; only God-love can.
• The gospel is not God serving us but us surrendering to Him.
• Meaningful moments with God often arrive as interruptions.
• A disciple’s daily posture is “alive to Christ, dead to self.”
• The most important measure of a life is how well it loves.

Response

• Ask the Holy Spirit to expose self-first areas.
• Schedule margin so you can welcome interruptions as ministry.
• Practice deliberate acts of putting others ahead of personal preference this week.
• Use rest and recreation intentionally to strengthen your capacity to serve.
• Memorize Philippians 2 and pray it over your attitudes each morning.

Closing

Pastor Craig urged the church to move from a self-centered imitation of faith to a Christ-centered surrender:

“In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.”
Many responded, praying to deny themselves, receive Christ’s forgiveness, and follow Him. May we daily echo that prayer and display a love that puts God and neighbor first.