Selfish ambitions refer to the pursuit of personal gain, power, or recognition at the expense of others and often in opposition to the will of God. This concept is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is consistently portrayed as contrary to the virtues of humility, selflessness, and love that are central to Christian teaching.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians highlights the call for believers to reject selfish ambitions and instead adopt an attitude of humility and concern for others. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the needs and well-being of others over personal desires.

2. James 3:14-16 : "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." James warns against the dangers of harboring selfish ambition, associating it with disorder and evil. He contrasts this with the wisdom that comes from God, which is pure and peace-loving.

3. Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." In this passage, Paul lists selfish ambition among the acts of the flesh, which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. The presence of such ambitions is indicative of a life not led by the Spirit.

4. Romans 2:8 : "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger." Here, Paul speaks of the consequences for those who are self-seeking, equating it with a rejection of truth and alignment with wickedness. The passage serves as a warning of divine judgment against those who pursue selfish ambitions.

Theological Implications:

Selfish ambitions are seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that prioritizes self over God and others. This attitude is antithetical to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified ultimate humility and self-sacrifice. The call to Christians is to emulate Christ's example, seeking to serve rather than to be served (Mark 10:45).

The presence of selfish ambition within a community can lead to division and strife, undermining the unity and peace that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), as a counter to the destructive nature of selfish ambitions.

Practical Application:

Christians are urged to examine their motives and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Scripture. This involves a conscious effort to put aside personal ambitions that conflict with God's will and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all endeavors. By doing so, believers can contribute to the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.James 3:14
But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 1:17
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
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Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Topicalbible.org

Innocent iii
... combined to encourage Innocent's interference, and it may be pointed out at once
that his success was largely due to the selfish ambitions and desires of the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter ix innocent iii.htm

The Olivet Message.
... you will be ready to ask, for me to lead the life the Master's ambition has planned
for me, with such mixed motives, selfish ambitions, sinfulness and weakness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... Jonah, "I fear God." We are not now at our own disposal, neither can we hire ourselves
out to inferior objects, mercenary aims, or selfish ambitions; for we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... Occupied as they are, not with anxiety about Him nor with absorbing desire for the
prosperity of His kingdom, but with selfish ambitions that separate them ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... The worldliness and selfish ambitions of the Church are responsible for the stumbling
of many who would else have been of Christ's 'little ones.' But perhaps ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

"He Ordained Twelve"
... the chief of the apostles; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed
out, and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions, and thus ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

Light through Darkness.
... who "spake as never man spake," yet intermingled with the pure gold of their love
for Jesus, was the base alloy of worldly pride and selfish ambitions. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /19 light through darkness.htm

Light through Darkness
... who "spake as never man spake," yet intermingled with the pure gold of their love
for Jesus, was the base alloy of worldly pride and selfish ambitions. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 19 light through darkness.htm

The Power of Ambition.
... which are purely egoistic or selfish. When the fully developed man fails, as did
Jacob, to leave behind childish things and retains the ambitions and impulses ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study vi the power of.htm

Ambition in Service.
... It has been used much in connection with selfish self-seeking, until that meaning ...
Here are Paul's three ambitions: to be wholly free of the fires of worldly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/ambition in service.htm

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