Selfishness: Multitude
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Selfishness, as a concept, is frequently addressed in the Bible, often juxtaposed with the virtues of selflessness, love, and community. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of selfish behavior, as well as the blessings of living a life oriented towards others.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides early examples of selfishness and its repercussions. In Genesis, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive nature of selfish desires. Cain's jealousy and self-centeredness lead him to commit the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). This narrative underscores the idea that selfishness can lead to sin and separation from God.

Proverbs frequently warns against selfishness, emphasizing the value of generosity and community. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This passage highlights the paradox that true gain comes from giving, not hoarding.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of selfishness, particularly through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus consistently calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross (Matthew 16:24). This call to self-denial is a direct challenge to the natural inclination towards selfishness.

The Apostle Paul addresses selfishness in his epistles, urging believers to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness. In Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul writes, "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 encourages believers to prioritize the needs of others, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ.

Selfishness in the Early Church

The early church faced challenges related to selfishness, as seen in the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. Their deceit and desire to keep back part of the proceeds from the sale of their property for themselves resulted in severe consequences. This account serves as a warning against the dangers of selfishness within the Christian community.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses selfishness in his epistle. He identifies selfish ambition as a source of disorder and evil practices (James 3:16). James calls believers to seek wisdom from above, which is "first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" (James 3:17).

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, selfishness is often seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature, a deviation from God's design for humanity. The Bible consistently calls believers to live in a manner that reflects God's character, which is inherently selfless and loving. The life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example of selflessness, providing a model for believers to follow.

In summary, the Bible presents selfishness as a significant spiritual and moral issue, one that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit and the example of Christ. The Scriptures encourage a life of generosity, humility, and love, fostering a community that reflects the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 6:26
Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, You seek me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, and the Ministry of ...
... hatred to the gospel"but the Gentiles were generally guided by the still more ignoble
principle of selfishness. Many of the heathen multitude cared little ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vi the introduction of.htm

With Jairus
... As Jesus went with him, a great multitude followed Him, and they thronged Him ... The
contact of inferior organizations, selfishness driving back the weak and gentle ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 with jairus.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... Sometimes He stood single-handed against a multitude of foes, they were often ... With
what authority did He rebuke their selfishness, their duplicity, their sin ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

The victory of Faith
... hearsays, and blind party-cries; and not to follow after a multitude to do ... the way
of the world here, in money-making and meanness, and selfishness; and then ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon vii the victory of.htm

The True Sign
... The multitude were fed, seven large baskets of fragments remaining ... In many cases
their selfishness and oppression had caused the affliction that Christ relieved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

"Give Ye them to Eat"
... the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude." "And they ... But
selfishness and the indulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... (John 6:2). 2. And a great multitude followed. ... Nor may we ascribe this
concourse merely to curiosity and selfishness. (John 6:3). ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... [Some one in the multitude, seeing the authority and ... The man's selfishness is shown
in that he uses the pronoun "I" six times, and says nothing of anyone else. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Repentance
... According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. ... souls,
we shall see how impure we are; we shall discern the selfishness of motive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

Acts V
... as to make a truly liberal heart; for it is itself a species of selfishness. ... there
was a concerted determination on the part of the whole multitude to conceal ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts v.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about sharing? | GotQuestions.org

Why is loving others often so difficult? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about motives? | GotQuestions.org

Selfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Selfishness

Selfishness: All Men Addicted To

Selfishness: Cain

Selfishness: Characteristic of the Last Days

Selfishness: Contrary to the Law of God

Selfishness: Especially Forbidden to Saints

Selfishness: Exhibited in Being Lovers of Ourselves

Selfishness: Exhibited in Living to Ourselves

Selfishness: Exhibited in Neglect of the Poor

Selfishness: Exhibited in Performing Duty for Reward

Selfishness: Exhibited in Pleasing Ourselves

Selfishness: Exhibited in Seeking After Gain

Selfishness: Exhibited in Seeking Our Own

Selfishness: Exhibited in Seeking Undue Precedence

Selfishness: Exhibited in Serving God for Reward

Selfishness: General Scriptures Concerning

Selfishness: God Hates

Selfishness: Haman

Selfishness: Inconsistent With Christian Love

Selfishness: Inconsistent With Communion of Saints

Selfishness: James and John

Selfishness: Jews

Selfishness: Ministers should be Devoid of

Selfishness: Multitude

Selfishness: Nabal

Selfishness: Priests

Selfishness: Saints Falsely Accused of

Selfishness: The Example of Christ Condemns

Selfishness: The Love of Christ should Constrain Us to Avoid

Related Terms

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)

Judas (42 Occurrences)

Unfriendly (1 Occurrence)

Jacob (361 Occurrences)

Greed (19 Occurrences)

Wealthy (22 Occurrences)

Wealth (340 Occurrences)

Indulge (12 Occurrences)

Defies (1 Occurrence)

Pursues (15 Occurrences)

Antonius

Selfishly (1 Occurrence)

Selfish (14 Occurrences)

Self-seeking (2 Occurrences)

Self-judged (1 Occurrence)

Self (28 Occurrences)

Ecclesiastes (1 Occurrence)

Plate (34 Occurrences)

Felix (11 Occurrences)

Sermon (1 Occurrence)

Secret (341 Occurrences)

Redeemer (42 Occurrences)

Redemption (46 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Warfare (18 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)

Pauline

Malchiel (3 Occurrences)

Elamarna

Tablets (31 Occurrences)

El-amarna

Preacher (27 Occurrences)

Tell (3056 Occurrences)

War (529 Occurrences)

Master (346 Occurrences)

Hearts (418 Occurrences)

Ethics

However (411 Occurrences)

Jesus (10891 Occurrences)

Theology

Christ (573 Occurrences)

Selfishness: Ministers should be Devoid of
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