You may not have ever thought about it before, but you have three selves.
This is not a good thing.
Your gracious Creator, in his written revelation to mankind, has provided all that is needed in order for you to see your three selves clearly (2 Tim 3:16-17). The only question is this: “Will I be honest in dealing with my three selves?”
Self #1: Your FALSE Self
- This self says one thing, but does another (Matt 21:28-30; 1 John 4:20).
- This self outwardly appears one way, but is inwardly quite different (Matt 15:7-9).
- This self claims relationship with God, but does not live in harmony with God’s will (James 1:26).
- This self is interested primarily in “keeping up appearances” (Matt 6:1-8, 16-18).
- This self is not your real self, and to act as if it is equals hypocrisy (Matt 7:1-5).
Self #2: Your TRUE Self
- This self is the real self, and we know it when we’re being honest.
- This self, in the absence of discipline, will gravitate in the direction of:
- Self-indulgence (1 Tim 5:6; Eccl 2:1-11; 1 Cor 10:8; 2 Pet 2:10).
- Self-gratification (Rom 13:13-14; Gal 5:16-21).
- Self-centeredness (Mark 7:20-23; Phil 2:3; Eph 4:29-32; 2 Tim 4:3-4).
- This self, with the right information and attitude, reaches the conclusion of Paul (Rom 7:14-24).
Self #3: Your RENEWED (Potential) Self
- This self is only available in and through Jesus Christ (Rom 7:25).
- This self has been washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit of God (1 Cor 6:9-11).
- This self lives by faith in the Son of God (Gal 2:20).
- This self is dedicated to walking in newness of life (Rom 6:3-4; Tit 3:5; Rom 12:1-2).
- This self is zealous for good works (Tit 2:11-14).
The only question is this: “Will I be honest in dealing with my three selves?”
- “Isn’t it past time to lay down my false self?” (James 5:16)
- “Am I willing to come to grips with my true self?” (Acts 22:10)
- “Will I entrust my potential self to the God of renewal and resurrection?” (2 Tim 2:11-13, 26)
After all, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:34-38)
This sermon was delivered on June 23, 2013.
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