The document discusses how self-centeredness has become a modern way of thinking, with individuals preoccupied with themselves. When self is the center, relationships with others and with God suffer - idolatry replaces God with self, and relationships deteriorate as people only care for themselves. Ironically, those obsessed with themselves are the least likely to do things that make them feel good about themselves. True self-respect comes from serving others, as Jesus exemplified through his selfless acts.

1. When Self Is at the Center
Philippians 2:1-4

2. When Self Is at the Center
Philippians 2:1-4

3. Introductory Thoughts
Self centeredness is a very, very old problem
– Genesis 3:1-6.
Yet, self centeredness is a peculiarly modern
way of thinking.
We have truly created an introverted,
narcissistic society: a culture in which the
individual is preoccupied with the self that
he is.

4. Our Religion Toward God Turns into Idolatry
Idolatry consists of anything which dethrones
God and puts someone or something else in
His place – Colossians 3:5.
The substitution of self will for God’s will is
the very essence of sin – Genesis 3:1-6 –
Romans 1:18-25.

5. Relationships with Human Beings Degenerate
When we come to the point of caring for
nothing but ourselves, others inevitably
suffer – Genesis 1:27 – 1 John 4:7-11.
What is happening to the marriage
relationship is but one piece of evidence of
the destruction in human relationships that
results from the “me first”philosophy.

6. Relationships with Human Beings Degenerate
In contrast to all of this, the New Testament
teaches that personal relationships thrive
only when we submit ourselves to the
needs of others – Ephesians 5:21 –
Philippians 2:3-4.

7. We Detest the Self We Have Come to Worship
Self respect comes from one thing and one
thing only, doing our duty.
Ironically, the person who is obsessed with
finding himself and liking himself is the very
person who is going to do fewest of the
things that would truly make it possible for
him to like himself.
It is not at all surprising that the me first
generation is awash in self loathing.

8. We Detest the Self We Have Come to Worship
And modern psychiatry is doing precisely the
thing that will make the problem worse by
encouraging us to think and talk more
about ourselves.
This is merely the truth embodied in Jesus’
words, that a wholesome self concept
comes not from the be somebody
philosophy but the serve somebody
philosophy – Matthew 20:25-28.

9. Closing Remarks
Paul predicted a time when men will be
lovers of themselves - 2 Timothy 3:2.
Could there be a more apt description of our
own age?
Jesus’ example is that of selflessness –
John 13:14-15 – Philippians 2:5-9.

10. Closing Remarks
Paul predicted a time when men will be
lovers of themselves - 2 Timothy 3:2.
Could there be a more apt description of our
own age?
Jesus’ example is that of selflessness –
John 13:14-15 – Philippians 2:5-9.