LIVING FOR CHRIST, NOT FOR SELF

Theme Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV)
Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:23 (KJV)

Key Question: Who Is in the Driver’s Seat — You or Christ?

Introduction

Living for Christ is not a loss; it is a gain. Jesus Christ died and rose again so that we would no longer live for ourselves but for Him.

Who controls your life — your personal desires, your friends, your feelings, or Jesus Christ?

As Christians, especially young people, we must learn to put Christ first in our decisions, relationships, entertainment, and daily activities.

1. What Does It Mean to Live for Self?

Living for self means allowing personal desires, pride, pleasure, and ambition to control our decisions, even when they contradict God's Word.

2 Timothy 3:2, 4–5 (KJV) warns against self-love and being “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

Examples include:

  • Giving in to peer pressure to fit in.
  • Choosing sinful entertainment because it feels good.
  • Cheating to achieve success.
  • Refusing to forgive because of pride.
  • Putting money, social media, or popularity before God.

We must be careful not to allow the values of this world to take the place of God in our hearts.

Prayer: May the Lord deliver us from the dangers of these perilous last days and help us to remain faithful to Him. Amen.

2. What Does It Mean to Live for Christ?

Living for Christ means denying ungodly desires, obeying God's Word, and allowing Him to direct our daily lives.

Luke 9:23 (KJV):

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Taking up our cross daily means surrendering our own will to Christ and choosing to obey Him, even when it is difficult.

Practical examples include:

  • Saying no to sin, even when friends approve of it.
  • Choosing honesty when lying seems easier.
  • Forgiving those who offend us.
  • Making time for prayer and Bible study.
  • Using our gifts and talents to glorify God.

3. Selfish Desires Bring Conflict, but Christ Teaches Peace

When people insist on having their own way, selfish ambition can produce jealousy, pride, competition, unforgiveness, and division.

This can happen among friends, in relationships, within families, on social media, and even in the church.

Galatians 5:19–21 (KJV) identifies the works of the flesh, including hatred, strife, wrath, and envy, and warns against practising such things.

When self is on the throne, conflict often follows. When Christ rules our hearts, we learn to walk in love, humility, forgiveness, and peace.

4. Personal Reflection

Ask yourself:

  • When my friends encourage me to do wrong, will I follow them or follow Christ?
  • Do I remember that God sees what I do, even when nobody else is watching?
  • Are my decisions controlled by my feelings, my friends, or the Word of God?

These questions challenge us to examine who truly controls our lives.

Conclusion

Christ did not die for us so that we could continue living only to please ourselves. He calls us to surrender our lives to Him and follow His example daily.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV) teaches that those who live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again.

Let us therefore choose Christ over selfish desires, obedience over peer pressure, and godliness over worldly pleasure.

Closing Declaration

I will not allow the world to control my life. I will deny myself, take up my cross daily, and live for Jesus Christ. Christ shall be the Lord of my decisions, my relationships, and my future. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Apostolic Church LAWMNA UK Newcastle Assembly
Living for Christ. Walking in His Word. Glorifying His Name.

13th Oct 2026.