Philippians 2:3-4
Introduction:
Self-care is an important part of a healthy, happy life.
Sadly, the world has twisted self-care into self-absorption.
Many have become callous and indifferent to the needs of others.
Discussion:
I. The Necessity of Self-Care
A. The Bible assumes we will practice self-care.
Love of neighbors stems from love of self (Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:14).
Love of wives mirrors love of self (Ephesians 5:28-29; Genesis 2:24).
Jesus practiced self-care in retiring to pray (Mark 1:35).
B. Though necessary, self-care can be become self-absorption.
II. The Danger of Self-Absorption
A. Practically, self-absorption harms relationships as people become unreliable, uncaring, and unscrupulous.
B. Theologically, this brings one into conflict with God.
It is not Christlike (Matthew 20:28; John 13:3-17; Philippians 2:5-8).
It disobeys direct commandments (Romans 15:1; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:1-2, 10; Philippians 2:3-5; 1 John 3:17-19).
It prevents us from carrying out our mission (Matthew 28:18-20).
III. Adopting A New Number One
A. The trouble with this philosophy is it has the wrong number one.
B. The world means I am my number one and you are yours.
C. To overcome this problem, we must know our true number one.
Our number one is the one we love most in this life.
God is to be our number one (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6:5).
Love for self and our neighbors flows out of our love for God (Matthew 22:38; 1 John 5:1-3).
Conclusion:
Love of God and neighbors is shown in obedience (John 14:15; 1 John 5:1-3).
As such, selfless love of God and neighbors is the greatest form of self-care as it empowers us to “work out our own salvation” (Philippians 2:12-13).