LOVER OF THEMSELVES

LOVER OF THEMSELVES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Supporting Texts: Romans 1:21-25, Matthew 22:37-39, James 4:4, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 John 2:15-17

INTRODUCTION:
In these perilous times, the Apostle Paul warned that men would become "lovers of themselves"—a condition that reflects a deep spiritual decay and rebellion against God's design. This form of self-love is not about self-worth or confidence, but rather selfishness, pride, and the idolisation of personal desires over God and others. When people become the centre of their own universe, God's glory is sidelined, and the love of others grows cold.

This ungodly self-centredness breeds disobedience, ungratefulness, and a spirit that resists correction and truth. We are now in a time where self-exaltation is celebrated while humility is seen as weakness. The Church must rise with discernment and resist this wave of godlessness by returning to the pure love of God and selfless living.

1.   THE MEANING OF LOVING SELF ABOVE GOD

a) Exalting Self Over God's Word (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
People choose what pleases them over what pleases God. They form personal doctrines that suit their emotions and rebel against divine instructions.

b) Seeking Personal Glory, Not God's Glory (John 5:44)
Many are driven by fame, applause, and personal achievements, forgetting that all glory belongs to God.

c) Obsession With Self-Image and Popularity (Galatians 1:10)
The focus shifts from pleasing God to impressing others. The idol of self-promotion dominates social spaces.

d) Neglect of God’s Command to Love Others (Matthew 22:39)
When we love ourselves wrongly, we struggle to genuinely love others, which is a breach of God’s greatest command.

Biblical Example: The rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 lived for himself, stored wealth for his own pleasure, and ignored the God who gave him life.

2.  THE DANGERS OF SELF-LOVE IN THE LAST DAYS

a) It Leads to Pride and Arrogance (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride becomes the root from which all other sins grow. Self-lovers see no need for God's help or mercy.

b) It Breeds Disobedience and Rebellion (2 Timothy 3:2)
Children dishonour parents, and believers resist spiritual authority because they are ruled by their own desires.

c) It Makes People Unthankful and Unholy (Romans 1:21)
Gratitude dies in the heart of the self-absorbed, and their actions become offensive before God.

d) It Leads to Form Without Power (2 Timothy 3:5)
They may appear religious, but there is no substance, no transformation, no genuine love for God.

Biblical Example: King Saul, who exalted himself and disobeyed God’s instruction (1 Samuel 15:17-23), lost his kingdom due to self-obsession.

3.  HOW TO ESCAPE THE TRAP OF SELF-LOVE

a) Die Daily to the Flesh (1 Corinthians 15:31)
Daily surrender is the key to victory over selfish desires and fleshly motivations.

b) Cultivate a Heart of Humility (Philippians 2:3)
Put others before yourself, honour people, and esteem God's will above personal ambitions.

c) Love God With All Your Heart (Mark 12:30)
Make God the centre of your thoughts, desires, and decisions. Let your love for Him burn continuously.

d) Seek to Please God, Not Men (Colossians 3:23-24)
Let your motive for living and service be to honour and obey God, not to seek human applause.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30). He lived to elevate Christ, not himself.

CONCLUSION:
Self-love is a sign of spiritual decay when it replaces love for God and for others. The last days are upon us, and the spirit of selfishness is aggressively taking over hearts. Believers must be vigilant and resist the lure of self-idolatry. True fulfilment comes not in loving self above all, but in loving God supremely and others sincerely.

Let us crucify the flesh, put on humility, and glorify Jesus in all things.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of selfishness and self-exaltation.
2. Father, help me to love You above all and to love others as myself.
3. Holy Spirit, break every stronghold of pride and rebellion in my heart.
4. Lord, purge me of every attitude that resists correction and truth.
5. Father, renew in me a heart of humility, love, and obedience.

GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not be a lover of self, but a lover of God in truth and in spirit!
2. The spirit of humility shall rule in your heart and bring you into divine favour!
3. Every root of pride and rebellion is uprooted from your life!
4. You shall live a life that honours God and draws others to Christ!
5. The fire of God’s love will consume every selfish desire within you!