Phil. 3:7-16, Peace/Patience vs Sins of Selfish Ambition (2)

We concluded the last post asking, “is there hope for deliverance from the sins of selfish ambition?”  We said Christ provided the answer.  Let’s note a few examples of faith in Christ bringing victory over this evil.

·       On several occasions the Twelve were arguing over who would be greatest in the kingdom (e.g. Mk. 10:35-45).  The “envy” of those men was remarkable, given they were constantly with Christ.  I say “remarkable.”  Actually, I can believe it because if I had been there, I would have been the same.  Yet, read the book of Acts, and explain the change in the relationships of these men to each other.  They pray together, minister together.  That is what is remarkable.  But what is the difference?  One, they have become identified with the death and resurrection of Christ.  And two, they are filled with the Holy Spirit.  Complete change!

·       Zacchaeus was a typical “chief tax collector” (Luke. 19:1-10).  That means he was driven by selfish ambition.  Yet, he decided to return all the money he stole, in some cases restoring it “fourfold.”  What made the difference?  It was his joyful welcome to a visitor into his home one day, and the Visitor brought salvation.  We don’t have a record of their conversation; we just see the outcome.

·       Paul, when he was “Saul,” was filled with selfish ambition.  His life was all about climbing over whoever tried to stop him so he could climb the “religious ladder” (Phil. 3:4-6).  Yet, he became the man who would say, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21).  The difference was that he changed his focus, from the glory, power and wealth of religious prominence to the goal/mark of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).

We could go on and on.  The Bible is filled with people with selfish ambition.  Not all gained the victory.  Some died because of it (e.g. Judas).  How do we appropriate what Christ has for us in this matter?  As usual, it begins with confessing sin.  Don’t try to confuse selfish ambition with a strong desire to serve God.  Listen to the words of James 3:14-16; it could not be any clearer so I am giving it all to you.

¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and ^[a]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Selfish ambition, with its cause (envy) and results (dissensions, heresies), is sin.  This must be acknowledged and confessed: to God (1 John 1:9), to those we offend (Prov. 28:13), and to those to whom we are accountable (James 5:16).  Then we must repent, putting the sin behind us and putting on Christ.  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself (Phil. 2:3).