How to be Unselfish
I Peter 3:1-7
Three Basic Ways to Live Life

SUBMISSION = Having the courage to give up my rights to meet another person's needs.

Three basic ways to live life.

  My Way  (Selfish)
  God's Way (Unselfish/Submissive)
  Others' Way (Subjected)

I.  WHY SHOULD I BE UNSELFISH?

     -Selfishness is the source of conflict.
        "Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that war within you" - James 4:1 (NCV)

     -Unselfishness is the secret to change.
        "...so that, if any of them do not believe the work, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives" - I Peter 3:1 (NIV)

     -Selfishness short-circuits prayer.
        "...Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers." - I Peter 3:7 (NCV)

II HOW CAN I BE UNSELFISH?

    1.  Understanding: Considering Others' Needs
        "In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way..." - I Peter 3:7 (NCV)
        "Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do." - Philippians 4-5 (LB)

    2.  Respect: Honoring Others' Value
        "But show them respect, because God gives them the same blessing He gives you - the grace that gives true life." - I Peter 3:7 (NCV)
        "When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide.  Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves." - Philippians 2:3 (NCV)

    3.  Sacrifice:  Willingness to act on Others' Behalf
        "Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words." - I Peter 3:1 (LB)
        "Let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions." - I John 3:18 (LB)

TO BE UNSELFISH YOU MUST...

LET GO OF YOUR FEAR

"do what is right and do not give way to fear." - I Peter 3:6 (NIV)

"We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us." - I John 4:18 (LB)

"Now you can have real love for everyone because your souls have been cleansed from selfishness and hatred when you trusted Christ to save you; so see to it that you really do love each other warmly, with all your hearts." - I Peter 1:22 (LB)

Jesus Christ, I pray that Your attitude of unselfishness would be expressed in my relationship with _________________.  Thank you for Your unselfish love for me!  I accept Your love for me and pray that you would help me to learn to live Your way in my relationships.