Word Information
Word: Eritheia (Gk)
English: selfish ambition
selfish ambition | eritheia | έριθεία
Source: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon of the New Testament
Author: Joseph H. Thayer
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition (eritheia), dissensions, factions…" Galatians 5:19-20
Definition
- electioneering or intriguing for office
1a) apparently, in the NT, a courting distinction, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan, and a fractious spirit that does not disdain low arts
1b) partisanship, fractiousness
Selfish ambition is the king of fleshly characteristics. Many ‘goals’ that Christians set before their eyes are the prideful offspring of selfish ambition in their hearts.
How does selfish ambition work?
It makes you set God aside. It seeks first YOUR will and pretends that the end justifies the means.
James 3:13-17
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition (eritheia) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition (eritheia), there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Selfish ambition is at the root of many church factions, splits, and denominations. Even within denominations, selfish ambition drives church leaders to do abominable things. And its driving force is envy – a desire for power, for recognition, fame, wealth, influence.
Philippians 1:17
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
How do we overcome selfish ambition?
Look at Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-9
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, made himself nothing, the very nature[b] of a servant, made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death – death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place, gave him the name that is above every name,
Sizzling Sunday: 4th June 2023
Sizzling Sunday 042
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