Rise above petty rivaly

Topics: rivalry, ambition

I. Beware of ego-driven ambition

* EGO stands for "Edging God Out" and has no place in Believers!

1. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will . . . the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment (Philippians 1:15, 17).

2. John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:49, 50)./p>

3. Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud and abase the haughtiness of the ruthless (Isaiah 13:11).

II. Develop love motivated ministry

* God's grace inspires love-motivated obedience for His glory!

1. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:15, 16).
2. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself"(Galatians 5:13, 14).

III. Rejoice in Christ honoring truth

* Refuse to have a pity party and keep Jesus Christ the main thing!

1. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
2. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:12?14).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, August 2nd, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Rise above petty rivalry

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Building up the Body of Christ is vital for healthy spiritual growth. Discuss as a Life Group how petty rivalry creeps into churches. What should your response be to selfish ambition of other Christians?

Getting Started:

1. Have you ever been jealous of another Christian or church for their success?
2. What are some current rivalries that exist between churches and denominations?

Discussing Truths:

How does the "THREE LEVELS OF BELIEFS" help to curb petty rivalry? Remember we only part fellowship over the conviction level, not the persuasion and opinion levels.

• Convictions: non-negotiable truths of orthodox Christian doctrine (Galatians 1:8, 9).
• Persuasions: biblically held views that Christians can agree to disagree over.
• Opinions: loosely held ideas that can even change within each person.

1. Why is it important to leave judging motives to God, while we focus on Christ being proclaimed (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 4)?
2. Could your motives for ministry be tainted by rivalry, envy, selfish ambition, and strife (1 Corinthians 4:5; Jeremiah 17:9, 10)?
3. How did George Whitefield and John Wesley model what the Apostle Paul did in Philippians 1:18?
4. Do you know some preachers who are known more for what they're against than for what they're for?
5. Are you motivated for obedience by love and a desire to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) or driven by religious duty?

Now What? Application:

1. Ask yourself, how can I serve the Lord at Church of the Woods and not just focus on what the church can provide for me?
2. Christian ministry can get messy, but it goes so much better when we choose to rejoice when Christ is being proclaimed. Will you rejoice over other ministries success?