Expressive individualism—putting self first—threatens the church. As Pastor Paul reminded us, “We are here for Him, and we are here for others.” Scriptural anchors: 1 Peter 4:7–11 (serve one another as good stewards), 1 Corinthians 12:18–25 (every member matters), 2 Timothy 3:1–5 (warnings about the last days).

A call to action

Pastor Paul called the congregation to active participation in the church community, urging members to minister to each other and those in need, emphasizing that genuine Christian service involves putting others before oneself.
This week, identify one unmet need in the church or neighborhood and meet it. Stop spectating—use your gifts, visit the sick, open your home, join the prayer chain, and encourage those who struggle.
Join the available ministry teams (visitation team, prayer team, evangelism team, deliverance team, media team), or join the prayer chain and pray for needs shared in the prayer chain group text messages.
Be a gap filler – if you see a gap in the ministry don’t complain, Maybe God is showing you that gap for you to fill it. So, instead of complaining when you see a gap in the ministry, use your spiritual gifts/talents (e.g., teaching, hospitality, preaching, evangelism, social media content creator, etc.) to fill a gap.
Ask yourself: When was the last time you ministered outside your family? Make this week the week you step into a gap you see.
Encourage one discouraged church member by name—text, call, or pray with them this week.
Closing charge: Move from receiving to giving—“go and do thou likewise.”

Below is a full sermon – summary/outline

The Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – emphasized the importance of agape love and service over expressive individualism. Pastor Paul highlighted 1 Peter 4:7-11, urging fervent agape love and hospitality. The conversation critiqued self-centeredness in Christianity, drawing on 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:18-25 to stress the need for mutual care and service within the church.

Pastor Paul used personal testimonies to illustrate the impact of Christian service, such as visiting the sick and supporting others. He also challenged the congregation to active participation in the church community, urging members to minister to each other and those in need, emphasizing that genuine Christian service involves putting others before oneself.

Outline

First Peter 4:7-11 Reading and Prayer

Pastor Paul used 1 Peter 4:7-11 as the main passage. This passage emphasizes fervent agape love and hospitality.
Opening Prayer – Pastor Paul led a prayer, thanking God for His presence and asking for guidance and encouragement for the nation.
His prayer included a request for God’s direction and perspective, especially for the nation in turmoil.
Pastor Paul introduced the message’s theme: expressive individualism and its opposite, emphasizing the importance of agape love and serving others.

Understanding Expressive Individualism

Pastor Paul defined expressive individualism as a preoccupation with self-interest, self-advancement, and self-expression, with no concern for the wider group.
The Expressive Individualism ideology is described as demonic and contrary to Scripture, with a warning that it will become the norm at the end of times.
Pastor Paul – referenced 2 Timothy 3:1-5 to highlight the characteristics of the last days, including self-love, boastfulness, and lack of natural affection.
In addition, he emphasized that expressive individualism will mark the time before Jesus’ return, with everyone focused on their own interests.

The Contrast with Biblical Teachings

Pastor Paul – contrasted Expressive Individualism with biblical teachings, stating that Christians should be focused on serving God and others.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of ministering according to the talents and opportunities God has given, as referenced in 1 Peter 4:10.
Pastor Paul stressed that Christians are here to serve Him and others, not themselves, and that this is their mission and reason for being.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – also, touched on the regret felt by people on their deathbeds when they realize they did not use their gifts and opportunities for God.

Personal Examples of Christian Service

Pastor Paul shared personal experiences of Christian service, including an open house at his grandparents’ home; church meetings frequently took place in his grandparents’ or parents’ homes. That’s all he knew growing up about Christian Service.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – highlighted the importance of serving others and being an example of Christian service.
Pastor Paul shared a testimony of a preacher in Northern Ireland who used to travel four and a half hours to be encouraged by Pastor Paul’s grandparents, illustrating the impact of Christian service.
In addition, the Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) highlighted the need for Christians to serve and be involved in others’ lives, rather than being self-centered.

The Role of Compassion and Hospitality

Pastor Paul – discussed the importance of compassion and hospitality, using the story of the Good Samaritan to illustrate true neighborliness.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – emphasized that Christians should have a heart for others and be willing to serve and meet needs, rather than walking past them.
Pastor Paul also challenged a selfish Christianity that focuses on personal benefits and lacks consideration for others.
Plus, the importance of being committed to the body of Christ and serving others is reiterated, with a focus on the need for compassion and care.

The Importance of Community and Support

Pastor Paul – referenced 1 Corinthians 12 to highlight the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the importance of each member contributing.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – emphasized that every part of the body is important and that the absence of any member affects the whole body.
Pastor Paul – encouraged the audience to participate in the church and serve others, rather than being spectators or critics.
In addition, the importance of being involved in the lives of fellow believers and supporting them is highlighted, with a focus on the need for mutual care and compassion.

Addressing Self-Centeredness and Criticism

Pastor Paul – addressed the issue of self-centeredness and criticism within the church, emphasizing the need for genuine care and support.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – criticized those who sit in the pews and critique others without being involved or supportive.
Pastor Paul – encourages the audience to see the best in others and to be willing to encourage and support them.
In addition, the importance of being a positive influence and a representative of Jesus is emphasized, with a focus on genuine compassion and service.

The Need for Active Participation

Pastor Paul emphasized the need for active participation in the church and community, rather than passivity or criticism.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – highlighted the importance of being involved in the lives of others and meeting their needs, both within the church and in the community.
Pastor Paul – encouraged the congregation to look for opportunities to serve and support others, rather than waiting for others to do it for them.
In addition, the importance of being a positive influence and a representative of Jesus is reiterated, with a focus on genuine compassion and service.

The Impact of Christian Service

Pastor Paul – shared personal testimonies of the impact of Christian service, including visiting nursing homes when his children were younger, doing hospital visitations, and ministering to others.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – emphasized the importance of being involved in the lives of others and making a positive difference.
Pastor Paul – encourage the congregation to look for opportunities to serve and support others, both within the church and in the community.
Plus, the importance of being a positive influence and a representative of Jesus is reiterated, with a focus on genuine compassion and service.

The Call to Action

Pastor Paul concluded his sermon with a call to action, encouraging the congregation to consider how they can serve and support others within the church and the community.
Expressive Individualism Sermon (Part 4) – emphasized the importance of being involved, compassionate, and supportive, rather than being self-centered or critical.
Pastor Paul encouraged the congregation to look for opportunities to serve and support others, both within the church and in the community.
In addition, the importance of being a positive influence and a representative of Jesus is reiterated, with a focus on genuine compassion and service.

Expressive Individualism – Part 4 (03/01/26)