𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝘃𝘀. 𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

“NARCISSIST SUPPLY vs. GODLY HUMILITY”

INTRODUCTION

In the Dispensation of Grace, God is forming the Body of Christ, marked by humility, servanthood, and Christ-exaltation—not self-exaltation. Yet in the last days, churches will be filled with self-lovers, attention-seekers, and manipulators who crave what psychologists call “narcissist supply.”

The Bible already warned us. This message exposes it—biblically, boldly, and rightly divided.

2 Timothy 3:1–2 (KJV) – “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…”

SELF-EXALTATION over SAVIOR-EXALTATION
Text: 2 Timothy 3:2; Galatians 6:14

Pride Displayed – Narcissists crave admiration, not Christ’s glory
Praise Diverted – Attention goes to the man, not the message
Preeminence Desired – Like Diotrephes (3 John 9)
Grace teaching exalts the cross, not the communicator.

APPLAUSE over APPROVAL of GOD
Text: John 12:43; Galatians 1:10

Crowd Addiction – Needs constant validation
Compliment Craving – Cannot stand correction
Clout Chasing – Measures success by followers
Paul sought God’s approval, not public applause.

CONTROL over CARE
Text: 2 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Peter 5:3

Manipulative Leadership – Uses fear or guilt
Micromanaged Members – No liberty in Christ
Marked Followers – Loyalty to leader over Scripture
Grace leadership feeds sheep, not dominates them.

FLATTERY over FAITHFULNESS
Text: Romans 16:18; Proverbs 29:5

Smooth Speech – Sounds spiritual but deceives
Soft Sermons – Avoids rebuke and doctrine
Subtle Seduction – Gains trust to gain control
Truth may wound, but flattery destroys.

STATUS over SERVANTHOOD
Text: Mark 10:42–45; Philippians 2:5–7

Title Obsession – Apostle, Prophet, Bishop branding
Throne Mentality – Wants to be seen as superior
Task Avoidance – Too important to serve
Grace ministers wash feet, not chase fame.

EMOTIONAL REACTIONS over EDIFICATION
Text: 2 Timothy 2:24–25; Ephesians 4:29

Drama Driven – Feeds on conflict
Division Stirred – Creates sides and strife
Dependence Formed – People emotionally hooked
The Word builds; narcissism destabilizes.

POWER over PEOPLE
Text: Matthew 23:4; Colossians 2:8

Spiritual Puppetry – Pulls strings behind the scenes
Scripture Twisting – Uses verses without context
Submission Abuse – Demands obedience without Berean testing
Grace produces freedom, not fear.

SUCCESS over SOUND DOCTRINE
Text: 1 Timothy 6:3–5; 2 Timothy 4:3

Numbers Idolized – Bigger is always “better”
Money Monetized – Gospel becomes a business
Message Minimized – Doctrine sacrificed for growth
Truth matters more than trends.

SELF-SUPPLY over SPIRIT-SUPPLY
Text: Colossians 2:18–19; Galatians 2:20

Ego Fed – Needs constant attention
Grace Rejected – Cannot die to self
Christ Replaced – Leader becomes the source
Only Christ is the Head of the Body.

CONCLUSION

Narcissism in the church is not just psychological—it is spiritual.
It competes with Christ, corrupts grace, and cripples believers.
In this dispensation, God is not building personalities—He is building a Body.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV) – “That in all things he might have the preeminence.”

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your leaders – Do they point to Christ or themselves?
Embrace sound doctrine – Rightly divide the Word of truth
Walk in humility – Follow Paul as he followed Christ

Mark and avoid those who manipulate grace (Romans 16:17)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Grace exalts Christ, not self
Truth liberates, narcissism enslaves
Sound doctrine protects the flock
Popularity is not proof of purity
Control is not spiritual authority
Emotional hype is not Holy Spirit power
Leaders are servants, not saviors
The church belongs to Christ alone
Christ must increase—self must decrease

John 3:30 (KJV) – “He must increase, but I must decrease.”