Book Review: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy. By Tim Keller. Ross-shire, Scotland: 10Publishing, 2012. 48pp. ($4.99 Print—Amazon)

---

««««« (four)

I’ve been seeing more short booklets recently based on sermons or lectures by some great expositors of Scripture. Tim Keller, author of King’s Cross and The Meaning of Marriage, is one of those expositors and this book comes from a message on 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7.

Keller’s book looks at this passage in 1 Corinthians and shows how Paul addressed pride and humility in the context of our identity in Christ. Pride is fueled by comparing myself with others. Low self-esteem is fueled by comparing myself with others, which means it is the byproduct of pride unfulfilled. These issues are both caused by the same problem: we’re always trying to satisfy our ego, to prove ourselves.

The solution to pride and our inflated egos is humility as displayed in our own self-forgetfulness. Keller then takes his readers through the truth of the gospel, that in Christ we have no need for comparisons. The verdict of God comes before any performance on our part. Justification, then, is the solution to our ego problem.

Little books like this are helpful because they are quick reminders of truth and examples of how to approach a Bible passage.

---

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.