The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
Week 1: Introduction — The Problem with the Empty Self
Read the Introduction of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller. Primary Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:21–4:7.
Free Week 1 sampleRead all of Week 1 free — no card.
When you’re ready, choose this complete guide once or get every guide for a year.
Before Keller offers any answers, he wants us to feel the weight of the problem — our egos are in constant, exhausting pain. Sit with these opening questions before rushing to the solution.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Keller opens by describing the modern obsession with self-esteem. How would you describe the culture's approach to building a healthy sense of self? Do you think it is working? Why or why not?
2.Keller draws a distinction between what most people think the solution to low self-esteem is (more self-esteem) and what he believes the gospel actually offers. In your own words, what is that distinction?
a.What does the world typically prescribe for a wounded ego?
b.Why does Keller think that prescription doesn't actually cure the disease?
3.The book's title promises 'the freedom of self-forgetfulness.' Before reading further, what does that phrase mean to you instinctively? Does it sound appealing, frightening, or impossible — and why?
Get the complete 5-week guide
All 39 questions across 5 weeks, with closing prayers, a PDF and printable weekly handouts for your group.
Where your receipt and sign-in link go. No password to remember.
Full Library
Every guide in the library, all year
The first-year discount is already applied — there’s no code to type. $59 is the first-year price for new customers, then it renews at $79/year.
- Every week of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness on the web, plus printable weekly handouts
- Every guide in the library (200+ and growing)
- 4 full-guide PDF downloads every 30 days, so you can print a whole study ahead
- If your group picks a book we don’t have yet, we write the guide — 3 included a year, $9 each after that
- A leader email each week of the study: that week’s questions and a short prep note
$59 today, then it renews at $79/year.
First-year price for eligible new customers. Everything unlocks right away. We email you 30 days before it renews — cancel or pause online anytime, no phone call.
This Guide Only
One study, no renewal
Nothing renews. 7-day money-back guarantee before downloading the PDF or handouts.
- Every week of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness (5 weeks, 39 questions)
- PDF for you, printable handouts for the group
- A link you can send to everyone in your group
- One purchase covers your whole group — no per-person fee
- No account to set up — we email you a sign-in link
Upgrade within 60 days and your $29 comes off the regular $79 year — you never pay for this guide twice.
Full Library, monthly — $25/month, renews monthly until you cancel. The same library, with 2 PDF downloads and 1 requested book a month. Worth knowing: four months of it costs more than a full year.
More than one leader at your church? Church Plan — 5 leader seats for $199/year, then $29 a year per extra seat. Renews yearly at that price plus any extra seats, unless canceled. Pay by card, or ask for an invoice your treasurer can pay. See the Church Plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee on the year (with 2 or fewer guides downloaded)
- A receipt you can hand your treasurer for reimbursement
- Every guide you download stays yours — even if you cancel
- Secure checkout by Stripe — we never see your card number