The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy J. Keller

Week 4: Chapter 3 — Gospel-Humility

Read Chapter 3 of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller. Primary Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:7.

Want the rest of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness?

Week 1 is free · $29 for all 5 weeks, or $79 a year for every guide ($59 your first year with a code; renews at $79/year)

See both options

In his final chapter, Keller paints a portrait of what a truly freed ego actually looks like in practice — and it is both more ordinary and more beautiful than we might expect.

Discussion Questions

8 questions

1.Keller opens this chapter with Paul's devastating rhetorical question in 1 Corinthians 4:7: 'What do you have that you did not receive?' How does this question undercut both pride and shame at the same time?

2.Keller describes what it feels like inside the mind of a truly gospel-humble person: there is a 'blessed self-forgetfulness,' a quiet that replaces the noisy inner courtroom. Can you recall a moment — even a brief one — when you experienced something like this? What were the circumstances?

3.Keller uses the image of someone who is so absorbed in something greater than themselves — a beautiful piece of music, a meaningful task, a loved one in need — that they simply forget to think about how they are coming across. What things in your life most naturally pull you out of self-preoccupation? What does that tell you about where joy is found?

Checking your access to the other 5 questions

You’re on Week 4 of 5

Don't lose momentum — get the rest of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

All 39 questions across 5 weeks, with closing prayers, a PDF and printable weekly handouts for your group.

Pick how you’d like to lead

Most leaders choose this

Leader's Year

Every guide in the library, all year

$79a year

about $7 a month

Renews at $79/year (or $25/month if you’d rather pay monthly). We email you 30 days before any renewal. Cancel or pause in one click.

  • Every week of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, web + PDF + printable weekly handout
  • Every guide in the library (200+ and growing)
  • Any book your group picks next, written on request — 3 included per year, more at $9 each
  • Weekly leader email through each study

This Guide Only

One study, no renewal

$29once · yours forever

Nothing renews. 30-day money-back guarantee. Never discounted.

  • Every week of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness (5 weeks, 39 questions)
  • PDF + printable handouts
  • A permanent link you can share with your group

Upgrade within 60 days and the $29 is credited toward a Leader’s Year.

Month to Month$25 a month · same library while active · no trial, no coupon · 2 PDF downloads and 1 book request a month · renews at $25/month

Buying for your church? Church Plan$199/yr for 5 leader seats

  • 30-day money-back guarantee on the year (with 2 or fewer guides downloaded)
  • Receipt suitable for church reimbursement
  • Every guide you download stays yours — even if you cancel
  • Secure checkout by Stripe

All Weeks in This Guide