The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness (Paperback) by

‘What are the marks of a supernaturally changed heart?’

This is one of the questions the Apostle Paul addresses as he writes to the church in Corinth. He’s not after some superficial outward tinkering, but instead a deep–rooted, life–altering change that takes place on the inside. In an age where pleasing people, puffing up your ego and building your résumé are seen as the methods to ‘make it’, the Apostle Paul calls us to find true rest in blessed self–forgetfulness.

In this short and punchy book, best–selling author Timothy Keller, shows that gospel–humility means we can stop connecting every experience, every conversation with ourselves and can thus be free from self–condemnation. A truly gospel–humble person is not a self–hating person or a self–loving person, but a self–forgetful person.

This freedom can be yours…

Praise for the book:

"Tim Keller knows that personal freedom is only ever found in viewing yourself from the vantage point of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read and experience that freedom yourself."

- Paul David Tripp, President of Paul Tripp Ministries

"An excellent little piece. This is a truly liberating book for anyone who's ever worried about what others think of them or been caught up in conflict. You’ll find your life explained and then put on the path to freedom."

- Tim Chester, author, Enjoying God; Senior Faculty Member, Crosslands Training

"In this helpful little book, Dr. Keller paints a compelling picture of a truly gospel-humble person who is so taken up with his Lord that he is freed from the constant need to think about himself. We were challenged by it: we pray that you will be too."

- Christopher and Carolyn Ash, St. Andrew the Great Church, Cambridge, UK

Title

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Author(s)

Timothy Keller
ISBN

9781906173418
Format

Paperback
Publisher

10Publishing
Topic

Life's Challenges
Pages

48
Published

01/04/2012

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Timothy Keller

Timothy Keller (1950-2023) was an American pastor, speaker, New York Times bestselling author, theologian and Christian apologist. He was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York City, where he served for 34 years. He served as Chairman of Redeemer City to City, an organization which plants new churches throughout NYC and cities abroad, of which he was a co–founder.

Tim co–founded The Gospel Coalition, where he served as Vice President. As an author, he wrote the NYT best–sellers The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, The Meaning of Marriage, and more. He was married to Kathy Keller, with whom he had three sons. Tim died on May 19th, 2023 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

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Overall rating

5.0 based on 23 reviews

A classic

This is the closest a book has come to bringing me to tears. The now-late Tim Keller will continue to preach the great gospel through this booklet. The text stems from a sermon which does two things: 1. Highlight a major problem with mankind, that being pride. 2. Remedy this problem by bringing the gospel and showing how the gospel brings true humility. I'll probably read it again and get it for others.

Joseph

A quick read

Read on an airplane and wish I had brought more books! It was a quick read but also so good! A book you can definitely go back to over and over again.

Sarah

I recommend this book to everyone

I love the way Timothy Keller writes. Identity and self-image are struggles for us. We think that thinking down on yourself is a sign of humility but it really isn't. This book is an excellent commentary on an important passage of Paul's. It is where we see where our identity should come from. I recommend this book to everyone.

Chris Joines

The Freedom of SelfÐForgetfulness

This is a very quick read which definitely merits reading through several times so that its impact can really be of felt and benefitted from. For someone like me who finds it difficult to live out that our identity is in Christ and not in what others think of us, this was a truly refreshing read.

Jane

This is a wonderful book showing the transforming power of the gospel on how we view ourselves. In an age that tries to raise people’s apparent low self esteem, Keller shows very clearly how we as Christians can be different and forget about ourselves. As someone who has issues of both pride and low self–esteem, this is valuable and lovely book; as it says in the title, a very freeing one!

Hannah

An excellent, easy read that gets to the heart of what it means to truly flourish in life – self–forgetfulness. It may sound trite, but Keller unpacks this attractive concept in a way that helps you see that caring more about others than yourself isn’t oppressive. On the contrary, it frees you to live the life you’ve been made to live. It’s rooted in the grace of Jesus – not just to enter his family but to continue living in it.

Ed Tulloch

This slim read takes up the passage in 1 Corinthians 3v21 to 4v7 and explores the idea of gospel–humility being about self–forgetfulness, thinking of yourself less. Because of what Christ has done, we are accepted by God, and do not need to worry about other people’s opinions or fantasise about being better than others in an unhelpful way. I recommended this little read!

Sarah Weidenmüller

A helpful book to use with young people who are struggling with the idea of past sin and how to cling to the gospel rather than their own goodness. This short book is simple but has such good truths that we need to hear, plus it’s classic Tim Keller style so is really easy to read

Ben Horrex

We read this book together as a small group over a few weeks and had some great discussions leading out of it. Short chapters mean it is great for those who aren’t big readers but there is plenty in those small chapters to think about and learn from.

Emily Kittle

I am so thankful for this little book. It is convicting and poignant. I recommend this book to everyone in my small groups and Bible studies. This is a must read for all Christians!

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