The Bible & Self Esteem

Introduction:

There is a portrait of yourself that you always will carry that is important! It is the mental image of yourself – your self esteem. Depression can occurs b/c one listens to his inner critical voice – and never refutes the distortions – which ultimately shapes one’s self portrait into a negative view. Ever felt that you’re unlovable? A loser? A failure? A reject? Tonight’s lesson will spend time discussing what we think of ourselves.

I.  The Biblical Basis of Self Esteem

A.    We are to have self esteem, a sense of worth, even a love for ourselves.

1.     Mt. 22:37-39 – implied as the basis for the way we treat others.

2.     Eph. 5:28-29 – the basis for the way husbands to treat their wives.

3.     Rom. 12:3 – but self-esteem must be the result of sober thinking. 

B.       Bible teaches man why we should consider ourselves valuable, worthwhile.

1.     B/c we created in the image of God – Gen.1:26 Psa. 139:13-14

2.     Psa. 8:3-8 – we superior to rest of creation; Mt. 10:29-31

3.     Jesus died for all - 1 Jhn. 4:9-10 – God did this on our behalf.

a)    We were God’s enemies - Rom. 5:8-10.

b)    Heb. 2:9 – Christ died for everyone.

II. 4 Silent Assumptions that erode self esteem.

A.    I must be approved by everyone, or else I am a reject & have no value.

1.     Many seek approval for actions – when in reality the applause they receive is not an accurate gauge to judge by.

2.     Gal. 1:10 – what does the Bible have to say about this?

B.    I must be loved by someone or else I am an unlovable reject.

1.     Some feel that they can never find happiness alone.

2.     Finding someone to spend rest of life w/is a very desirable aspect of life. But – does not guarantee happiness/worth.

C.    If I do not perform as well as others – then I am a complete failure.

1.     Ever been anxious b/c you can’t match the accomplishments/abilities of others? Bible example:  Num. 13:31-33

2.     Mt. 25:24-30 – why was the one talent man condemned?

3.     There will always be people who are: more talented; pretty; Stronger!

4.     2 Cor. 10:12 – Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others. 

D.    If I fail in anyway – then I am a complete failure.

1.     Perfectionism – single greatest enemy to self esteem.

2.     Many sincere Christians struggle w/depression b/c they still “sin.” What does the Bible say?

a)    You’ve sinned – Rom. 3:23. will you let God remove those sins?

b)    God will work through you & in you – Phil. 2:12-13.

3.     Don’t torture self w/doubt – you were saved through faith in what Christ has done – not by faith in your own perfect performance.

a)    Issue is not:  “will I fail, sin?”

b)    Issue is:  “how do I respond to my sins?”  1 Jhn. 1:8-9

4.     Lk. 18:9-14 – 2 paths in life: claim your perfect or confess your sin. 

 

Conclusion:

A.    We must learn to interpret/replace our negative thought patterns.

B.    Understand the worth that you have as a bearer of God’s image!