The Bible & Self Esteem

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 2 Cor. 10:12 – Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others.

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

9. Perfectionism – single greatest enemy to self esteem.

10. 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.

11. 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

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

Conclusion:

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

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



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 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. 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. 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? I must be loved by someone or else I am an unlovable reject. 3. Some feel that they can never find happiness alone. 4. Finding someone to spend rest of life w/is a very desirable aspect of life. But – does not guarantee happiness/worth. If I do not perform as well as others – then I am a complete failure. 5. Ever been anxious b/c you can’t match the accomplishments/abilities of others? Bible example: Num. 13:31-33 6. Mt. 25:24-30 – why was the one talent man condemned? 7. There will always be people who are: more talented; pretty; Stronger! 8. 2 Cor. 10:12 – Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others. If I fail in anyway – then I am a complete failure. 9. Perfectionism – single greatest enemy to self esteem. 10. 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. 11. 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 12. Lk. 18:9-14 – 2 paths in life: claim your perfect or confess your sin. Conclusion: We must learn to interpret/replace our negative thought patterns. Understand the worth that you have as a bearer of God’s image!