Self-Esteem and the Christian Matthew 10:27-31

2 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Modern psychology: “the opinion you have of yourself. What value do you think you have as a person?” (More-selfesteem.com)Modern psychology: “the opinion you have of yourself. What value do you think you have as a person?” (More-selfesteem.com) Esteem: “worth, value…the regard in which one is held”Esteem: “worth, value…the regard in which one is held” Self-esteem: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself,” self-respectSelf-esteem: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself,” self-respect Proverbs 23:7

3 Modern psychology: “Self Esteem is the Key to your Happiness and Well-being” (More-selfesteem.com)Modern psychology: “Self Esteem is the Key to your Happiness and Well-being” (More-selfesteem.com) –Centered upon self as the source of happiness and well-being, (Jer. 10:23) –God’s people find their true worth and confidence in surrendering self to the Lord in a life of faith (Gal. 2:20; Prov. 3:3-8) Self-Esteem

4 Self-Esteem and Humility Beware of pride, Prov. 16:18; 18:12; Gal. 6:3; 1 Cor. 3:18Beware of pride, Prov. 16:18; 18:12; Gal. 6:3; 1 Cor. 3:18 God will raise up those who mourn over their sins, humbling themselves before him, Jas. 4:9-10God will raise up those who mourn over their sins, humbling themselves before him, Jas. 4:9-10 Phil. 2:3-5 Rom. 12:3, 16

Self-Esteem and Selfishness Seek will of God, not of self, Jno. 5:30Seek will of God, not of self, Jno. 5:30 –The world makes self the center and source of confidence, contentment and happiness… –No place for God! 2 Cor. 12:10 Self-denial to follow Jesus, Luke 9:23Self-denial to follow Jesus, Luke 9:23 –Surrender our will to the Lord’s will to realize our worth & reach our full potential (Gal. 2:20) James 4:1-4

6 Self-Esteem and Self-Importance Valuable to God, Matthew 10:27-31Valuable to God, Matthew 10:27-31 –Created in the image of God, Gen. 1:26-27 –Given glory, honor & rule by God, Psa. 8:3-9 –Forgiven by God, Eph. 4:32 –Known and loved by God, Gal. 4:4-9 –Exalted position with Christ, Eph. 1:3; 2:1-7 Matthew 16:26

7 Live by Faith to have a Proper and Godly Estimation of Yourself In the strength of Christ, Phil. 4:13 (Rom. 8:31-34, 37)In the strength of Christ, Phil. 4:13 (Rom. 8:31-34, 37) In God’s grace & mercy, 1 Tim. 1:12-16 (1 Cor. 15:10)In God’s grace & mercy, 1 Tim. 1:12-16 (1 Cor. 15:10) To look at life with an eternal outlook, 2 Cor. 4:16-5:5 (Heb. 11:32-38)To look at life with an eternal outlook, 2 Cor. 4:16-5:5 (Heb. 11:32-38) Galatians 2:20

8 Loving God and Loving Others Must love God, not in gloom and doubt, but with confident faith (22:37)Must love God, not in gloom and doubt, but with confident faith (22:37) One cannot properly love others without a proper view of himself (22:39)One cannot properly love others without a proper view of himself (22:39) One cannot properly love spouse without a proper view of himself (Eph. 5:28-33)One cannot properly love spouse without a proper view of himself (Eph. 5:28-33) Matt. 22:37-39

9 The Christian’s confidence is a choice of faith Do not allow others to cause you to look down on yourself for being a Christian, Matt. 5:11-14 (1 Cor. 4:11-13) 1 Pet. 4:16Do not allow others to cause you to look down on yourself for being a Christian, Matt. 5:11-14 (1 Cor. 4:11-13) 1 Pet. 4:16 Phil. 4:4-7, 13

10 The Christian’s confidence is not in personal esteem, but in esteeming Christ above all else! 2 Timothy 1:7 Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 12:10 Self-Esteem