Romans 12:3-9

Introduction:

1. The Bible has much to say about the Christian’s self-assessment as it impacts our attitudes and behaviors in profound ways.

2. We all have different personalities and abilities which are to be used for the benefit of all (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Peter 4:10).

Discussion:

I. Self-confidence, Self-esteem, and The Bible

A. Self-confidence= a measure of our belief in our own abilities

1. This is easier to build than self-esteem.

2. Knowledge and practice lead to higher proficiencies which builds self-confidence.

3. In the absence of self-confidence, we will be paralyzed and unable to complete our daily tasks.

B. Self-esteem= our appraisal of our own worth or value

1. This profoundly impacts our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

2. Low self-esteem can lead to either timidity or aggression.

3. Self-esteem is more difficult to adjust, but it can be done.

C. The Bible commands a balanced view of self.

1. We must not think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3; Psalms 10:4; 12:3; Proverbs 6:17; 8:13; 15:25; 16:18; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5, et. al.).

2. Yet our love for others is patterned after our love for ourselves (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:9-10; James 2:8; Ephesians 5:28-30).

3. If we learn to view ourselves as God does, we can avoid the extremes of self-esteem (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 8; John 3:16).

II. Social Interactions and The Bible

A. The essence of the church is interpersonal connection with Christ and one another (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 4:25).

B. For some, social interaction is as natural as breathing, but for others it may be extremely difficult and emotionally taxing.

C. These two personality types are broadly referred to as extroverts and introverts.

1. Extroverts tend to feed off social interactions.

2. Introverts tend to have smaller, tightly knit social circles.

3. Both types often struggle to understand one another.

D. Fellowship can cause discomfort for people from both groups.

1. Extroverts may feel rejected by the seeming lack of interest in personal interaction from introverted brethren.

2. Introverts may feel overwhelmed by the sense of obligation to partake in social functions.

3. How are we to approach this difficulty?

III. Members of One Another

A. When we became Christians, we became members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Timothy 3:15), the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30), and one another (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25).

B. In Christ, we must be longsuffering and forbearing (Colossians 3:12-13; Romans 15:1-2; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:1-3, 32).

1. Longsuffering= fortitude, perseverance, endurance

2. Forbearing= put up with, suffer, bear, endure

C. Knowing the diversity of personalities and abilities calls for grace and understanding (1 Corinthians 12:18-26; Colossians 3:12-13; Philippians 2:1-4).

Conclusion:

1. God demands our production be commensurate with our ability (Matthew 25:15), so we must not demand more than God does.

2. God also demands we grow our abilities, and this is often painful (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Peter 3:18; Luke 9:23-27; Acts 14:22).

3. Introverts can be hospitable and kind without being social butterflies.

4. Extroverts can be social butterflies without giving their more reserved brethren a sense of inferiority.

5. The key is that both types of brethren never stop growing together.