Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction Avoiding the Narcissistic Gospel. It explains the trend on our modern world to esteem ourselves promoting pride instead of humility.
These passages offer further insights:
1. 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
What specific self-esteem attitudes involve lust of the flesh? Which involved lust of the eyes? Which involve and pride of life?
See 3 Lies that Take Our Focus Off God.
2. Romans 12:1-3: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice means understanding that Christ saved us from an eternity in Hell and out of gratitude we willingly offer our lives for His purposes.
Note the elements of this act:
1. We refuse to conform to worldly patterns which would certainly include self-esteem teachings.
2. We test all teachings, attitudes, and actions by the teachings in God's Word.
3. We don't hate or berate ourselves, but we judge our actions realistically according to our faith, admitting when we are at fault, accepting correction, and admitting (without bragging) when we show faith and integrity.
See The Kind of People God Uses for more encouragement to be who God designed you to be!
copyright 2016, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated and edited 2026
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