• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"If anyone thinks himself to be something..."

Text: Galatians 6:3a

HOW DO WE SEE OURSELVES?

We all have our own views about ourselves. Sometimes our views can be very conceited.

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing,
he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work,
and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load.

Galatians 6:3-5

1. The danger of self-deception

a) The individual thinks himself to be something (or someone significant).

b) But in reality “he is nothing”.

c) Self-deception is little more than vain conceit.

2. An objective look at self

a) “Examine his own work”

i) Not just words.

ii) Not mere profession of faith.

iii) Works would be more illustrative and self-evident.

b) “He will have rejoicing in himself alone”

i) He would have valid reasons to rejoice.

ii) His works display a genuine faith in the Lord.

c) “And not in another”

i) Some people revel in the accomplishment of others as if those were their own works.

ii) This was discouraged because the individual would then continue to do nothing significant.

3. “For each shall bear his own load”

a) Each person has his own personal work load from God.

b) He is personally accountable to God.

c) He cannot constantly rely on others to bear his load.

d) Others may offer help along the way.

e) But ultimately he must learn to bear his life’s work load.