How Do You Think Soberly About Yourself?
From the passage in Romans
Romans 12:3 (NASB) [3] For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
The greek word sophroneo (sound judgment) means "to be of sound mind," or "in one's right mind, sober-minded." It has the idea of self control, to have your mind under control to be able to see the truth. I think in this particular context it has the idea that we tend to think of ourselves too highly because of the old nature. We need to take God's word into consideration and really see ourselves as He sees us. This harkens back to the previous verse that talks about renewing your mind. By renewing our minds we come to realize that it is only looking at what is going on around us through God's eyes that we find the truth and the right path for our feet. This verse that talks about not thinking of ourselves more highly that we ought, indicates that we must exercise humbleness, or bow to what God has to say about our situation. Left to ourselves we become boastful and arrogant because we do not see the sin that so easily takes over us. This speaks of our dependence on the Lord to guide us through all matters. Matthew Henry says, "we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretense of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others." The Lord is the one who gives us the grace and the words to say when we act for Him. This is where I failed miserably in teaching. i started thinking too much of how good I was, failing to see that all I had came from the Lord. I also became arrogant, not putting in enough time to really make the teaching worthwhile. I failed to study to show myself approved unto God.
2 Corinthians 10:18 (NASB) [18] For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB) [15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
My diligence to handle the Word of God was lacking. That is something that this study has shown me that I need to have corrected. So now I have extended myself on a course of study to add to my knowledge and understanding of scripture. That I will be better prepared to return to teaching the Word, being able to open up the scriptures and relate directly from them without having to excuse myself and go study the problem. What I need is to fill my mind with the Word of God so that the Spirit can bring things to mind quickly. Like some 75% of pastors in this country, I failed to cultivate a relationship with the Lord in His word outside of what I was putting together for a lesson. I need to be led into truth so that I will have the tools to be able to lead others into the truth. This is what it means to exercise the Word (practice) to be able to distinguish between good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB) [14] But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Romans 12:3 (NASB) [3] For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
The greek word sophroneo (sound judgment) means "to be of sound mind," or "in one's right mind, sober-minded." It has the idea of self control, to have your mind under control to be able to see the truth. I think in this particular context it has the idea that we tend to think of ourselves too highly because of the old nature. We need to take God's word into consideration and really see ourselves as He sees us. This harkens back to the previous verse that talks about renewing your mind. By renewing our minds we come to realize that it is only looking at what is going on around us through God's eyes that we find the truth and the right path for our feet. This verse that talks about not thinking of ourselves more highly that we ought, indicates that we must exercise humbleness, or bow to what God has to say about our situation. Left to ourselves we become boastful and arrogant because we do not see the sin that so easily takes over us. This speaks of our dependence on the Lord to guide us through all matters. Matthew Henry says, "we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretense of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others." The Lord is the one who gives us the grace and the words to say when we act for Him. This is where I failed miserably in teaching. i started thinking too much of how good I was, failing to see that all I had came from the Lord. I also became arrogant, not putting in enough time to really make the teaching worthwhile. I failed to study to show myself approved unto God.
2 Corinthians 10:18 (NASB) [18] For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB) [15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
My diligence to handle the Word of God was lacking. That is something that this study has shown me that I need to have corrected. So now I have extended myself on a course of study to add to my knowledge and understanding of scripture. That I will be better prepared to return to teaching the Word, being able to open up the scriptures and relate directly from them without having to excuse myself and go study the problem. What I need is to fill my mind with the Word of God so that the Spirit can bring things to mind quickly. Like some 75% of pastors in this country, I failed to cultivate a relationship with the Lord in His word outside of what I was putting together for a lesson. I need to be led into truth so that I will have the tools to be able to lead others into the truth. This is what it means to exercise the Word (practice) to be able to distinguish between good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB) [14] But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.