Self Examination

Examining Ourselves: A Call to Honesty and Repentance

Key Scriptures on Self-Examination and Repentance

The practice of self-examination is rooted in several passages throughout Scripture, each highlighting a unique aspect of this spiritual discipline.

Examining Our Faith

2 Corinthians 13:5 calls believers to "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." This verse urges Christians to continually test and confirm their faith, recognizing the presence of Christ within themselves.

Preparation for Communion

1 Corinthians 11:28 states, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." Before partaking in communion, believers are instructed to reflect on their spiritual condition, ensuring they approach the Lord's table with sincerity and reverence.

Inviting God’s Search and Guidance

The Scriptural Call to Self-Examination and Repentance

The Bible consistently urges believers to engage in honest self-examination as a vital aspect of spiritual growth and repentance. Several key passages highlight this call, emphasizing the importance of evaluating our faith, actions, and inner motives before God.

Examining Our Faith and Lives

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul writes, "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." This passage encourages believers to regularly assess whether their lives truly reflect faith in Christ and to recognize His presence within them.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:28 directs, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." Here, self-examination is presented as a necessary preparation before partaking in communion, ensuring that one approaches the Lord’s Supper with reverence and sincerity.

Inviting God to Search the Heart

Several passages throughout Scripture urge believers to practice honest self-examination, testing their faith and motives before God. This process is vital in nurturing a sincere relationship with Him and in living a life aligned with His will.

Preparations for Communion

1 Corinthians 11:28 advises, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." Before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, believers are called to reflect on their lives, ensuring that they approach this sacred act with reverence and sincerity.

Inviting God’s Search and Guidance

Scriptural Foundations for Self-Examination and Returning to God

Examining and Probing Our Ways

Lamentations 3:40 instructs believers to carefully examine and probe their ways, urging a sincere return to the Lord. This verse highlights the need for reflection on one's actions and attitudes, recognizing areas where we may have strayed, and responding with repentance and renewed commitment to God.

Inviting God’s Search of the Heart

Psalm 139:23-24 presents a prayerful invitation for God to search the heart and know every anxious thought. The psalmist asks God to reveal any hurtful way within and to lead him in the everlasting way, demonstrating humility and openness to divine guidance and correction.

Reflecting and Turning to God’s Teachings

In Psalm 119:59, the psalmist shares a process of considering his ways and intentionally turning his feet toward God's testimonies. This moment of reflection leads to a purposeful realignment with God's Word and guidance, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and transformation.

Judging Ourselves Rightly

1 Corinthians 11:31 emphasizes the significance of self-judgment: "But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged." This passage encourages believers to honestly evaluate themselves, which serves as a safeguard against external judgment and fosters spiritual growth.

Examining One’s Own Work

Galatians 6:4 teaches that each person must examine their own work, finding reason for personal satisfaction based on their own actions rather than comparing themselves to others. This principle supports the idea of individual accountability and integrity in the Christian walk.

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Self-Examination

Inviting God’s Search and Guidance

Scripture calls believers to invite God’s searching and guidance into their lives, highlighting the importance of honest self-examination and a sincere return to Him. This process is rooted in humility and a willingness to confront the true state of our hearts.

Examining Our Ways

Lamentations 3:40 urges, “Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord.” This verse highlights the call to reflect deeply on our actions and attitudes, recognizing where we have strayed, and responding by turning back to God.

Asking God to Search the Heart

Introduction

In today’s short Tuesday night session, we focus on the importance of being honest with ourselves. Many of us are quick to point out the shortcomings and sins of others but often fail to examine our own spiritual lives. Whether it is addiction, adultery, gossip, pride, unforgiveness, or other struggles, it is common to view others as worse than ourselves. However, a closer look at our own lives reveals that we have no room to judge one another.

Self-Examination Before Judgment

We often look at those around us—addicts, adulterers, gossipers, drunkards, people who are prideful or unforgiving, and the LGBTQ community—as if we are better. Yet, some may be struggling with the same issues privately, without their flaws exposed to the world. When we honestly examine our lives, we recognize that judgment should begin with ourselves. This is especially true for those serving in church leadership, who should avoid actions that would damage their reputation or witness.

Personal Testimony

I can be honest and say that I have been the adulterer, the addict, the gossiper—living without demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit. I knew about the essence of God but did not truly know Him in my life. Through my journey, I have learned that God is calling us to repentance.

God’s Call to Repentance

During my last stay in rehab and a mental health hospital, God made it clear to me that my soul was in danger. When God communicates, He does not sugarcoat the truth. He revealed the areas where I was falling short and told me that I had a chance to repent. I am here to share that God is giving all of us an opportunity to make things right with Him—and time is not as abundant as we might believe.

Being Set Apart

Is your soul in danger today? Do you ever feel out of place or as though you do not belong in certain groups? That feeling may be because you have been set apart. Some people are being awakened in the middle of the night, feeling the urge to read the Word of God or simply pray. God has shown me that He is a groom to the backslider, calling us to return to Him.

The Road to Redemption

Just as the prodigal son came to himself after squandering his wealth and living in error, I too came to a point of surrender. Upon giving myself to God, He embraced me and urged me to share with the world that He is coming back. Many believe they are bound for heaven, but the reality is that without repentance, we risk facing judgment and hell fire. This nation is in danger of God’s wrath, and we must focus on the sin in our own lives before criticizing others.

The Spiritual Battle

Satan knows his time is short. If we turn to God—the one who saves us from sin and iniquity, heals every disease, and fights for us—then Satan loses his power over us. Now is the time to examine our personal walk with God and share the message of His redemption and restoration to our rightful place in His kingdom.

Conclusion: Surrender and Self-Reflection

Having experienced the challenges of life, I now surrender completely to God’s will. My goal is to please God and live out a true redemption story. I am committed to fulfilling God’s purposes for me and will not walk this journey without Him. I do not want to remain stuck in cycles that hinder spiritual growth. I encourage everyone to examine themselves honestly, whatever the struggle may be, and seek God with sincerity.