Self-examination is a critical practice for believers, rooted in the biblical call to introspection and spiritual vigilance. It involves a sincere and humble assessment of one's own spiritual state, actions, and motives in light of God's Word. This practice is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual discipline that should be approached with holy awe and reverence.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of self-examination is deeply embedded in Scripture. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers in 2 Corinthians 13:5 , "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" This passage underscores the necessity of self-examination as a means to confirm one's faith and the indwelling presence of Christ.

Similarly, in Lamentations 3:40 , the prophet Jeremiah calls the people to introspection: "Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD." Here, self-examination is linked with repentance and a return to God, highlighting its role in spiritual renewal and growth.

Purpose and Practice

The purpose of self-examination is multifaceted. It serves to:

1. Identify Sin: By examining oneself, a believer can identify areas of sin and weakness that require confession and repentance. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayerful request for divine assistance in this process: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. Ensure Faithfulness: Self-examination helps ensure that one's faith is genuine and active. It is a safeguard against complacency and self-deception, as James 1:22 warns, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves."

3. Promote Spiritual Growth: By regularly engaging in self-examination, believers can foster spiritual growth and maturity. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles," which is facilitated through honest self-assessment.

Approach with Holy Awe

Self-examination should be approached with a sense of holy awe, recognizing the gravity and sacredness of the task. This involves:

· Prayerful Reflection: Inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate one's heart and mind, as seen in Psalm 26:2 , "Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind."

· Scriptural Alignment: Measuring one's life against the truths and standards of Scripture, ensuring that one's beliefs and actions align with God's revealed will.

· Humility and Openness: Approaching self-examination with a humble and teachable spirit, ready to accept correction and guidance from the Lord.

· Regular Practice: Making self-examination a regular part of one's spiritual discipline, particularly in preparation for the Lord's Supper, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:28 , "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."

In summary, self-examination is a vital practice for believers, requiring a heart of reverence and a commitment to spiritual integrity. It is a means by which believers can draw closer to God, ensuring their lives reflect His holiness and truth.Psalm 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... a secret regret that my worldly schemes should be interrupted ... been my frame of spirit,
while engaged in the ... How was self-examination performed the last night? ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... 418; must not pray against each other, [3210]427; engaged in a ... Self-examination,
[3817]482. ... gain the regard of the worst masters, [3824]534; should continue in ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Covenant Duties.
... is worthy to be praised."[236] Self-examination should be Covenanted. ... They are vowed
in Baptism, engaged to in the ... will of God, "that all men should honour the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... and we ought always to have a reverent awe of God ... manner, that is, in preaching,
praying, or holy conference. ... to put Christians in mind that they should not in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... with Fate, the cry to a Power who should be a ... Praise for God's greatness and awe
for his eternity are ... by the all-pervading recognition of a holy and beneficent ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Thus we find Bunyan engaged in military affairs ... under a main beam, lest the bell
should fall and ... thought, or occupy time needed for self-examination and devotion ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... that my time had been delightfully engaged with John ... guided by the teaching of the
Holy Spirit, enabled ... surprizing, that such a treatise should have remained ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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