Honest Self-Examination

(II Cor. 13:5)

Introduction:

* Some Corinthians doubted Paul’s apostleship, though they had ample evidence (II Cor. 12:12).

* They were told to examine themselves (II Cor. 13:5).

* Peirazo means:

* A Christian’s authenticity is very important (I Peter 4:12).

1. Four things involved in effective spiritual examination.

* Critical examination should begin with self, not others (Matt. 7:3-5).

- Parable of 2 Jews praying in the temple (Luke 18).

* We must honestly evaluate and admit to what we discover.

- Requires integrity (Ps. 26:1).

- Need good and honest heart (Luke 8:15).

- Matt. 18:8-9 –

- Must bow to God’s truth w/o question.

* We need an objective standard that does not change.

- Can’t measure ourselves by ourselves (II Cor. 10:2; Prov. 16:2). Can’t compare ourselves to others either. Each

is responsible for his/her own actions (II Cor. 5:10).Conform yourself to Scripture (II Tim. 2:15)!

- II Tim. 3:16-17.

* A self-examination must involve purpose.

- We must mold our lives to the mind of _____________________________________. (Phil. 2:5)

- Rom.12:1-2 –

- Repentance not emphasized (Luke 13:3&5). Is a “fruit” (Matt. 3:8).

- J.W. McGarvey’s sermon

2. The faith.

* Objectively, referring to the faith itself (Acts 6:7; Jude 3).

* Subjectively, referring to one’s personal faith (II Cor. 13:5; Matt. 23).

- Consider James 2: v. 12: “So speak ye and so do…”

May we all examine ourselves honestly and strive to conform to God’s will and Word.

R.W. McAlister 11/30/08 a.m.