What does the Bible say about self-examination?
The Bible encourages self-examination, particularly in 1 Corinthians 11:28, urging believers to reflect on their spiritual state.
Furthermore, this reflection should lead to a sincere evaluation of one's love for God and faith in Jesus Christ. If one finds only enmity in their heart, it indicates a need for true repentance and a new birth. The process of examining oneself should reveal the principles that govern one's heart and actions. It is only through this reflective process that believers can ensure their service to God springs from genuine love and desire for His glory, rather than from selfish motives.
1 Corinthians 11:28
How do we know we are new creatures in Christ?
We know we are new creatures through the presence of transformed desires and love for God as evidence of redemption.
Additionally, the existence of a deep-seated love for God and a desire to conform to His laws serve as signs of being a new creation. 1 John 4:19 states, 'We love Him because He first loved us.' Therefore, if one finds joy in the name of Jesus and a desire for His governance, it indicates that they have indeed been made new. The assurance of this change is not merely internal; it reflects in the outward expression of our love and service to God, validating our status as redeemed children under His authority.
2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 4:19
Why is love for God important for Christians?
Love for God is fundamental for Christians as it fulfills the law and reflects true spiritual transformation.
This love is not merely an emotional response; it manifests in a desire to follow His commandments and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. The relationship between love for God and obedience is made clear in John 14:15, where Jesus states, 'If you love Me, keep My commandments.' Therefore, the importance of love for God cannot be overstated; it shapes our motivations and ensures that our service and worship are acceptable in His sight, ultimately aligning with His nature and character.
John 14:15, Romans 13:10
“Let a man examine himself.”
— 1 Cor. 11:28
THERE is nothing clearer than this, that man must be a new creature if he would enjoy heaven. God could not make you happy, unless He made you like Himself. God must make you divine—He must give you new desires, new principles—He must create you "new creatures in Christ Jesus." And you must ascertain whether this great change has passed over you. The question must be—Have I "passed from death unto life"? Has my heart been smitten for sin—broken by the Holy Spirit? Have I come as a poor guilty sinner to the Lord Jesus Christ? Do not take all this for granted, but examine yourself, and see whether your heart has been laid upon God's altar—whether it is a "broken and contrite heart, which He will not despise." Examine yourself to ascertain the existence of love to God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a most certain truth that "love is the fulfilling of the law." Enmity against God is the great characteristic of the carnal mind—love to God is the great characteristic of the renewed mind. Do you feel that the name of Jesus creates a thrill of joy in your soul? Do you love God because He is holy, and because He is righteous? Are you in love with His government and with His law? Is it your delight and do you desire to be conformed to its teachings? Is it the supreme wish of your heart that God should rule you—and that you should submit to Him? Do you love Him for sending Jesus—His "unspeakable gift"? Do you love God as your Father—and because He sent His dear Son to bleed and die for you? Examine your own heart on these matters.
Examine your heart also, as to its governing principles. There are many deceitful things in the world. The wind is deceitful—the ocean is deceitful; but the most deceitful thing of all is the human heart. God searches the heart, and looks at all the principles by which we are governed; and no service is acceptable in His sight which does not spring from right motives. And oh, what self-seeking, what self-complacency, what desire for human approval is there in all our actions! But ask yourself—Is my heart governed by love to the Lord Jesus, and by the fear of God? Can I unveil my heart in this transaction as under the eye of one who pierces my inmost thoughts? Can I appeal to God and say—Lord, sinful as I am, I desire to do all for Your glory, and to be governed only by love to You. Examine your heart then, and see what are the principles which actuate you. If they are false—oh cast them away, and ask God so to destroy the power of sin in you, and so to govern you by His love, that you shall only do that which is pleasing in His sight. No service can be acceptable, but that which springs from love to Him, and a simple desire for His glory. But oh how acceptable, then, is even the smallest offering! It may be only the "widow's mite"—or the "cup of cold water,"—but it is pleasing in the sight of God. It may be a service trying to yourself, and perhaps despised by others; but God sees your motives, and will accept your offering, if it springs from a principle in harmony with His will: "For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!