EXAMINE YOURSELVES

II Cor. 13:5

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified.

Examine (Peirazo)

1. This word is used thirty-five times in the New Testament Greek, only two of those times is directed towards oneself.

2. The definition of this word is:

• to try whether a thing can be done; to attempt, endeavor

• to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

• to try or test one’s faith, virtue, and/or character by enticement to sin.

3. Dokimazo, translated prove/test/examine yourself means to scrutinize yourself and your motives. Jesus uses this word when exhorting the people to learn how to discern spiritual things as they so easily do natural things in Luke 12:54-57 - READ

• Discerning service to the Lord (parable) baptism (v. 50) conflicts (v51-53); legal matters (v. 58ff)

• Ro. 12:1 – whether or not our thoughts are conformed to world or to Kingdom of God.

4. How Jesus demonstrated this principle:

• Matt. 4:1,3 – when led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil – it is written!

• Matt. 16:1 – when speaking to the Pharisees and Sadducees who ‘tempted’ him to show them a sign from heaven. – His rebuke: a wicked & adulterous generation seek after signs

• Matt. 19:3 – Same people questioned the teachings of scripture to trick Him. – Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?

• Matt. 22:17-22 – when the question of the lawfulness of paying taxes was presented to Him.

5. During times of communion with the body of Believers – I Cor. 11:28-32 READ

• What would constitute ‘drinking unworthily’ therefore adding condemnation/judgment against ourselves for not discerning the Lord’s body?

• II Cor. 8:8 & Phil. 1:10 – prove your sincere love (read), approve excellent things w/o offense

6. Acts 5:9-10 – Annanias and Sapphira failed the test of lying to the Holy Spirit.

If we apply these scenarios to our own lives, how have you been tempted, put to the test, as to whether or not you are walking in faith?

1. In times of fasting? With the temptation to eat or to choose a fast that appeals to your desire to eat? In your desire for success or position or prestige or godliness in using spiritual giftings?

2. In times of wanting to use the power of the Holy Spirit to show off? Selfish-ambition; self- promotion.

3. In times of questioning what the scripture teaches on a topic when you already have your own thoughts on the matter? Disregarding or twisting scripture to agree with you; taking it out of context.

4. In times of ‘to tithe or not to tithe’ or whether or not to tithe on the full amount, or take-home pay, etc.?

5. During times of communion with the body of Believers – I Cor. 11:28-32

• What constitutes ‘drinking unworthily’? [Being irreverent] - therefore adding condemnation/judgment against ourselves for not discerning the Lord’s body [separating oneself in a hostile, striving or contentious manner] or a doubtful heart.]

6. Acts 5:9-10 – Ananias and Sapphira failed the test of lying to the Holy Spirit. Have I/you ever done such a thing? This would be during a time of speaking of yourself to leaders – bragging about your spiritual status, ability, giving, etc.?

God helps us overcome these tests of our faith – I Cor. 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1. We are responsible not only for ourselves but for one another – Gal. 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2. Jesus helps us – Heb. 2:18 – For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.;

a. Heb. 4:15 – For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.;

b. Rev. 3:10 – Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

3. I Pet. 1:7 – the trying of our faith is much more precious than gold.

As we examine ourselves, we should find the refining process of the Spirit that purifies, brings to maturity, our hearts and souls.