Definition and Context:
Examining, in a biblical context, refers to the act of carefully inspecting, testing, or evaluating oneself, others, or situations in light of God's Word. It involves discernment and judgment to ensure alignment with divine principles and truth. The concept of examining is integral to spiritual growth, moral accountability, and maintaining the integrity of faith.

Biblical References:

1. Self-Examination:
The Bible encourages believers to engage in self-examination to ensure their faith and actions align with God's will. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "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 verse underscores the importance of introspection and personal accountability in the Christian walk.

2. Examining Others:
While self-examination is crucial, the Bible also speaks to the need for examining others, particularly in the context of leadership and teaching. In 1 Timothy 3:10, Paul advises, "They must also be tested first; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons." This highlights the necessity of evaluating the character and qualifications of those in positions of authority within the church.

3. Discernment and Testing:
The act of examining is closely linked to discernment and testing of spirits and teachings. In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This passage emphasizes the need for vigilance and discernment to protect the faith community from false teachings.

4. Examining Situations and Decisions:
Proverbs 14:15 states, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." This proverb encourages believers to examine situations and decisions carefully, using wisdom and prudence to navigate life's complexities.

Theological Implications:

· Moral Integrity:
Examining oneself and others is vital for maintaining moral integrity and purity within the Christian community. It ensures that actions and beliefs are consistent with biblical teachings and that individuals are living out their faith authentically.

· Spiritual Growth:
Regular examination fosters spiritual growth by prompting believers to identify areas of weakness or sin and seek God's guidance for improvement. It is a tool for sanctification, helping believers become more Christ-like in their thoughts, words, and deeds.

· Community Accountability:
In the context of the church, examining leaders and teachings helps preserve doctrinal purity and protect the congregation from error. It promotes a culture of accountability and mutual edification, where believers support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Practical Application:

· Personal Reflection:
Believers are encouraged to set aside time for personal reflection and prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in need of change or growth. This practice can be integrated into daily devotions or during times of corporate worship.

· Engagement with Scripture:
Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for effective examination. By immersing oneself in God's Word, believers gain the knowledge and wisdom necessary to evaluate their lives and the world around them.

· Seeking Counsel:
In situations requiring discernment, seeking counsel from mature Christians or church leaders can provide additional insight and guidance. This communal aspect of examination reinforces the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

Examining, as a biblical principle, is a multifaceted practice that encompasses self-reflection, discernment, and accountability. It is a vital component of a vibrant and faithful Christian life, ensuring that believers remain steadfast in their commitment to God and His truth.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Examine.

2. (a.) Having power to examine; appointed to examine; as, an examining committee.

333. anatheoreo -- to observe carefully
... Word Origin from ana and theoreo Definition to observe carefully NASB Word
Usage considering (1), examining (1). behold, consider. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/333.htm - 7k

350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate
... NASB Word Usage appraised (2), appraises (1), asking questions (2), called to account
(1), examine (2), examined (4), examines (1), examining (2), trial (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/350.htm - 8k

On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office.
... Deacons. Sec. I."On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office. That a
Bishop Must Be Well Instructed and Experienced in the Word. ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on examining candidates for.htm

The Christian Assisted in Examining into his Growth in Grace.
... THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN THE SOUL. CHAPTER XXVI. THE CHRISTIAN
ASSISTED IN EXAMINING INTO HIS GROWTH IN GRACE. 1. The ...
/.../chapter xxvi the christian assisted.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogy and Insists Upon Examining it as ...
... Book XXVIII. Faustus recurs to the genealogy and insists upon examining
it as regards its consistency with itself. Augustin takes ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogy.htm

Pheroras's Wife is Accused by his Freedmen, as Guilty of Poisoning ...
... CHAPTER 4. Pheroras's Wife Is Accused By His Freedmen, As Guilty Of Poisoning Him;
And How Herod, Upon Examining; Of The Matter By Torture Found The Poison ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 pherorass wife is.htm

Self-Examination
... "Examine yourselves." You have seen the witness in the box, when the lawyer has
been examining him, or, as we have it, cross-examining him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/self-examination.htm

Appendix C.
... part of some men's trial, in the religious sense: as it gives scope, for a virtuous
exercise, or vicious neglect of their understanding, in examining or not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/appendix c.htm

On the Power of the Church in Delivering Doctrines
... VII. To this power, is annexed the right of examining and forming a judgment upon
doctrines, as to the kind of spirit by which they have been proposed; in this ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lv on the power.htm

And I Wondered that I Now Loved Thee, and no Phantasm for Thee. .. ...
... For examining whence it was that I admired the beauty of bodies celestial or
terrestrial; and what aided me in judging soundly on things mutable, and ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvii and i wondered.htm

The Situation after the Council of Nic??a.
... necessary to estimate at some length the theological and ecclesiastical situation
at the close of the council: this will best be done by examining each point ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 2 the situation.htm

On the Sacrament of Penance
... The best method of examining is to take the Commandments and go over each one in
our mind, seeing if we have broken it, and in what way; for example: First. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 17 on the sacrament.htm

Examining (7 Occurrences)
... n.) of Examine. 2. (a.) Having power to examine; appointed to examine; as, an examining
committee. Multi-Version Concordance Examining (7 Occurrences). ...
/e/examining.htm - 8k

Examines (12 Occurrences)

/e/examines.htm - 9k

View (86 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To see; to behold; especially, to look at with attention, or for the purpose
of examining; to examine with the eye; to inspect; to explore. 10. ...
/v/view.htm - 81k

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)
... After examining it in all its districts, the spies brought back an evil report,
Joshua and Caleb alone giving a good report of the land (13:18-31). ...
/k/kadesh.htm - 21k

Noble-minded (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:11 and these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, they received the
word with all readiness of mind, every day examining the Writings whether ...
/n/noble-minded.htm - 6k

Ordering (31 Occurrences)
... you. (See RSV). Acts 24:8 By examining him yourself you may ascertain all
these things of which we accuse him." (See NAS). Acts 24 ...
/o/ordering.htm - 16k

Learn (76 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Acts 24:8 You, however, by examining him, will yourself be able to learn
the truth as to all this which we allege against him." (WEY RSV NIV). ...
/l/learn.htm - 29k

Lysias (3 Occurrences)
... As the speech of Paul had no pacifying effect, Lysias purposed examining him by
scourging; but on learning that his prisoner was a Roman citizen, he desisted ...
/l/lysias.htm - 12k

Whereof (94 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of
whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. ...
/w/whereof.htm - 36k

Thessaloni'ca (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:11 and these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, they received the
word with all readiness of mind, every day examining the Writings whether ...
/t/thessaloni'ca.htm - 8k

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