Topical Bible: Diligence: Self-Examination

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Diligence in self-examination is a vital aspect of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of introspection and personal accountability in one's spiritual journey. The practice of self-examination is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to assess their hearts, actions, and motives in light of God's Word.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the necessity of self-examination as a means to maintain a sincere and faithful walk with God. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Apostle Paul exhorts the believers, "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 highlights the importance of regularly evaluating one's faith and relationship with Christ to ensure authenticity and growth.

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" . This verse connects self-examination with repentance and a return to God, suggesting that diligent self-assessment leads to spiritual renewal and alignment with God's will.

Purpose and Practice

The purpose of self-examination is to foster spiritual maturity and holiness. By diligently assessing one's life, believers can identify areas of sin, weakness, or neglect and seek God's grace for transformation. Psalm 139:23-24 serves as a model prayer for this practice: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting" . This prayer reflects a humble and open heart, willing to be corrected and guided by the Lord.

Self-examination is not meant to lead to self-condemnation or despair but to encourage growth and reliance on God's grace. It involves a balanced approach, recognizing both the need for repentance and the assurance of forgiveness through Christ. As 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" .

Role in Spiritual Disciplines

Diligence in self-examination is closely linked to other spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and confession. These practices provide the framework and context for effective self-assessment. Through prayer, believers invite the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sins and areas needing change. Meditation on Scripture offers the standard by which one's life is measured, as Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" .

Confession, both personal and communal, is a natural outcome of self-examination. James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" . This practice fosters accountability and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Challenges and Encouragement

While self-examination is a crucial aspect of the Christian life, it can be challenging due to human tendencies toward self-deception and pride. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . Therefore, believers must rely on the Holy Spirit to illuminate their hearts and guide them in truth.

Despite these challenges, the diligent practice of self-examination brings great spiritual benefits. It cultivates humility, deepens one's relationship with God, and enhances the believer's witness to the world. As Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . Through careful and consistent self-examination, believers can guard their hearts and live lives that honor God.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 77:6
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with my own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... Diligence in self-examination may be a means of growth in grace: and if you are
really a child of God, your evidences will increase and brighten, till you will ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Of Confession and Self-Examination
... Self-examination should always precede Confession, and in the nature and manner
of it ... discovery and knowledge of our sins, rather than, on the diligence of our ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xv of confession and.htm

About Antony the Great and St. Paul the Simple.
... He never suffered himself to be idle, but exhorted all those who seemed disposed
to lead a good life, to diligence in labor, to self-examination and confession ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiii about antony the great.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. ...
the appointed means"especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

The Lord's Supper
... The work, therefore, of self-examination being so difficult, requires the more
impartiality and industry. Difficulty should be a spur to diligence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... and the children of the devil; when it bids us "give diligence to make ... 2. Among the
many hinderances which keep men from self-examination, we cannot doubt but ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... quit this head I must take the liberty to remind you, that self-examination is so ...
Have I pursued the common business of the day with diligence and spirituality ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
... Return with more exactness to secret devotion, and to self-examination. Read the
Scripture with yet greater diligence, and especially the more devotional and ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxii the case of.htm

Self-Humbling and Self-Searching
... Heedless and Toobold are always bad pilots, so he sets Caution and Self-examination
at the ... But he also says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/self-humbling and self-searching.htm

Covenant Duties.
... "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised."[236] Self-examination
should be Covenanted. ... "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm