Examine Yourself

  • The root word, which appears 91 times in the New Testament, is used to describe how one thinks about something. The word itself is generic, so the exact meaning is dependent on the context.
  • The question addressed here is how a Christian should perceive the self, so only the passages concerning that subject will be included. No one passage answers how to view ourselves.  Rather, many passages each give a slightly different idea to consider.
  • Contexts that give inappropriate standards for assessing ourselves
    • Matthew 3:9 Do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father.”
    • Matthew 6:7 They think they will be heard for their many words
    • Luke 13:2 – 4 Do you think they were worse sinners than all who live in Jerusalem?
    • John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life.
    • John 16:2 Whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
    • Romans 2:18 Rest on the Law and approve the things that are excellent
    • Philippians 3:4 If anyone thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so.
  • Contexts that give standards for assessing ourselves.
    • Romans 12:2 By the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God
    • 1 Corinthians 3:18 If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.
    • 1 Corinthians 8:2 If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing
    • 1 Corinthians 10:12 Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
    • 1 Corinthians 11:28 Let a man examine himself
    • 1 Corinthians 12:22 – 23 And those of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor
    • 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandment of the Lord.
    • 2 Corinthians 10:18 Not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
    • 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.
    • Galatians 6:3 – 4 If anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one examine his own works and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another.
    • Philippians 1:10 That you may approve the things that are excellent
    • Ephesians 5:10 Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast to what is good.
    • Hebrews 4:1 Let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it
    • Hebrews 12:10 – 11 No discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness
    • James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is worthless.
    • 1 John 4:1 Test the spirits, whether they are of God