Know Thyself: The Biblical Edict Of Introspection And Self-Examination

In the below verses we are given the Biblical command to examine ourselves, and prove whether we are in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ - or not.

It is important to understand that by judging ourselves we do so, and can only do so, by the Holy Ghost. It is the spiritual man who can judge himself, and even all the world, because of the Holy Ghost given him by God, as well as his renunciation of and turning aside from the flesh - his carnal nature.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” - 2 Corinthians 13:5 (also consider Galatians 6:4 and 2 Peter 1:10)

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” - 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (also consider 1 Corinthians 11:28-34)

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” - 1 Corinthians 2:15 (also consider 1 Corinthians 6:2-4).

An individual can only judge themselves (accurately) by the Holy Spirit’s presence within them. It is difficult for any man to examine themselves naturally speaking because of the prideful, sinful, nature of man. If we are to possess an accurate picture of ourselves, which is necessary to better serve God and to fulfill the biblical command of self examination; we must be filled with the Spirit, and cast aside our pride. This is why examining ourselves is so difficult, because if we are honest, we are miserable failures, which is not something anyone wants to admit. But this is what the Lord has told us from the beginning to the end of the scriptures. This is why our Lord Jesus came and paid the price; we cannot measure up to God’s high standard apart from Christ our righteousness (2 Peter 1:1, Romans 5:21).

Some Christians have a problem with the idea of Christians being failures. They somehow take this statement to be an attack on the righteousness of God's people and even an affront to the work which Christ does through believers. People who feel this way appear to be self-righteous and unattuned to the extreme perfection which the law demands. Perhaps they misunderstand the message which is meant to be communicated. Never there was a man who measured up by his actions only, only by his faith. Lest this be an argument of semantics, it should be stated clearly; Yes, Christians are more than conquerors through Him, our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But when we, as individual Christians measure ourselves against God and his perfection and supremacy, we cannot but help to see our insignificance and leanings toward a nature of sin. It is also true that we, per se, are not required to be measured against the standard of the law, for Christ cast that down in a sense (Romans 10:4). If we consider all the faithful patriarchs, none of them were perfect, even though they may have been described as righteous or faithful, and as prophets and men after God's own heart. Consider David and Abraham, they were men who were epitomies of faith and righteousness, and yet they failed at times (2 Samuel 11:1-27, Genesis 12:10-20, 20:1-18). And when we see the failures in their lives, and especially in our own (if we can see them, for many I fear cannot), we can point to these and consider ourselves miserable failures; though perhaps we are as perfect as a man can be by faith. When the accuser Satan points to our sins and says "see Lord, they are unworthy of your salvation," it is then that we can say "Lord we would be unworthy, but we have been made worthy by our faith in your Son." Then Christ our advocate will turn to the Father and say, "It is true, these are mine, for they had confessed these sins, my blood has covered them." (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 2:1, Job 16:19, Revelation 12:10-11)

We cannot, it appears, move on to a more mature Christian walk, unless we are able to examine ourselves, see our sins, and confess them with the promise to be cleansed from them (1 John 1:9). This is also why spiritual men judge all and are judged by none; because it is not they that judge but God in them.

We should pray as Job did in Job 13:23 - “How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.” We should pray as did David in Psalm 51:3 - “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” We must desire for the Lord to convict us so strongly of our sins, that we develop a hatred toward them and cannot but weep till we have departed from them.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 5:6-11

What is Sin ?

What is Sin?

There are a few different definitions of sin given in the Holy scriptures.

In 1 John 5:17 we read that “All unrighteousness is sin.”

In 1 John 3:4 we read that "sin is the transgression of the law."

In Romans 14:23 we read that “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

In James 4:17 we read that whosoever does not do the good he knows he should do sins.

In 1 John 1:7 -10 we read;

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

In Proverbs 24:9 we read that “the thought of foolishness is sin”

By these scriptures we can see that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and that he is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we confess our sins. We also see that we can sin either by doing something or by not doing what we should.

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1

Other Recommended verses that might be good to read with this are John 8:34, John 16:7-13, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8:1-17.

The Begotten Son compared to the Adopted sons

The begotten Son compared to the adopted sons

In John 1:14,18, 3:16,18, and Hebrews 5:5 we see Jesus Christ being referred to as the only begotten Son of God.

In Acts 13:33 and Psalm 2:7 we see how David Prophesied of Christ being the only begotten Son of God.

As believers in Christ we are referred to as adopted sons of God, when we are led by the Spirit of God. We are heirs of God through and with Christ Jesus.

"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” -Ephesians 1:5

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. … And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:14-15,17

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. - Galatians 4:6-7

What Does the Scripture Say ?

This is the question we need to ask and apply to every aspect of our lives.


There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - Pro 16:25

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. - Deu 12:32

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for onecutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. - Jer 10:2-4

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? - Gal 4:8-16

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. - Mark 7:6-13

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, - Col 2:14-20

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Proverbs 3:1-7

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (We cannot improve upon “perfect” by adding to the scriptures).

What do these verses tell us?

We cannot merely do what seems right. We are to be separate from the world and we are not to follow the traditions of men nor the vain ways of the heathen. Nor are we to pattern Christian worship after the ways that the heathen worship their gods. We are to only do and believe what the Bible instructs us to do and believe. How can this fact be applied today to Christianity? How has the world pervaded the church?

We must believe and obey the scriptures, renewing our minds (Psalm 51:10) and receiving instruction (Proverbs 1:7, 8:33, 9:9, 10:17, 13:18, 15:32) . Or else we may be like that man in James 1:20-27 who is a hearer of the word and not a doer. He sees himself as in a mirror but then goes his way and immediately forgets his appearance. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” - James 1:22

The Most Important Thing

For my first post I will be sure to cover the Most Important thing. So that anyone who reads this will be aware of the most important thing. What is the most important thing you ask?

It is the spiritual.

The spiritual dimensions in Life are those which last, for that which is seen is made of that which is unseen (Heb. 11:3). That which the Physical (things that we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands) is made of does not last. So why get all caught up with the physical when it will shortly pass away?

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Cor 4:18

Not only is the spiritual important-but it is important in regards to our personal spirituality. We personally have to act. Are You Right With God? Where will you spend eternity? How will you spend eternity?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” –Gal. 5:6

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Gal. 5:25

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” – Romans 8:1-14

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” –Acts 2:38

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” –John 3:15-21

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Eph. 2:8

“For until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that naught is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; no, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity.” -John Calvin ( Jean Cauvin)

“Let us pray that the Holy Spirit be ever at our side and that he never abandon us.” - St. Basil the Great

Let us Read and Believe the Holy Bible. Amen.