Scripture Reading: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. —2 Corinthians 13:5a

Definition: Self-examination is the study and examination of one’s own behavior, qualities, conduct, and motivations; introspection.

Summary: It important to examine our own spiritual life lest we justify ourselves and become hypocrites, deceived, and ultimately miss heaven.

I. Examine Yourself

A. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examination instructed.
B. 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 Judge yourself.
C. Psalms 77:6 Search diligently.

II. Importance of Self-Examination

A. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Lest you fall.
B. Romans 14:12-13 Account to God.
C. Proverbs 21:2 Right in our own eyes.
D. Galatians 6:7-8 Eternal consequences.
E. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Unrighteousness condemned.

III. Self-Delusion

A. Proverbs 30:12 Pure in own eyes.
B. James 1:22-25 A forgetful hearer.
C. Galatians 6:3-4 Pride is deceitful.
D. Matthew 7:1-5 Cast out the beam.

IV. Self-Justification

A. Proverbs 20:6-7 Proclaiming one’s own goodness
B. Luke 16:15 You justify yourselves.
C. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 Self commendation.
D. Matthew 3:7-9 Trust not in heritage.

V. Self-Righteousness

A. Matthew 5:20 Will not enter Heaven.
B. Matthew 23:2-8 They say and do not.
C. Matthew 23:23-29 Hypocrites. Outward righteousness.

VI. Secret Things

A. John 3:19-21 Light reveals.
B. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 God will judge.
C. Proverbs 28:13 Covering sin.

VII. Judge Yourself by Your Fruit

A. Proverbs 20:11 A child is known by his doings.
B. Matthew 7:13-23 A good tree yields good fruit
C. John 10:27 Sheep follow the Shepherd.
D. Titus 2:7-8 Show good works.
E. Matthew 25:33-46 Good deeds.

VIII. Examine the Whole Man

A. John 21:15 What do you love most?
B. 1 Corinthians 6:20 Glorify God in body and spirit.
C. 2 Chronicles 25:1-2 Motivation and heart.

IX. Seek God’s Examination

A. Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD.
B. Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God.

X. Acknowledge Needs

A. 2 Samuel 12:7 Thou art the man.
B. 2 Samuel 12:13 I have sinned.

XI. Maintain Clearness Before God

A. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 Clear yourself.
B. Acts 24:16 A clear conscience.
C. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Perfecting holiness.
D. 2 Peter 3:18 Grow in grace.

Conclusion: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. —2 Peter 3:11