From the recording 77 Lessons of Life #67-77
Lyrics
Lesson 71 of 77
Divine Self-Examination
{See Lessons 2, 12, 28, 33, 34}
By Lawrence DeMetrius
Born-again believers are admonished to EXAMINE their personal disposition before Yahweh. Apostle Paul writes,
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?
[II Cor 13:5]
*examine Gk #3985 peirazo (pi-rad-zo) it means to…
• test which is to…
o subject to a test of any kind
o try which is to…
attempt to do or accomplish
test the effect or result of
endeavor to evaluate by experiment and experience
test the quality, value, fitness, or accuracy of a thing
• endeavor which is to…
o exert oneself to do or affect something
o make an effort, strive, attempt or try
o attempt to achieve or gain
o to carefully and critically scrutinize a thing
• entice which is to allure or lead on by exciting hope or desire
• discipline which is to…
o train by instruction and exercise
o drill or bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control
o punish or penalize in order to train and control
o correct or chastise
All of the above is what the Elect are to practice with themselves, to determine whether or not they are in compliance with the FAITH of Christ, in any circumstance.
*faith Gk #4102 pistis (pis-tis) it is…
• persuasion and credence
• moral conviction of a religious truth, the truthfulness of Yahweh or a religious teacher
• reliance upon Christ for salvation and the constancy of such profession
• the system of religious truth itself based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*prove Gk #1381 dokimazo (dok-im-ad-zo) it means to test or approve
*know Gk #1921 epignosko (ep-ig-in-oce-ko) it means to know upon some mark, recognize, become fully acquainted with and acknowledge
*reprobate Gk #96 adokimos (ad-ok-ee-mos) it means unapproved, rejected and worthless
The following 5 ELEMENTS will help one to effectively EXAMINE self.
1. Worship Yahweh in spirit (renewed intellect) and in truth (reality). The Lord Jesus said,
But the hour cometh, and now is when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship HIM.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.
[St Jn 4:23, 24]
*spirit Gk#4151 pneuma (pnyoo-mah) it is…
• current of air, breath, blast or breeze
• spirit referring to the human rational soul, mental disposition and vital principle
• angelic beings (good or evil), Yahweh, the mind of Christ and the Holy Ghost
Per this discourse SPIRIT refers to a mortal mind that has been regenerated with the Word and Spirit of God.
*truth Gk #225 aletheia (al-ay-thi-a) it is…
• the true or actual state of a matter and conformity with fact and reality
• verity which is…
o the state or quality of being true
o accordance with fact and reality
o something that is true, be it a principle, belief, idea or statement
o a verified and indisputable fact, proposition or principle
• the character of being true and actuality and actual existence
• an obvious fact and honesty, integrity, and truthfulness
• ideal or fundamental reality, apart from and transcending perceived experience
• fidelity and constancy and that which is true meaning…
o not false but genuine and authentic, sincere and not deceitful
o firm in allegiance, loyal, faithful, steadfast, reliable and unfailing
o exact, precise, accurate, correct, proper and legitimate
o rightful, sure, honest and honorable
All of the above is how Yahweh desires to be worshiped, regardless of how one’s authenticity may appear to others.
2. Acknowledge that the mortal nature is sin-flawed, vulnerable to wrongdoing and that only by the strength of Christ can one live from the power of sin therein. The Lord Jesus said,
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
[Mt 26:41]
I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.
[Jn 15:5]
My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
[II Cor 12:9a]
3. Effectively govern personal conduct, as one will inherit blessings or consequences thereby.
Apostle Paul writes,
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[Gal 6:7, 8]
4. Guard against laziness to avoid failure of doing what is necessary for holistic well-being. Apostle Paul writes,
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
[I Cor 9:27]
5. Be persistent in effective scriptural study, prayer and thanksgiving. Apostle Paul writes,
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[II Tim 2:15]
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[Phil 4:6]
The Lord Jesus said,
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My Name.
Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
[Rev 3:8, 10]
In summation, all mortals are aware of Yahweh's existence, HIS intolerance of unrighteousness and admonishment for them to seek understanding of HIS principles. Apostle Paul writes,
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[Rm 1:18-21]
Every mortal is accountable for their own actions and consequences or blessings thereof. King Solomon writes,
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep HIS commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
[Eccl 12:12-14]
Born-again believers are expected to always help one another maintain, and when necessary, regain right standing before THE LORD. They must beware to do so in the spirit or mindset of meekness, considering their own sin-flawed nature. Apostle Paul writes,
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
[Gal 6:1-3]
By this divine insight will one effectively practice Divine Self-Examination.
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