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Explore the Bible's guidance for self-improvement through self-examination and self-control. Discover ways to better yourself by aligning with God's instructions for living a faithful life.
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Introduction • Our culture is interested in self help and yet they are looking in all of the wrong places (Websites, magazines, books). • Self help books abound and yet the Bible was written by God to serve that very purpose (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:3) • We want to do an examination of the book of God to find ways to better ourselves as we follow His instructions.
Self-Examination and the Book of God • Whether or not we want to do a self- exam or not, God examines and knows our hearts (Jer. 12:3a; I Jn. 3:18-21) • We would do well to make sure we are living right before God in faithful service (II Cor. 13:5) • We cannot examine ourselves by our own standard, but as the Lord would see us (I Cor. 4:3-5)
Self-Examination and the Book of God • Everyone is to examine his deeds before God and check himself by the truth (Gal. 6:4) • We are even told to look within the heart during the assembly of the saints (I Cor. 11:27-29) • We want to avoid evil while doing good and this requires a self-exam (I Thess. 5:21-22)
Self-Examination and the Book of God • We need to look to examples of old and see how we need to examine ourselves (Lam. 3:39-40; See Hag. 1:5-7) • Consider the psalmists words of pleading with the Lord for a true examination (Psalm 26:1-7; 139:23-24) • May we be like the one who after the test will make some changes (Ps. 119:57-60)
Application • If you need help with a self-exam, look at God’s word and measure your life against that truth • Take the test and examine yourself to see if you are in the faith while making necessary changes to your life • May we all use the book of God each day for help to do a self-exam while living faithful lives before God.
Start Today By Doing A Self-Exam • God calls those who are not Christians to obey the gospel -Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 • God call those who are unfaithful Christians to repent and return to the gospel -Rev. 2:4-5
Introduction • Our culture is interested in self help and yet they are looking in all of the wrong places (Websites, magazines, books). • Self help books abound and yet the Bible was written by God to serve that very purpose (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:3) • We want to do an examination of the book of God to find ways to better ourselves as we follow His instructions.
Self-Control and the Book of God • The very essence of Christianity requires self-control (Gal. 5:22-26) • We will not be obedient to the gospel unless we have self-control and are to be in subjection to it (See Acts 24:25) • We need to realize that we must exercise self-control in everything (I Cor. 9:24-27)
Self-Control and the Book of God • There are many examples of when and how to practice self-control (I Cor. 7:5,9; See Acts 5:4; Ex. 32:21-25) • If we are becoming stronger in the faith we will add self control to our lives (II Peter 1:5-11; See Titus 1:8) • We need to let the love of Christ be the controlling agent in our lives (II Cor. 5:14)
Application • If you need help with self-control let the love of Christ control you to do the will of God. • Consider that self-control is a sign of spiritual growth, so check to see if you have added this virtue. • May we all use the book of God each day for help in having self-control as we are living pure lives before God.
Start Today By Controlling Yourself To Obey • God calls those who are not Christians to obey the gospel -Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 • God call those who are unfaithful Christians to repent and return to the gospel -Rev. 2:4-5