The fight for salvation is a daily struggle.
As Christian, we must be watchful of the devil and his tricks.
The devil is eager to deceive us in any way he can.
He is determined to steal our salvation by misleading us.
And that’s why routine self-examination is crucial to be saved.
We must examine ourselves daily to ensure we are still on God’s side.
Thankfully, there are numerous bible verses about examining yourself.
These scriptures teach us to assess ourselves if we are still in the faith.
Are we obeying God’s commands? Are we living a righteous life?
And not just that, We must scrutinize what we believe in.
We must examine what our spiritual leaders are teaching us.
And that is because there are lots of false prophets with selfish ambitions in the world.
In simple terms, our spiritual life can be likened to a mirror.
Each day, I wake up, take my bath, and then prepare for work.
After putting my clothes on, I take a look at the mirror.
Right there, I see my faults, and I quickly correct them.
I repeat this every morning, and it’s never a difficult task to do.
Likewise, in our struggle for salvation, we must similarly examine ourselves.
I have put together test yourselves bible verses to motivate your soul.
Read and be blessed.
Recommended for you
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- Important Bible Verses About False Teachers
- Hypocrisy in the bible: 25 Eye-opening scriptures
Bible Verses About Examining Yourself
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
“Examine yourselves,” Paul prompts in 2 Corinthians 13:5, urging us to assess our faith, to question if Christ lives within us. This self-examination is a keystone in our spiritual journey.
Reflect on the Prodigal Son’s story in Luke 15:11-32. After losing his wealth, he finds himself in despair. His situation triggers a spiritual self-examination. He acknowledges his mistakes, returns home, and seeks forgiveness.
Such self-examination parallels our spiritual journey. We falter and err, but these moments prompt us to question: Are we reflecting Christ in our actions?
Now, picture an addict staring at their reflection, acknowledging their life spiraling out of control. They decide to seek help. It’s a courageous step towards healing. Much like this person, we need to examine ourselves, questioning if Jesus’ teachings are evident in our lives.
Jeremiah 17:10 states: “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind…”. This verse suggests God invites us into a self-examination process, an opportunity to align ourselves with His standards.
Yet, as 1 John 3:20 emphasizes, we cannot escape God’s scrutiny. He knows all, seeing into our hearts. This realization fosters authenticity in our relationship with God, influencing our self-examination.
Neglecting self-examination risks stunting our spiritual growth and straining our bond with God. We need to continually assess ourselves, to ensure our lives reflect Christ’s love.
I believe in the necessity of self-examination, not as an isolated event, but as an ongoing process. We must question our choices, actions, and attitudes. Is our faith evident in our daily lives?
So, I encourage you, take a moment, examine your heart, and renew your commitment to follow Christ’s example.
Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them,
and let us return to the Lord.
Lamentations 3:40 invites us to scrutinize our lives, probing our actions to find a way back to God. I see this verse as a mirror, reflecting the truth of our spiritual state. The question is, are we brave enough to face our reflection?
In the spiritual journey, self-examination is key. Like Job, we should be asking, “How many wrongs and sins have I committed?” (Job 13:23). This self-questioning leads to transformation. It paves the way to know the divine and align ourselves with the higher purpose.
Failing to confront our flaws can lead us astray. It’s like walking blindfolded on a perilous path. But there’s grace for those who acknowledge their sins.
The story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh paints a vivid picture of individual and collective self-examination. The King of Nineveh didn’t just repent individually; he led his entire city to examine their actions, confess their sins, and seek God’s mercy (Jonah 3:6-10).
The result was astounding—God’s wrath was averted, and the city was spared. This narrative embodies the power of corporate repentance following self-examination.
I find a parallel in the business world. An internal audit in a company is akin to our spiritual self-audit. It uncovers flaws, prompting change and growth. This process of self-assessment and improvement is vital in both domains.
The beauty of this rigorous self-scrutiny? Grace and forgiveness. As we turn away from our sins, we’re purified. As stated in 1 John 1:9, confession leads to forgiveness and purification. It’s a profound promise that follows sincere repentance.
So, let’s embrace self-examination. It’s not just a task but a lifestyle, driving us closer to God. Whether individually or collectively, let’s hold ourselves to the mirror of God’s word.
Remember, grace and forgiveness are the rewards for those who dare to examine themselves.
1 Corinthians 11:28
Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
The Bible invites us to delve within ourselves for regular self-checks. The essence of this spiritual introspection is brilliantly captured in 1 Corinthians 11:28. It calls us to examine ourselves before partaking in the Lord’s Supper.
In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus initiates this sacred practice. He shares bread and wine, symbols of His body and blood. The Supper isn’t casual—it demands reverence and reflection. Just as we prepare for a job interview, that’s the same way we should approach this communion.
This spiritual interview requires us to assess our faith. We remember His sacrifice and renew our commitment. Critical to this process is self-examination, a prerequisite highlighted in the verse.
However, we aren’t alone. Acts 17:11 portrays the Berean Jews’ discernment. They verify the message of Paul and Silas through Scriptures daily. Likewise, we must invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our introspection, identifying areas that need repentance.
But what happens when we take Communion without this self-examination? 1 Corinthians 11:29 warns of judgment for those who partake in an unworthy manner. It’s a sobering reminder that our actions carry weight and consequences.
James 1:23-24 provides a potent analogy. A person who merely hears God’s word but doesn’t apply it is like one forgetting their reflection after looking in the mirror. Similarly, taking Communion without understanding its importance is superficial.
The Lord’s Supper is more than a ritual. It’s a moment of reflection and remembrance. As we prepare ourselves, we honor His sacrifice and forge a deeper connection with Him.
To conclude, self-examination is essential in our spiritual journey. It demands humility, honesty, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It’s a path leading to spiritual growth, fostering authenticity in our faith walk.
I have found this constant reflection pivotal in my life, and I urge you to adopt it too.
Self-examination isn’t just a mirror of our current self; it also provides a glimpse of our potential self in Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize
Discipline forms a pillar of our spiritual journey. Paul’s assertion in 1 Corinthians 9:27 underscores this truth. He subjects his body to rigorous discipline to avoid spiritual disqualification. Similarly, we too should exercise restraint, maintaining our spiritual course.
The concept of spiritual discipline isn’t far from physical discipline. Consider Romans 8:13, where we’re urged to ‘put to death’ our sinful tendencies. This resonates with an athlete’s training. They remain committed to a strict regime, and we must adopt a similar spiritual discipline.
Physical discipline can reflect spiritual discipline. An athlete analyses performance, identifying areas for improvement. Likewise, we must assess our spiritual path, keeping our journey focused.
This brings to mind the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. His story serves as a somber reminder of the perils of incomplete obedience, akin to an athlete who only half-commits to their training regimen.
Saul’s inability to fully obey God’s command led to Samuel’s sharp rebuke and should have led him to a deep self-examination.
Yet, instead of introspecting and correcting his ways, he chose to deflect blame. The result? A missed opportunity for spiritual growth and, ultimately, the loss of his kingdom.
Further, Colossians 3:5 serves as a pertinent reminder. The verse urges us to eliminate earthly desires, clearing our spiritual pathway. It’s a call for us to evaluate ourselves, casting off hindrances to our divine relationship.
Consistent spiritual discipline deepens our bond with God. This growth mirrors an athlete’s progress, improved by rigorous training and self-assessment. Our relationship with God develops similarly through frequent self-examination and discipline.
In conclusion, spiritual discipline is crucial to our spiritual journey. Regular self-examination allows us to identify and rectify our shortcomings.
This discipline ensures we don’t stray from our spiritual goals, fostering a closer relationship with God. Hence, self-examination and discipline serve as vital tools in our spiritual growth.
Revelation 2:5
Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
The verse Revelation 2:5 echoes an appeal for self-reflection. It prompts us to remember our spiritual origins, to repent, and to renew our primary works of faith. This plea aligns with our spiritual journey of restoration, resembling the story of the prodigal son.
Again, the prodigal son is an excellent example here. Overwhelmed by regret in his lowly state, prepared to confess his transgressions.
This confession wasn’t merely an acknowledgment, but a turning point marking sincere repentance. It represents the shift we too need to make, realigning our paths to God.
Our relationship with God can sometimes mimic Israel’s historical trajectory. Jeremiah 2:2 presents Israel as a bride, initially dedicated but eventually straying from her groom, God.
This straying or spiritual decline often happens when we allow life’s concerns to cloud our ‘first love’ – our pure, initial dedication to God.
Remembering this early dedication is crucial in our journey. The start of our walk with Christ often burns brightly with zeal. Over time, however, this fervor may wane. Through self-examination, we can rekindle this flame, echoing our initial sincerity.
I urge you, as I urge myself, to use self-examination as a spiritual diagnostic tool. It helps identify spiritual maladies and aligns us back to our faith-path. This internal scrutiny, though uncomfortable, is essential for growth.
Repentance, the final act in this spiritual play, serves as the cure following diagnosis. Luke 15:7 describes the joy in heaven over a single repentant sinner.
Repentance brings renewal, marking our transition from our old selves into spiritually rejuvenated beings. It leads us back to intimacy with God.
In real life, a man, engrossed in his career, lost track of his family, health, and peace. Upon reflection, he identified his deviation from core values, prompting him to reevaluate his priorities.
As he rekindled family bonds, prioritized health, and pursued peace, he discovered newfound fulfillment and purpose in life.
To conclude, self-examination is vital in our spiritual journey. It guides us in recognizing our faults, initiating repentance, and returning to our ‘first love.’
It’s a call to remember, repent, and renew, keeping our spiritual ‘lampstand’ brightly lit.
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:15 guides us to examine ourselves: to ensure no one misses God’s grace and prevent bitterness from causing strife. But what does this truly mean?
Bitterness is likened to an invasive weed, silently creeping into our hearts, creating chaos in our relationship with God and our fellows. A warning about this destructive potential is in Deuteronomy 29:18.
Unchecked bitterness becomes a poison, blurring the vision of God’s grace. Life’s hurts and disappointments can birth bitterness, which, if left untended, blocks God’s love.
Now, let’s look at a Biblical example: Matthew 18:21-35. An unforgiving servant refuses to forgive a small debt, despite being forgiven a vast one himself. His bitterness costs him dearly, symbolizing the repercussions of a life bound by resentment.
So, how do we halt the spread of bitterness? Self-examination. It involves dissecting our thoughts and feelings, discovering and uprooting any trace of bitterness.
Ephesians 4:31 directs us to remove all forms of malice. It’s vital to perform regular spiritual check-ins, ensuring we’re on the path God planned for us.
Consider a real-world scenario. A person harbors bitterness towards a colleague over a trivial disagreement. The resentment grows, poisoning their interactions.
One day, they decide to resolve the issue, realizing the harm the bitterness is causing them. Through self-examination, they learn to forgive, breaking free from the shackles of resentment.
Hebrews 12:15 also hints at communal implications. I, as a believer, am part of a larger spiritual family. My bitterness can impact the entire community, affecting our collective relationship with God.
Lastly, grace is crucial in overcoming bitterness. Accepting God’s grace allows us to extend the same to others, fostering harmony within our spiritual community.
To conclude, self-examination isn’t a single event, but an ongoing process. It’s the tool to identify and replace bitterness with grace.
Let’s strive to self-check regularly, asking, “Am I spreading bitterness or grace?” Opting for the latter leads us to the true liberating power of God’s grace.
Galatians 6:4
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
In Galatians 6:4, we find wisdom about self-evaluation. It prompts us to measure our spiritual progress individually. Picture an artist refining their craft. They evaluate their work based on personal growth, not others’ achievements. Similarly, we should assess our spiritual journey by our own progress.
Romans 12:3 furthers this point, warning against an inflated self-view. This isn’t a journey for self-deprecation, but one of balanced self-perception.
Scripture warns against pride, exemplified by the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 who boasts about his righteousness and disparages the tax collector.
In contrast, the remorseful tax collector humbly seeks God’s mercy, demonstrating an understanding of his wrongdoings and the importance of genuine self-examination.
In life, it’s easy to measure ourselves against others. However, we must maintain our focus on personal growth. I encourage you to examine your own spiritual journey, to test yourself against God’s word, not man’s achievements.
James 1:22-25 underscores our personal responsibility for spiritual growth. We must apply God’s word in our lives, not just listen to it. True growth requires an inward examination and the courage to act on our findings.
This leads us to self-approval anchored on godly standards. It’s an affirmation resulting from aligning with God’s expectations. Unlike the Pharisee’s self-approval rooted in pride, ours should be founded on God’s will.
But tread carefully. The boundary between self-approval and self-righteousness is delicate. Self-righteousness fans the flame of pride, while godly self-approval fuels spiritual growth. We must remember our strength and growth originate from God’s grace.
So, I invite you to the enlightening journey of self-examination. Assess your life through God’s word, not others’ standards.
This journey may challenge you, but it fosters a deeper relationship with God. It carves the path to becoming the person God designed you to be.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The story of Peter and Andrew’s encounter with Jesus in Matthew 4:18-22 provides a vivid picture of self-examination and transformation. As fishermen, their identities were tethered to their nets. Yet, they abandoned their livelihoods to follow Jesus, reflecting a profound self-reckoning.
Similarly, Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 invite us to this same introspective journey. He states, “I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Here, Paul communicates a spiritual paradigm shift. I believe this invites believers into a profound process of self-examination and identity realignment.
Exploring Romans 6:6 deepens this understanding. It speaks of our old self being ‘crucified’, disarming the power of sin. In the light of Christ, Peter and Andrew saw their pursuits as trivial, prompting their life-changing decision.
Self-examination challenges our identity’s source. Are we defined by worldly roles and achievements? Or do we see ourselves through a more eternal lens?
This question invites a transformative reevaluation, as demonstrated in the story of a successful businessman who, despite societal accomplishments, felt hollow.
His self-reflection led him to trade wealth and prestige for humanitarian service. This shift parallels the transformative life in Christ that Paul emphasizes.
Colossians 3:3 reinforces this idea, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Grasping this truth, we recognize our identity transformation.
Our values, goals, and decisions begin to reflect Christ’s desires, rather than our own. I’ve found this liberating, swapping worldly pursuits for a life of eternal significance.
Hence, let us embrace self-examination in light of Christ’s sacrifice. Like Peter, Andrew, and the businessman, we may find our lives redefined.
Living not for ourselves but for the One who gave Himself for us, we discover purpose and fulfillment. A life that truly matters.
Romans 8:10
But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[a] because of righteousness.
Paul’s Epistle to the Romans lays a compelling spiritual framework. Romans 8:10 underlines Christ’s righteousness within us. If Christ is in you, your body is dead due to sin, yet your spirit is alive due to righteousness.” This verse resonates deeply with life and death’s spiritual aspects.
Let’s dissect this further. Paul presents an intriguing dichotomy – physical death due to sin versus life due to righteousness.
Yes, our bodies may succumb to death, courtesy of a sinful world. However, our spirits come alive, invigorated by Christ’s righteousness.
Remember Lazarus in John 11? Even though he was physically dead, Jesus, in His righteous power, brought him back to life.
Lazarus’ resurrection is a striking illustration of the life that Christ promises. His life, death, and resurrection should lead us to examine our spiritual lives.
How does Christ’s righteousness play out in our lives daily? Are we manifesting that spiritual life bestowed upon us because of His righteousness?
Colossians 3:5 instructs, “Put to death, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” This call isn’t about physical dying, but spiritual introspection. Identifying and abandoning sinful practices forms its core.
I am reminded of a relatable real-life narrative. A friend experienced a severe illness, nearly meeting death. This incident provoked her to reassess her life’s priorities. What truly mattered? What changes were necessary? This self-analysis drove her towards a life rich in meaning, rooted in core beliefs.
1 Peter 2:24 reveals, “He bore our sins in his body on the tree…by his wounds, you have been healed.” This truth beckons self-examination. Are we genuinely living this spiritual truth daily?
Despite our mortal bodies’ limitations, Christ’s assurance is life-giving. His righteousness within us incites joy and confidence. This reality necessitates constant reflection and admiration.
I believe self-examination is vital to our spiritual journey. It aligns us with the life Christ promises. As we introspect, we foster our spiritual growth, cultivating Christ’s love, wisdom, and righteousness.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
At the heart of Psalm 139:23-24, the psalmist pleads, “Search me, God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.” This plea, brimming with vulnerability, beckons us towards the practice of self-examination.
Imagine the psalmist, eyes closed, inviting God into his heart. He asks God to test him, demonstrating an earnest desire for personal refinement. Through this intimate dialogue, he invites God’s perfect scrutiny, seeking freedom from all anxieties.
He goes a step further, expressing a wish for purity. He asks God to identify any offensive way within him. Like a metal in the refiner’s fire, he willingly submits himself to divine evaluation.
His ultimate goal? To seek divine guidance. He desires God’s direction, yearning for a path that leads to righteousness. This sentiment resounds in other scriptures too. For instance, Job in Job 31:6 seeks God’s just judgment, just as David does in Psalm 26:2.
A parallel story that comes to mind is Samuel’s counsel to the Israelites in 1 Samuel 12:20-25. He encourages them to serve God faithfully and reminds them of God’s great deeds. It’s a call for self-examination, urging them to remember God’s faithfulness as they reassess their commitment.
In our everyday lives, self-examination is like an appointment with a therapist. Let’s say I am dealing with personal issues and decide to seek therapy.
The therapist will guide me through a journey of self-examination. The process might be tough, even painful at times, but the result – emotional and psychological healing – is well worth it.
The same applies to spiritual self-examination. God, our divine therapist, illuminates areas needing change. The process might be uncomfortable, but it fosters our spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Psalm 139:23-24 prompts sincere self-examination, showing God’s role in spiritual refinement. By inviting divine scrutiny, we edge closer to a purer, God-centered life.
This practice of self-examination, though challenging, is a crucial step in our spiritual journey.
Recommended for you
More Test yourself Bible verses
John 14:23
Titus 1:16
Psalm 119:59
Revelation 3:2-3
Hebrews 4:1
1 Corinthians 11:31
Psalm 26:2
1 Peter 5:9
James 1:23-24
James 1:25
Luke 11:28
1 Peter 2:16
John 13:17
Psalm 139:1
Job 13:23
Psalm 44:20-21
Psalm 4:4
Psalm 77:6
Proverbs 16:6
Ezekiel 18:21
Isaiah 55:7
Self-examination with these two steps
You have seen there are numerous scriptures about examining yourself. These scriptures teach us to repent, obey God’s command and reevaluate what we believe in.
Here are 2 step processes to assess yourself in the faith.
1. Examine your faith
What do you believe? Do you believe in the truth?
Is there salvation in what you believe?
Are you being misled by a false teacher?
For many years, I was highly indoctrinated and followed all the rules of my church.
Until a few years ago, God opened my eyes to see the truth.
We can all learn God’s word in the scripture.
We can also determine the truth from the scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit.
God is merciful and has kept his promise to inject his words and commandments into our hearts.
The scripture says,
“This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
Each day, I continued studying the bible.
And as I did, I noticed there were lots of flaws with what I already believed in.
One easy way to examine your faith is to study and scrutinize what you have been taught.
There are lots of false teachers in the world. Examine your doctrines by reading the bible.
2. Examine yourselves for repentance
We’ve already seen “examine yourselves bible verses.” But that’s not as easy as it sounds.
We must search through our hearts and minds to see our faults.
We are not perfect and have been corrupted by sin.
Right from the beginning of the world and in our mother’s womb, we have sinned.
But in our imperfections, we can strive to keep God’s commands.
Am I living as expected of a Christian? Do I obey God’s commandments?
May God open your hearts and minds to continually examine ourselves and return to God in truthfulness and purity of the mind. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Bible verse tells us to examine ourselves?
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” These words in 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) exhort us to introspect. By scrutinizing our faith, we assess our alignment with Christ’s teachings.
Why is it important to examine our ways and return to God?
Self-examination promotes our spiritual growth, forging a deeper relationship with God. In aligning our actions, thoughts, and emotions with His teachings, we experience transformation.
This introspection paves the way for repentance and divine forgiveness, as suggested by Lamentations 3:40-41 (NIV): “Let us examine our ways and test them…”. Hence, we return to God, rejuvenated.
What God says about doubting yourself?
Doubt destabilizes. James 1:6 (NIV) likens doubters to the unpredictable sea, blown and tossed by winds. By placing trust in God, we dispel self-doubt, fostering faith and divine-guided self-confidence.
We learn to lean on His strength, rather than our fallible selves.
Why do we need self-examination?
Self-examination serves as our spiritual compass, directing us towards God’s will. It reveals discrepancies between our life and God’s commands, facilitating repentance and spiritual refinement.
As Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV), we must examine ourselves before partaking in holy communion, showcasing self-examination’s necessity.
What is the meaning of “examine yourself”?
“Examine yourself”, a call to introspection, prompts us to review critically our actions, motives, desires, and thoughts.
This personal audit should align with God’s commandments and teachings, driving personal enhancement and spiritual development.
How can you examine yourself spiritually?
Spiritual self-examination begins with prayerful reflection. Assess your thoughts, deeds, and motives against biblical teachings. Acknowledge sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and institute necessary changes.
Regular prayer and meditating on scriptures like Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) guide this introspective journey.
What are some self-examination techniques for a Bible study?
In Bible study, self-examination can take the form of reflective questions anchored in scripture, prayer journals documenting emotional and mental states, and practical application of biblical principles.
Prayer, as an essential element, solicits divine understanding and insight.
Are there any scriptures that encourage daily self-examination?
Daily self-examination finds biblical support. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) invites God to “Search me… and know my heart”, encouraging frequent introspection and a constant quest for divine guidance.
Self-examination thus becomes a daily prayer, a constant communion with God.
Content Disclosure:
At The Faithful Christian Blog, I create authentic and inspiring content. Although I am the main author, I occasionally use AI for minor language enhancements. This minimal AI usage ensures high-quality, trustworthy articles without compromising originality or sincerity, ultimately supporting our shared faith journey.
Warmly,
Dr. Akatakpo Dunn
Akatakpo Dunn
Dr. Akatakpo Dunn is a dedicated follower of Christ, an active member and speaker, and an ongoing learner of the Scriptures. Passionate about his faith and serving others, he is committed to sharing his spiritual journey and insights to inspire and uplift fellow believers. He has been active in the church for more than 23 years. Through The Faithful Christian Blog, Dr. Dunn combines his love for God, philanthropy, and Scripture, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to grow in their faith. Follow me: on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Adam
Wednesday 27th of July 2022
i had a vision of my mother with the date of my salvation prayer! because i asked for a sign! It was blurry but i made it out! That must fall under only me? search myself? i'm trying to find the scripture!