A Sure Pathway To Living An Overcoming Christian Life.
The Expected Christian Life and Description
Bible Text: Jer 29:11-13, Duet 4:29-30, Jam 4:8-10, Lam 3:39-40 2Corinth 13:5,1Jn 3:20-24
INTRODUCTION
The thought plan purpose and desire of God for us is for good as we read in our main text, yet many children of God even believers and vessels in his vine yard fails to have a successful life or fulfill purpose as promised. These situations leave many wonderings why their prayers are not answered and challenges assuaging their lives they in turn questions whether their problems are from God or external influences which bring us to issue of self-examination as the first issue of consideration in resolving the challenges of life
Self examination is the act of our own situations’ challenges behavior moods belief and state of things in our lives with a view to detects or knowing oneself and areas constituting challenges to our aspirations and expectations. Moreover, it is encouraged by God because by doing so men are able to correct themselves of the errors inhibiting fulfillment of promises and purpose of God for our lives.
As in business concern even in nations that needs self-examination and stock taking to ascertain their state of health, self-examination is an imperative barometer to ascertain our spiritual state which is quite rewarding in our walk of salvation and service in his vine yard. A writer said SELF REFLECTION IS A SCHOOL OF WISDOM our prayer is that the Almighty God will guide and give us a good understanding at his feet amen
FOREBEARERS OF FAILURES WE NEED TO AVOID
Cain first born of the world that lost everything despite God warning Gen 4:6-7,9-12, Esau fisrt born to Isaac also lost his blessings to food Gen 27:30-35, Noah rescued his family but cursed one his children because of pleasure Gen 9:20-21 Lot also rescued his family but ended badly, Eli because of indifference 1Sam 4:12-18, King Saul because of disobedience 1Sam 13:13 Gehazi covetousness his undoing 2King 5:25-27 all this personalities gave ample reasons for self-examinations good for corrections
Areas of self-examinations
The heart –Prov 4:23, Jer 17:9, Lam 3:39-40 The heart of man is the epic center for self-examination and it is critical for one to be well equipped with accurate knowledge of the will and ways of God so that the heart can evaluate issue in right perspective otherwise it become
easy to be mislead because of our sinful nature while Ps 4:4 counsel we commune with our heart and seek divine help Ps 139:23-24
Oppression of the devil—Challenges comes the way of many through agents of darkness but self-examination afford us the grace of victory by the weapons of our warfare which are not carnal but mighty through our God 2corinth10:3-6 and be certain these weapons are in place as written in Eph 6:13-18
Doctrine — We need to examine ourself in regards to our believe teach or do in our walk and service to God as to whether they are in accordance to the will of God, we should examine all these properly to avoid being misled by false doctrine, deceived or be a victim of self-deceit as anyone that profess Christ but yet does not keep faith should blame themselves to negative response of God to issue of their life
Our works of righteousness—Those that claims to worship God but still indulge in stealing back biting immorality hypocrisy hatred etc. such needs to examine themselves in the light of the word of God Jam 1:22-25
Danger of lack of self-examination — Lack of self-examination can lead to ongoing self-deception 2Corinth 13:5 and we need to self-examine as one of Satan trap is to whisper false assurance to an unregenerate heart and without Holy spirit directed self-examination the enemies lie become pleasant believable and palatable to challenge on our own
One major difficulty with self-examination is that we do not always know our heart Jer 17:9, and so need the help of God to test and reveal our sin to us.
Another challenge is an unhealthy self-examination to oneself through the eyes of the flesh instead of admitting our inadequacy and humbly rely on the Holy spirit to transform us would not yield desire results
CONCLUSION
God is not a liar he is faithful to all his promises as what is of utmost important in self-examination is repentance and determination to do his will by his grace in any area, we found ourselves wanting Ps 119:59-60,1Corinth 11:31-32
As we make concerted effort in our self-examination in truth and faith, the Lord will be gracious for our perfection.
