Role of Self-Examination in Identifying with Biblical Examples
Self-examination is a spiritual discipline enjoined upon believers, particularly in the New Testament, to assess their spiritual state and ensure their adherence to Christian faith and practice [2, 3]. The Apostle Paul explicitly commands, "Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5) [3]. This practice involves a diligent and prayerful introspection, often with the aim of amendment and growth [2].
Biblical examples and teachings highlight several facets of self-examination:
- Assessing one's faith: The primary purpose of self-examination, as stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5, is to determine if one is truly "in the faith" [3]. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown suggest that this self-assessment should precede any demand for proof of Christ's presence in a minister, implying that if Christ dwells in the believer, they should recognize His presence in those who minister to them [6]. Adam Clarke further emphasizes that believers should examine their conduct against the "words and example of Christ" [7].
- Preparation for communion: Self-examination is specifically noted as necessary before partaking in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28) [2]. This suggests a need for spiritual readiness and a clear conscience when engaging in sacred rituals.
- Understanding oneself through God's Word: The Bible is presented as a mirror reflecting one's moral and spiritual condition. Matthew Henry, commenting on Proverbs 27:19, states that just as water reflects a face, the "divine law" serves as a mirror for the heart, revealing one's true character [4]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown interpret James 1:23 to mean that God's Word provides a "faithful portraiture of man's soul," allowing a hearer to perceive their "moral visage" [5]. This process helps individuals discern "what kind of man he is" [4].
- Identifying with Christ's example: Self-examination often involves comparing one's life to the example of Christ. This includes aspects of self-denial, which Christ exemplified through His life and ministry (Matthew 4:8-10, John 6:38, Philippians 2:6-8) [1]. Self-denial is presented as a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following Him, engaging in spiritual warfare, and achieving spiritual triumph (Luke 9:23-24, 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, 2 Timothy 2:4) [1]. This includes denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, and mortifying sinful lusts (Romans 6:12, Titus 2:12, 1 Peter 2:11) [1].
- Prayer for divine searching: Recognizing the difficulty of truly knowing one's own heart (Jeremiah 17:9), self-examination should be accompanied by prayer for divine assistance in this process (Psalm 26:2, 139:23-24) [2]. This acknowledges that human self-assessment is fallible and requires God's insight.
- Purpose of amendment: The goal of self-examination is not merely introspection but also a commitment to change and improvement (Psalm 119:59, Lamentations 3:40) [2]. The advantages of self-examination include avoiding judgment and gaining assurance (1 Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 6:4, 1 John 3:20-22) [2].
The concept of "knowing" Christ, as described by Paul in Philippians 3:10, extends beyond mere intellectual understanding to an experimental, personal knowledge that encompasses "the power of his resurrection" [8]. This experiential knowledge is fostered through a life of self-examination and alignment with Christ's example.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
- 2 Corinthians “Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. -- 2 Corinthians 13:5”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:19: This shows us that there is a way, 1. Of knowing ourselves. As the water is a looking-glass in which we may see our faces by reflection, so there are mirrors by which the heart of a man is discovered to a man, that is, to himself. Let a man examine his own conscience, his thoughts, affections, and intentions. Let him behold his natural face in the glass of the divine law (Jam 1:23), and he may discern what kind of man he is and what is his true character, which it will be of great use to every man rightly to know. 2. Of knowing one another by ourselves; for, as”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:23: For--the logical self-deceit (Jam 1:22) illustrated. not a doer--more literally, "a notdoer" [ALFORD]. The true disciple, say the rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach. his natural face--literally, "the countenance of his birth": the face he was born with. As a man may behold his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer may perceive his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture, is the strongest proof of the truth of the latter. In it, too, we see mirrored God's gl”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine--Greek, "Try (make trial of) yourselves." prove your own selves--This should be your first aim, rather than "seeking a proof of Christ speaking in me" (Co2 13:3). your own selves--I need not speak much in proof of Christ being in me, your minister (Co2 13:3), for if ye try your own selves ye will see that Christ is also in you [CHRYSOSTOM], (Rom 8:10). Finding Christ dwelling in yourselves by faith, ye may well believe that He speaks in me, by whose ministry ye have received this faith [ESTIUS]. To doubt it would be the sin of Israel”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:10: That I may know him--experimentally. The aim of the "righteousness" just mentioned. This verse resumes, and more fully explains, "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi 3:8). To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. the power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification (Rom 4:25; Co1 15:17), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work”