Testing Examples Against Scripture for Biblical Alignment
The practice of testing examples against Scripture for biblical alignment is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, ensuring that beliefs and actions are consistent with divine revelation. This process involves careful examination and discernment, often likened to testing precious metals [5].
Scripture itself encourages this kind of self-examination and testing. Paul exhorts believers to "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" [7]. This self-assessment is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual one, aimed at discerning the presence of Christ within oneself [7]. The psalmist similarly prays, "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart" [5]. This prayer indicates a desire for God to scrutinize one's innermost thoughts and affections, much like gold and silver are refined in a furnace [5].
The purpose of such testing is to ensure alignment with God's will and character. For instance, the concept of self-denial, exemplified by Christ, is presented as a test of devotion to Him and a necessary component of following Him [3]. This includes denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling appetites, and abstaining from fleshly desires [3].
The New Testament also warns against putting Christ to the test, referencing Old Testament examples where Israel tested God [6]. This implies a distinction between a humble self-examination and a presumptuous challenge to God's authority or faithfulness.
When evaluating teachings or practices, believers are called to exercise wisdom and understanding [4]. The "spirit of wisdom and revelation" is sought to know God more deeply [1]. This wisdom, characterized by meekness, guides believers in their conduct and understanding [4]. The tongue, for example, is described as a "fire" that can defile the whole body, highlighting the need for careful alignment of speech with biblical principles [2].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “James 3:6 cross-references: Genesis 3:4, Leviticus 24:11, Numbers 25:2, Numbers 31:16, Deuteronomy 13:6, Judges 12:4, Judges 16:15, 1 Samuel 22:9, 2 Samuel 13:26, 2 Samuel 15:2, 2 Samuel 16:20, 2 Samuel 19:43, 1 Kings 21:5, 2 Chronicles 10:13, 2 Chronicles 13:17, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 120:2, Psalms 140:3, Proverbs 1:10, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 7:5, Proverbs 7:21, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:27, Proverbs 26:20, Isaiah 30:27, Jeremiah 20:10, Jeremiah 28:16, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:32, Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:15, Mark 7:20, Mark 14:55, Luke 16:24, Acts 5:3, Acts 6:13, Acts 20:30, Roman”
- 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 ”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “James 3:13 cross-references: Numbers 12:3, 2 Chronicles 2:12, Job 28:28, Psalms 25:9, Psalms 45:4, Psalms 107:43, Psalms 122:8, Psalms 149:4, Ecclesiastes 8:1, Ecclesiastes 8:5, Isaiah 11:3, Isaiah 29:19, Isaiah 60:6, Isaiah 61:1, Jeremiah 9:12, Jeremiah 9:23, Daniel 2:21, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 5:5, Matthew 7:24, Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 1 Corinthians 6:5, 2 Corinthians 8:24, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 5:23, Galatians 6:1, Galatians 6:4, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 1:27, Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:25, Titus 3:2, Hebrews 13:5, James 1:21, James 2:18, Jam”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 26:2: Examine me, O Lord,.... His cause, his integrity, and trust in the Lord, as silver and gold are examined by the touchstone, the word of God, which is the standard of faith and practice; and prove me; or "tempt me" (r); as Abraham was tempted by the Lord; and his faith in him, and fear of him, and love to him, were proved to be true and genuine; try my reins and my heart; the thoughts, desires, and affections of it, as gold and silver are tried in the furnace; and so God sometimes tries the faith and patience of his people by afflictive providences; and this examin”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:9: 10:9 Nor . . . put Christ to the test: See Deut 6:16; Ps 78:18-20; Matt 4:7. • Christ: Some manuscripts read the Lord, which probably represents a scribe’s attempt to harmonize with the Old Testament context.”
- 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”