Open Heaven 28 December 2024 – Examine Yourself
TOPIC: Examine Yourself
MEMORISE:
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
READ: 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (KJV)
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Revelation 15-17
MESSAGE:
In Isaiah 6:1-5, Isaiah saw God’s glory and holiness. When he saw the light of God’s holiness, he cried, “Woe is me!” Even though Isaiah had prophesied and appeared holy in the eyes of others, he recognized his true state in God’s presence. His self-reflection led to an honest evaluation of his condition.
We must all engage in regular self-examination. Don’t rely solely on how others view you because they don’t see your inner thoughts or actions behind closed doors. You need to take an honest look at your heart.
But don’t measure yourself by your own standards. Instead, measure yourself by God’s standards. 2 Corinthians 10:18 says, “For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” Isaiah, upon encountering God’s glory, realized that his judgment of himself was flawed. His encounter with God exposed the truth of his condition.
Use God’s word as your mirror. Don’t judge based on your feelings, society’s expectations, or personal achievements. Let God’s word show you the real you. If you see areas that need correction, surrender them to God, asking for His help to live according to His will.
In Psalm 20:1-2, we see the importance of asking for divine help: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you.” Recognize that you cannot achieve righteousness on your own. You need God’s help. So, continue steadfastly in God’s word, just as James 1:22-24 warns against hearing the word but not doing it. It’s like looking in a mirror and forgetting what you saw.
When you examine yourself honestly, you avoid the judgment of the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31 reminds us, “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” By recognizing and correcting our faults, we will be prepared for God’s judgment, avoiding condemnation.
Conclusion:
Regular self-examination is vital. Use God’s word as your standard and allow it to reveal the true state of your heart. Surrender your life to God’s will and ask Him to help you align with His truth. As you do, you will hear His commendation on the last day, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Father, help me to live according to Your standards. May Your word shape my heart and guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
HYMN 23 – Take My Life And Let It Be
- Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise. - Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be,
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
