DCLM Higher Everyday 11 October 2023 — Examine Yourself
Topic: Examine Yourself
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-10
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Key Verse: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
Message
W. Bill says, “…the wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self-searching has become a regular habit, until he is able to admit and accept what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong.” It is desirable for believers to constantly examine themselves to know if they align with God’s mind and will, and to ensure they are walking worthy of their calling. Self-examination is a necessary tool for believers to correct themselves regularly so as to continue honouring the Lord, because sin among church members is wont to lead to death.
Examine yourself always to know whether you are still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:3, 4). Self-examination enables us to know where we stand with God. Read through today’s memory verse again; do you have those pristine qualities of love? If you do not, then God is ready to circumcise your heart and transform your life. Like the Psalmist, pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts” (Psalm139:23).
Quote: Know where you stand with God
Challenge: Align with God’s mind and will.
Prayer for today: Precious Lord, help me to renew my dedication to you.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
