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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Role of Self-Examination</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_role_of_self-examination.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_corinthians/13-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/roimus.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Role of Self-Examination</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_self-control.htm" title="The Role of Self-Control">◄</a> The Role of Self-Examination <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_servant_leadership.htm" title="The Role of Servant Leadership">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Importance</b><br><br>Self-examination is the practice of introspection and evaluation of one's own spiritual condition, thoughts, and actions in light of biblical teachings. It is a critical aspect of Christian living, encouraging believers to align their lives with the will of God and to grow in holiness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-examination as a means to maintain a sincere and authentic faith.<br><br><b>Biblical Basis</b><br><br>The concept of self-examination is rooted in Scripture, where believers are called to assess their spiritual state regularly. In <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a>, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" . This passage underscores the necessity of self-examination to ensure that one's faith is genuine and active.<br><br><b>Purpose of Self-Examination</b><br><br>1. <b>Spiritual Growth</b>: Self-examination helps believers identify areas of sin and weakness, prompting repentance and spiritual growth. By recognizing shortcomings, Christians can seek God's grace and strength to overcome them.<br><br>2. <b>Assurance of Salvation</b>: Regular self-examination provides assurance of salvation by confirming the presence of Christ in one's life. It encourages believers to reflect on the fruits of the Spirit and the evidence of transformation.<br><br>3. <b>Preparation for Communion</b>: In <a href="/1_corinthians/11-28.htm">1 Corinthians 11:28</a>, Paul instructs, "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup" . This highlights the importance of self-examination in preparing for the Lord's Supper, ensuring that participants partake in a worthy manner.<br><br>4. <b>Avoiding Hypocrisy</b>: Self-examination guards against hypocrisy by fostering authenticity in one's relationship with God. It challenges believers to live out their faith consistently, both in private and public life.<br><br><b>Methods of Self-Examination</b><br><br>1. <b>Prayer and Reflection</b>: Engaging in prayerful reflection allows believers to seek God's guidance in revealing hidden sins and areas needing improvement. <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23-24</a> serves as a model prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting" .<br><br>2. <b>Scriptural Meditation</b>: Meditating on Scripture provides a mirror for self-examination, as God's Word reveals truth and convicts of sin. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" .<br><br>3. <b>Accountability</b>: Seeking accountability from fellow believers can aid in self-examination. <a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a> affirms, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" . Accountability partners can offer insight, encouragement, and correction.<br><br><b>Challenges in Self-Examination</b><br><br>Self-examination can be challenging due to human nature's tendency toward self-deception and pride. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> warns, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . Therefore, reliance on the Holy Spirit is essential for true self-examination, as He convicts and guides believers into all truth (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>).<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While self-examination is a personal endeavor, it is deeply rooted in the communal life of the church. It is a discipline that requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to change. Through self-examination, believers can grow closer to God, become more Christ-like, and live out their faith with integrity and purpose.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/roimus.htm">Roimus</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nehum.htm">Nehum (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rehum.htm">Rehum (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/roi.htm">Roi (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/roll.htm">Roll (57 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_self-control.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="The Role of Self-Control"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="The Role of Self-Control" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_servant_leadership.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="The Role of Servant Leadership"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="The Role of Servant Leadership" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>