Spiritual Self-Examination: Nurturing Faith and Holiness
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the importance of conducting a spiritual self-examination, a practice rooted in 2 Corinthians 13:5, which urges us to examine ourselves to ensure we remain in the faith. This self-examination is crucial because, like Samson, we might unknowingly drift away from God's presence. To maintain our spiritual health, we must regularly assess key areas of our spiritual lives: prayer, Bible study, fasting, sanctification, and faith.
Prayer is not merely a response to emergencies but a planned, integral part of our daily lives. Jesus exemplified this by prioritizing prayer, which empowered Him to fulfill His mission. Similarly, our prayer life should be intentional and consistent, reflecting our dependence on God.
Bible study is another vital component. The Word of God is our guide, offering wisdom, strength, and the promises of God. It is through the Word that we understand God's will and receive His blessings. A life devoid of the Word is like a body lacking nourishment, leading to spiritual malnourishment.
Fasting, often overlooked, is a powerful spiritual discipline that aligns our spirit with God's will. It is not just abstaining from food but a time of worship and prayer, allowing us to hear from God and break spiritual strongholds. The early church practiced fasting, and it remains a crucial practice for spiritual breakthroughs.
Sanctification, or living a holy life, is a command from God. It involves separating ourselves unto God and living in obedience to His Word. Sanctification is experienced in three ways: instant, progressive, and final. While instant sanctification occurs at salvation, progressive sanctification is our daily walk in holiness, and final sanctification will be realized when we meet Christ.
Lastly, our faith life must be nurtured and grown. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, and without it, it is impossible to please God. A stagnant faith life leads to backsliding, so we must strive to grow in faith continually.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer as a Lifeline: Prayer is not just a reaction to crises but a planned, daily practice that sustains our spiritual life. Jesus modeled this by prioritizing prayer, which empowered Him to fulfill His mission. We must intentionally make time for prayer, as it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [22:20]
- The Power of the Word: Engaging with the Bible is crucial for understanding God's promises and receiving His guidance. The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, and without it, we risk spiritual malnourishment. A consistent Bible study life helps us overcome temptations and align with God's purpose. [28:28]
- Fasting for Spiritual Breakthroughs: Fasting is a powerful discipline that aligns our spirit with God's will. It is not just abstaining from food but a time of worship and prayer, allowing us to hear from God and break spiritual strongholds. The early church practiced fasting, and it remains essential for spiritual breakthroughs. [35:04]
- Sanctification as a Command: Living a holy life is a command from God, involving separation unto Him and obedience to His Word. Sanctification is experienced in three ways: instant, progressive, and final. While instant sanctification occurs at salvation, progressive sanctification is our daily walk in holiness. [48:34]
- Growing in Faith: Our faith life must be nurtured and grown, as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. A stagnant faith life leads to backsliding, so we must strive to grow in faith continually, ensuring our spiritual health and alignment with God's will. [55:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:20] - Importance of Spiritual Self-Examination
- [28:28] - The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Growth
- [31:38] - Bible Study: Nourishment for the Soul
- [35:04] - Fasting: Aligning with God's Will
- [48:34] - Understanding Sanctification
- [50:40] - Progressive Sanctification
- [53:27] - The Necessity of a Balanced Spiritual Life
- [55:40] - Growing in Faith
- [59:21] - Prayer for Spiritual Growth
- [01:01:04] - Seeking God's Presence
- [01:02:59] - Walking in Faith
- [01:05:05] - Prayer for Healing and Deliverance
- [01:11:23] - The Power of Peace with God
- [01:15:19] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 13:5
2. Psalm 1:1-2
3. Acts 13:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, what are believers encouraged to do, and why is this important? [22:20]
2. In Psalm 1:1-2, what is the contrast between the blessed person and those who follow the counsel of the wicked? How does this relate to the importance of Bible study? [28:28]
3. How did the early church in Acts 13:1-3 incorporate fasting and prayer into their decision-making process? What was the outcome of their actions? [35:04]
4. What are the three types of sanctification mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ from each other? [48:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might self-examination be a crucial practice for maintaining one's faith, as suggested in 2 Corinthians 13:5? How can this prevent spiritual drift similar to Samson's experience? [22:20]
2. How does the practice of regular Bible study, as highlighted in Psalm 1:1-2, contribute to spiritual nourishment and growth? What might be the consequences of neglecting this practice? [28:28]
3. In what ways does fasting, as described in Acts 13:1-3, align a believer's spirit with God's will? How can this practice lead to spiritual breakthroughs? [35:04]
4. How does the concept of progressive sanctification challenge believers to live out their faith daily? What role does personal responsibility play in this process? [50:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Is it a planned, integral part of your daily routine, or is it more reactive to crises? What steps can you take to make it more intentional? [22:20]
2. Consider your Bible study habits. Do you have a consistent plan for engaging with Scripture? If not, what changes can you make to ensure you are spiritually nourished? [28:28]
3. How often do you incorporate fasting into your spiritual practices? What might be a practical way to start or enhance this discipline in your life? [35:04]
4. Evaluate your life in terms of sanctification. Are there areas where you need to separate yourself more unto God? What practical steps can you take to live a more holy life? [48:34]
5. Think about your faith journey. Are you actively seeking to grow in faith, or have you become stagnant? What specific actions can you take to nurture and grow your faith? [55:40]
6. How can you ensure that your spiritual life remains balanced, incorporating prayer, Bible study, fasting, and sanctification? What might be a sign that one area is being neglected? [53:27]
7. Identify one area of your spiritual life that needs improvement. What is one tangible step you can take this week to address this area and align more closely with God's will? [59:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer as a Daily Foundation
Prayer is not just a reaction to crises but a planned, daily practice that sustains our spiritual life. Jesus modeled this by prioritizing prayer, which empowered Him to fulfill His mission. We must intentionally make time for prayer, as it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Prayer is a lifeline that connects us to God, allowing us to express our dependence on Him and seek His guidance in all aspects of life. By making prayer a consistent part of our daily routine, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence and wisdom. [22:20]
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside to intentionally connect with God in prayer, and how can you ensure this becomes a consistent practice?
Day 2: Nourishment through the Word
Engaging with the Bible is crucial for understanding God's promises and receiving His guidance. The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, and without it, we risk spiritual malnourishment. A consistent Bible study life helps us overcome temptations and align with God's purpose. The Bible offers wisdom, strength, and the promises of God, serving as a guide for our lives. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain insight into God's will and are equipped to face life's challenges with faith and confidence. [28:28]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific passage of Scripture that speaks to your current life situation. How can you meditate on this passage daily to guide your decisions and actions?
Day 3: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthroughs
Fasting is a powerful discipline that aligns our spirit with God's will. It is not just abstaining from food but a time of worship and prayer, allowing us to hear from God and break spiritual strongholds. The early church practiced fasting, and it remains essential for spiritual breakthroughs. Through fasting, we humble ourselves before God, seeking His presence and intervention in our lives. This practice helps us focus on spiritual matters, drawing us closer to God and opening the door for His transformative work in our hearts. [35:04]
"Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:3, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a specific area in your life where you need a breakthrough. How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual practice to seek God's guidance and power in this area?
Day 4: The Journey of Sanctification
Living a holy life is a command from God, involving separation unto Him and obedience to His Word. Sanctification is experienced in three ways: instant, progressive, and final. While instant sanctification occurs at salvation, progressive sanctification is our daily walk in holiness. This journey requires us to continually align our lives with God's standards, growing in righteousness and purity. By pursuing sanctification, we reflect God's character and become vessels for His work in the world. [48:34]
"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." (Romans 6:22, ESV)
Reflection: What specific habits or behaviors in your life need to change to align more closely with God's call to holiness, and what steps can you take today to begin this transformation?
Day 5: Cultivating a Growing Faith
Our faith life must be nurtured and grown, as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. A stagnant faith life leads to backsliding, so we must strive to grow in faith continually, ensuring our spiritual health and alignment with God's will. By actively seeking to deepen our faith, we strengthen our relationship with God and become more effective in living out His purposes. This growth requires intentional effort, including regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. [55:40]
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your faith that feels stagnant or weak. What specific actions can you take this week to nurture and strengthen your faith in this area?
Quotes
"God, it's possible to step out of the faith without knowing you have stepped out of the faith. The Spirit of God left Samson when he didn't know the Spirit of God has left him. And we don't want to fall victim of that. And so we always want to be aware of where we are and the happenings in our life. Especially as far as our work with God is concerned." [00:24:00] (25 seconds)
"So it's important to self-examine or to do self-examination or to have a spiritual checkup to know where our spiritual level is or what is going on with us. And so last week, we started looking at this subject. And the scripture we have been basing on is 2 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 5. 2 Corinthians 13, verse 5. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Praise the Lord." [00:22:43] (43 seconds)
"Full of the world, but empty of the world. And we don't want to be like that. We read the scripture, Psalm 1, verse 1 and 2. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the word of the Lord. And on his law, he meditates day and night. So just as you make a plan for your prayer life, you make a plan for your Bible study life." [00:28:28] (39 seconds)
"The word of God is what gives value to you. The word of God that makes you a person of substance. Praise the Lord. Because everything we achieve in this life will end the moment we pass on. We will leave everything here on earth. But the word of God will carry us through to eternity. And the word of God is God's commitment to humanity." [00:30:37] (28 seconds)
"Sanctification is separation unto God so it's not just praying it is not just the word of God standing the word of God it is not just you know fasting but you must live a sanctified life as well so a life of sanctification sanctification is separation unto God the scriptures teach a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command be holy for I am holy so if the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to walk in holiness is very important so to check your spiritual life as part of your self-examination beloved ask yourself are you living a sanctified life." [00:44:32] (63 seconds)
"Sanctification is a command from God amen God commanded it it is not optional so if you are a Christian sanctification is a command and when we say something is a command something is a command means that you know there is no two ways about it you do this you do this and you get the benefit of it there is no you know any other alternative to it sanctification is the will of God for all believers and should be pursued by walking in obedience to God's Holy Spirit sanctification is what is the will of God it is something that pleases God so we can't say that I'm a Christian I've been born again I am under the grace of God and just live my life in the heart he says I am holy therefore you also be holy that is sanctification." [00:45:47] (60 seconds)
"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. So, when I'm hearing the word of God, when I give myself to the word of God, my faith will begin to increase. So, faith is not starting. It has to be something that grows. All this is how we are talking about it must grow. Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6, but without faith it is impossible to please him for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him." [00:55:40] (31 seconds)
"Anyone who is not growing in their prayer life, word life, sanctification, faith life, very soon they will start backsliding. They will give excuses towards the things of God. That's what happens. So that's why all these things are things that the believer must do. Don't pick that, okay, for me it's prayer, for me it's the word. If you pick just one, very soon you'll see yourself at sliding." [00:56:49] (32 seconds)
"A lot of Christians are living comfortable, they think they are living, they are doing Christianity the way they want, not the way scripture prescribes. Because they have prioritized certain things that to them, that is what is important. And other things are not important. But believe you me, everything that the scripture talks about is very important. Amen. Everything that Jesus did is very important. If I pick one and leave the other, chances are that very soon I'll be backsliding. But the devil will begin to attack me from those areas that I'm not developing, to have a balanced Christian life." [00:57:09] (45 seconds)
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